Many non-profit and co-op housing providers face aging buildings and rising repair costs. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Preservation Funding for community housing offers financial support for planning and assessment activities that help maintain affordable housing. The program provides upfront funding for preservation work before major repairs are needed and units become at risk.
Preservation Funding is a federal grant program delivered by CMHC. It supports existing community housing providers who need help maintaining the long-term affordability and sustainability of their housing projects.
This funding is part of CMHC’s broader commitment to protecting the current affordable housing supply, not building new units.
Key program facts:
CMHC Preservation Funding provides up to $50,000 per project, and sometimes up to $75,000 in special circumstances.
The funding covers the cost of planning and assessment activities. This includes work that helps you evaluate the condition of your housing, plan for future needs, and prepare for sustainability improvements. It does not cover full construction or major capital repairs.
To qualify for CMHC Preservation Funding, your organization and housing project must meet specific requirements.
You must be an existing community housing provider, such as:
Private landlords and for-profit developers are not eligible.
Your housing project must:
Preservation Funding supports activities that help you understand, plan, or prepare for the future of your housing project.
Eligible preservation activities include:
All funded activities must be tied directly to preserving existing community housing. Third-party quotes are required for each activity included in your application.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you identify relevant CMHC programs.
The application process is straightforward, but careful preparation is important.
Confirm eligibility
Make sure your organization and housing project meet CMHC’s definition of community housing.
Define your preservation activities
Clearly outline what work you need and how it supports the long-term sustainability of your housing.
Collect third-party quotes
CMHC requires quotes for all eligible activities before you apply.
Submit your application to CMHC
Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis while funding remains available.
Wait for approval before starting new work
While some previously purchased activities may be eligible, approval is not guaranteed retroactively.
Applying as a for-profit entity
CMHC Preservation Funding is limited to non-profits and housing co-ops.
Missing third-party quotes
Applications without proper quotes are often delayed or rejected.
Proposing capital construction work
This program funds planning and assessment activities, not major renovations.
Waiting too long to apply
Funding is first come, first served. Delays can mean missing out entirely.
Q: Who is eligible for CMHC Preservation Funding?
Only existing community housing providers, such as non-profit housing organizations and rental co-operatives, are eligible to apply.
Q: How much funding can I receive per project?
You can receive up to $50,000 per project, or up to $75,000 in special circumstances, depending on the scope of your preservation activities.
Q: What types of costs are eligible?
Eligible costs include third-party services and assessments that support the long-term sustainability of existing community housing.
Q: Do I need quotes before applying?
Yes. CMHC requires third-party quotes for all preservation activities included in your application.
Q: Is the funding first come, first served?
Yes. Applications are assessed in the order they are received, as long as funding remains available.
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