Across New Brunswick, non-profits play an important role in building housing and the infrastructure that supports it. Water systems, roads, and other services often determine if a housing project can move forward. If these are missing or outdated, projects may stall. One of the main tools available is the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, a federal–provincial program that helps fund infrastructure needed for new housing.
The Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) provides funding for infrastructure projects that make housing development possible. In New Brunswick, the provincial government administers this program in partnership with the federal government.
CHIF focuses on housing-enabling infrastructure. It does not pay for the construction of housing units themselves. Examples of eligible projects include:
This fund is especially helpful for non-profits working on affordable housing, supportive housing, or community-led residential projects where infrastructure costs are a big barrier.
Eligibility can change with each funding round, but in New Brunswick, typical applicants include:
Most non-profits apply in partnership with a municipality, especially when the infrastructure will become a municipal asset, such as water or wastewater systems.
There is no set grant amount under CHIF. Funding depends on:
The funding is usually a non-repayable contribution, not a loan. Cost-sharing is common, so your organization may need to secure other funding to cover the remaining costs.
CHIF does not have a permanent open intake. Application deadlines are announced by the province and are tied to specific funding rounds. Non-profits should start planning early and watch for provincial announcements.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you find active programs for your province and organization type, which is helpful when intake periods are short.
When searching for funding, you may find other provincial programs, such as the Support for Translation and Interpretation Program. This program offers up to $10,000 to help not-for-profit organizations with translation and interpretation services.
While this support can help with community engagement or official-language requirements, it does not fund housing or infrastructure projects. It may, however, help with consultations for larger housing initiatives. Understanding which programs are complementary—and which are not—can save your non-profit time during your funding search.
The Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund is competitive, so strong preparation is important. Successful applications from non-profits usually include:
Non-profits that show how their infrastructure project will directly support housing delivery are often more competitive.
Applying without a municipal partner
Many infrastructure assets must be owned or maintained by municipalities. Applying alone can weaken your proposal.
Focusing on housing construction costs
CHIF does not fund building units. Applications that mix these costs are often screened out early.
Waiting for an intake to start planning
Intake windows can be short. If you do not have designs, budgets, and agreements ready, you may miss the chance to apply.
Assuming funding is guaranteed once eligible
Being eligible does not mean you will get funding. Projects are compared to others across the province.
Q: Can non-profits apply directly to the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund in New Brunswick?
Yes, non-profits involved in housing or community development may be eligible, often in partnership with a municipality.
Q: Does the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund pay for affordable housing construction?
No. The program funds infrastructure that enables housing, such as water, wastewater, and roads, not the housing units themselves.
Q: Is funding from the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund repayable?
CHIF funding is generally provided as a non-repayable contribution, not a loan.
Q: Are there set deadlines for applying?
Deadlines depend on provincial intake periods, which are announced as funding becomes available.
Q: Can CHIF be stacked with other grants?
Often yes, but stacking rules depend on total government assistance limits. Always confirm before committing other funds.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including those for housing and infrastructure in New Brunswick. Use it to find matches for your non-profit’s needs.
Housing and community infrastructure funding in New Brunswick is highly targeted, and good preparation is key. If your non-profit is planning a housing project, start by identifying the infrastructure needs and potential municipal partners. Then, use a centralized tool like GrantHub to monitor intake periods, check eligibility, and find complementary funding programs before deadlines arrive.
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