How Canadian Business Grants Work
Canadian business funding comes from three levels: federal programs (NRC IRAP, SIF, regional development agencies), provincial programs (each province runs its own portfolio), and the SR&ED tax credit program administered by the CRA. Most grants require the business to be incorporated in Canada and to spend the funds on activities within the country. Match funding requirements vary.
SR&ED Tax Credits
The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program is Canada's largest single source of R&D funding. Canadian-controlled private corporations can claim a 35% refundable investment tax credit on the first $3 million of qualifying R&D expenditures, and a 15% non-refundable credit on amounts above that. Qualifying work includes experimental development, applied research, basic research, and support work. Most provinces offer additional SR&ED credits.
NRC IRAP
The National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) provides advisory services and funding to help Canadian SMEs increase their innovation capacity. IRAP offers non-repayable contributions (grants) typically ranging from $10,000 to $1 million, covering labour and contractor costs for technology innovation projects. IRAP also provides access to Industrial Technology Advisors who guide companies through the innovation process.
Provincial Programs
Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta each operate extensive business funding programs. Ontario's OERD supports clean-tech and advanced manufacturing. Quebec's Investissement Québec offers loans and grants for innovation. BC's Innovate BC runs accelerator programs. Alberta Innovates funds technology commercialisation. Atlantic Canada's ACOA targets economic development in the Maritime provinces.
How to Apply for Canadian Grants
For IRAP, contact your regional IRAP office for an initial assessment — they assign an Industrial Technology Advisor to guide you. For SR&ED, file with your corporate tax return using Form T661. For provincial programs, check your province's economic development website. The Canada Business Network (canadabusiness.ca) is a good starting point for finding programs by province and sector.
Featured Canada grants
Recently verified funding opportunities in Canada
Open Call: Build Strong Initiative for Local Communities (US and Canada)
Funds for NGOs
The TC Energy Build Strong initiative provides funding of $1,000–$25,000 to local organizations in communities near TC Energy operations across North America. The program supports projects that address community needs, promote equity and inclusivity, foster engagement, and strengthen resilience while creating shared value between communities and the company.
Applications open for Leadership Fund 2026 (Canada)
Funds for NGOs
The Leadership Fund 2026 offers grants of $1,500 or $3,000 to emerging and experienced leaders in Canadian non-profits addressing food insecurity. Funding supports professional development, leadership growth, and equity-focused initiatives, particularly for Black, Indigenous, and racialized leaders. Applicants must be staff in eligible organizations and use the funds by July 2027 for skill-building activities that enhance organizational impact.
Open Call for Rural Community Grants 2026 (Canada)
Funds for NGOs
The Strong Communities Initiative 2026 offers $10,000 grants to Canadian not-for-profit organizations for impactful rural community projects. The program prioritizes sustainability, measurable community benefits, health and healthy living initiatives, and support for organizations with limited prior sponsorship from Hensall Co-op.
Open Call: Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund (Canada)
Funds for NGOs
The Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund (SAR NIF) supports projects that strengthen Canada’s search and rescue system. With an annual budget of $6.5 million, the program funds initiatives that enhance operational readiness, promote risk awareness, and improve multi-jurisdictional coordination across federal, provincial, territorial, and community-based responders.
Public Outreach Funding for Arts and Cultural Engagement (Canada)
Funds for NGOs
The Public Outreach Grant provides funding of up to $75,000 to support initiatives that foster public appreciation and engagement with the arts in Canada. The program encourages projects that connect artists with diverse audiences through live events, publications, and other creative outreach activities, strengthening cultural exchange and visibility of the arts.
2026 ASPCA Fund to End Factory Farming in US and Canada
Funds for NGOs
The Fund to End Factory Farming is inviting applications for projects that expose the harms of factory farming and promote safer, more ethical, and sustainable food systems. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, with awards of up to $75,000, and up to $250,000 total funding available.This opportunity is open to U.S.-based nonprofit, for-profit, and public entities, including farms, food companies, academic institutions, and other organizations, especially those working on animal welfare, food system accountability, community engagement, research, and systemic change.