An independent registry of Northern Ontario funding Data updated Aug 17, 2026 · CC-BY-4.0
Northern Ontario Grants
Open, continuous intake Partly repayable

Economic Development Initiative (EDI) in Northern Ontario

by Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

Also known as: EDI · Initiative de développement économique

FedNor's EDI funds Francophone economic development in Northern Ontario, up to 90% of project costs (you contribute at least 10%). Eligible: nonprofits, development corporations, French-program post-secondary institutions, and municipalities serving Francophone communities. SMEs cannot apply directly. Youth internships pay up to $35,000/year (max $57,500 over 18 months including ancillary costs), non-repayable. Continuous intake, but budget is limited, call a FedNor officer (1-877-333-6673) first.

Amount
Up to 90% of costs

fednor.canada.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source

Instrument
Mixed instruments
Status
Open, continuous intake no fixed deadline; approvals on the funder's cycle
Your share
See terms

fednor.canada.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source

Who qualifies
Community and economic development corporations, not for profit organizations, sectoral associations, post secondary institutions offering full time French programs, municipalities serving the Francophone community
  • Projects must undertake activities in both official languages and/or serve Northern Ontario's Francophone community
  • SMEs are NOT eligible applicants, businesses benefit indirectly through funded organizations

fednor.canada.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source

Repayment structure

Both repayable and non-repayable; contributions are normally repayable where the project generates profits for the applicant. Youth internships are non-repayable.

fednor.canada.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source

How conditional contributions and repayable splits work

Application process

Call first. This funder expects contact with a program officer before you apply.

  1. Call 1-877-333-6673 to discuss your project with a FedNor officer BEFORE applying
  2. Submit via the FedNor client portal
  3. Applications assessed continuously as received

fednor.canada.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source

Common questions

Can my business apply to EDI?

No, FedNor states explicitly that SMEs are ineligible applicants under EDI. Businesses benefit indirectly through funded organizations (e.g., bilingual service development projects, interns placed with cultural enterprises). For direct business funding, look at NODP or NOHFC programs.

Is EDI money repayable?

Both forms exist: contributions are normally repayable where the project generates profits for the applicant; otherwise non-repayable. Youth internships are always non-repayable.

How much can an EDI youth internship cover?

Up to 90% of salary and benefits to a maximum of $35,000 annually, for up to 18 months (max $52,500), plus up to $5,000 in ancillary costs, $57,500 total.

Apply

Apply on the funder’s site and confirm current terms there:

fednor.canada.ca