Community Grants & Funding
CBRM provides grants, funding programs, tax relief and in-kind support to community organizations, festival and event organizers, and eligible residents.
On this page:
Municipal Grants Program
The Municipal Grants Program is a municipal fund used to invest in local non-profit groups and organizations throughout the region. Its goal is to help community organizations move toward self-sufficiency, while ensuring public accountability for the use of public funds and supporting outcomes that benefit the community as a whole.
Please note that all applications are subject to the availability of funds.
Festivals & Events Funding
Festivals and events held within CBRM may apply for municipal funding. There are two levels of funding available:
- Applications under $1,000
- Applications over $1,000 and under $50,000
All applications should include a completed Sustainability Worksheet.
Approved groups are expected to submit a Completion Report within 60 days of their event end date. Not submitting the report may affect eligibility for future funding.
To apply, complete the Festival & Events Funding Application and submit it in person at the Citizen Service Centre (320 Esplanade, Sydney).
Capital, Operating & Tax Relief Funding
There are three funding options under this category:
- Capital Grant Applications under $25,000
- Operating Grant Applications under $10,000
- Tax Relief for Non-Profit Organizations
Grants requested over the amounts stipulated above will not be considered for funding.
To apply, complete the Capital/ Operating Funding Application and submit it in person at the Citizen Service Centre (320 Esplanade, Sydney).
Heritage Incentive Program
Eligible municipal heritage property owners can apply for assistance with exterior work that maintains the property's heritage value.
Learn more at Heritage Properties.
Housing & Development Support Programs
Programs include:
- Affordable Housing Grant
- Affordable Housing Property Tax Adjustment
- Commercial District Development Support Program
Full details are available at Housing and Development Support Programs.
Low-Flow Toilet Rebate
Residential customers can receive a rebate when replacing older high-volume toilets with low-flow models.
The program is administered by ACAP Cape Breton. Learn more and apply at Low Flow Toilet Rebate.
Low-Income Property Tax Exemption
Eligible property owners may qualify for a maximum yearly tax reduction of $300.00, subject to the following conditions:
- Applicant is a permanent resident of CBRM.
- Applicant has legal title to the property.
- The property is the applicant's primary residence and is assessed in his/her name.
- Total household income is less than $40,800.
The deadline to apply has been extended to March 31, 2026.
The form is available online, at the Citizen Service Centre (320 Esplanade), or can be mailed or emailed to you upon request by calling 311.
The application must be completed in full and returned to the Citizen Service Centre or mailed to:
Cape Breton Regional Municipality
320 Esplanade
Sydney, NS B1P 7B9