Community Investment Initiative for Northern Ontario (CIINO)
by Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Also known as: CIINO · EDO funding
CIINO, a stream of FedNor's NODP, pays up to 90% of costs, max $100,000 a year for up to three years, so rural municipalities, Indigenous communities, and CFDCs can put dedicated economic development capacity in place where no full-time EDO exists. Regional multi-community projects can reach $170,000. Non-repayable; continuous intake, but the budget is limited, call FedNor (1-877-333-6673) before applying.
Key facts
- Amount
- Up to $100,000 $100,000 annually for up to three years; a regional multi-community project may qualify for up to $170,000 depending on partner communities and geographic coverage. Applicant covers all administrative costs.
Against all tracked amounts, $1,000 to $500,000,000, logarithmic.
fednor.canada.ca · Last verified Oct 1, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
FedNor will contribute up to 90% of eligible costs ... $100,000 annually for a period of up to three years ... A regional project may be eligible for increased funding up to $170,000
- Instrument
- Conditional contribution
- Status
- Open, continuous intake no fixed deadline; approvals on the funder's cycle
- Your share
- FedNor up to 90% of eligible costs, community covers at least 10% plus all associated administrative costs.
fednor.canada.ca · Last verified Oct 1, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
- Who qualifies
- Municipalities and local boards Indigenous organizations and communities Groups and collectives
- rural municipalities and municipal organizations
- First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities and organizations
- CFDCs applying on behalf of several communities
- Must demonstrate the community does NOT already have a dedicated full-time economic development officer position
- Must have an existing economic plan or an identified economic opportunity to implement
fednor.canada.ca · Last verified Oct 1, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
- Where
- Algoma District · Cochrane District · Greater Sudbury (single-tier census division) · Kenora District · Manitoulin District · Nipissing District · Parry Sound District · Rainy River District · Sudbury District (excl. Greater Sudbury) · Thunder Bay District · Timiskaming District
11 of 11 Northern Ontario districts are eligible for this program. A filled dot is eligible, an outline is not.
Do you have to pay this back?
Non-repayable
fednor.canada.ca · Last verified Oct 1, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
How do you apply?
Call first. This funder expects contact with a program officer before you apply.
- Call 1-877-333-6673 to discuss with a FedNor officer BEFORE applying
- Submit application
- Assessed continuously as received
fednor.canada.ca · Last verified Oct 1, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Common questions
Can we use CIINO if we already have an economic development officer?
No, applicants must demonstrate they do not have a dedicated full-time EDO position. The program exists to build capacity where none exists.
What does CIINO actually pay for?
Salary and benefits plus related travel for economic development capacity implementing your community's economic plan or identified opportunity. The applicant covers all administrative costs.
Can several small communities apply together?
Yes, a regional project (including a CFDC applying on behalf of several communities) may be eligible for increased funding up to $170,000, depending on partner count and geographic coverage.
Where else could this money come from?
Chosen by what these programs have in common with this one, not by hand. The reason is shown for each, so you can judge whether it holds.
-
Economic Development Initiative (EDI) in Northern Ontario
Open, continuous intake same funder (FedNor); both for municipalities & local services boards and nonprofits & charities; fednor — Up to 90% of costs
-
Community Futures Program (Northern Ontario)
Open, continuous intake same funder (FedNor); fednor — Varies; see program
-
FedNor, Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP)
Open, continuous intake same funder (FedNor); both for municipalities & local services boards and nonprofits & charities — Up to 33% of costs
-
FedNor, NODP Youth Internships
Open, continuous intake same funder (FedNor); both for nonprofits & charities — Up to $52,500
Guides that cover this program
Notes on this record
All figures verified from the official FedNor CIINO page fetched 2026-08-17.
Apply
Apply on the funder’s site and confirm current terms there: