Community Development

The CBRM Community Development Coordinator works to support our local community and volunteer sectors. This includes:

non-profit organizations
community groups and incorporated societies
group of residents organizing for the first time

We work along side you to help build capacity, navigate grant applications or processes to create real change in your neighborhood and community. The way in which we do this is customized to your unique needs.

Whether you are looking to become more effective, navigate government programs or develop opportunities to engage our community making a positive impact please reach out to our Community Development Coordinator (William Roy) at (902) 563–5072 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Below are some frequently recommended resources that may start you off in the right direction.

Frequently Requested Resources:

While some small community projects will not require incorporation, if you are planning to seek grant funding, involve a variety of community members, or work on a project for a significant time, registering your non-profit with the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Socks (RJSC) might be one of your first steps.

Incorporating / Officialising Your Community Organizations / Non-Profit:

Most community groups find that incorporating as a Society meets their immediate needs; however, if you are unsure what type of incorporation is best for you seek professional legal advice. Detailed instructions on incorporation can be found on the Nova Scotia government website.

In addition to the RJSC there are resources available from the government of Canada that be helpful in developing your bylaws or evaluating if pursuing charitable status for your organization would be beneficial.

Finding Relevant Grants for My Organization:

Many non-profit organizations request support finding funding / grants to support their initiatives. If you are looking for operational support for wages, please see the next section on wage subsidies.

Municipal Grants: If you are seeking information on Municipal Grants (Event, Capital, Operating and Tax Relief) information can be found on the municipal forms page. If you would like help understanding the municipal grant purpose and forms, please reach out.
Other Funding Opportunities: In addition to funding made available by the municipality the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities maintains an extensive database of grants that may be relevant to your project or community.

Wage Subsidies

In addition to the grants available to non-profit organizations some organizations are looking for support hiring staff may be interested in speaking to an advisor with Nova Scotia Works through either our local the YMCA Nova Scotia Works Offices or the Northside Employment and Resource Center (NEDAC).

The Federal Government’s Canada Summer Jobs Wage Subsidy is another possible support for many non-profit organizations looking for support creating seasonal work experiences for young people aged 15-30 years old.

Celebrating our Community Volunteers

The CBRM Recreation Department annually recognizes the outstanding efforts of individuals, groups, and youth who provide exemplary volunteer service in the CBRM. Volunteer Award nominations are open year-round with the consideration deadline of April 1. If you have any questions about the awards please reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Don’t Know Where to Start? Reach out Now!

If you have a plan to better our community but don’t know where to start don’t hesitate to reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.