Community Economic Opportunities Program (CEOP)

What is it?

The Community Economic Opportunities Program provides project-based support to those First Nation and Inuit communities that have the best opportunities for public services in economic development.

In these communities, the Community Economic Opportunities Program is expected to lead to community economic benefits including more community employment, greater use of land and resources under community control, enhanced community economic infrastructure, more and larger community businesses, more business opportunities, and a better climate and environment for community economic development.

Who may apply?

First Nation Councils, governments of self-governing First Nation and Inuit communities, representative organizations of Inuit communities and other organizations mandated by the foregoing to carry out ongoing activities and projects on their behalf may apply.

What activities qualify?

Funded activities may include:

1. employment of community members;
2. community-owned and community-member business development;
3. development of land and resources under community control;
4. access to opportunities originating with land and resources beyond community control;
5. promotion of the community as a place to invest; and
6. research and advocacy.

What information is required?

Applicants may submit a brief Statement of Intent prior to submitting a full application. After reviewing the Statement of Intent, AANDC will indicate whether the project meets program criteria, and will advise the applicant on the development of the full application.

A full application includes:

1. project design, including description, objectives, scope and deliverables;
2. uses and sources of funds;
3. identification and justification of costs;
4. management capacity;
5. project organizational structure;
6. administrative arrangements;
7. time lines;
8. community economic benefits; and
9. where appropriate, compliance with laws and regulatory requirements, environmental effects; land tenure requirements; and operating, maintenance and repair plans.

What are the funding limits?

AANDC's funding is directly related to the community economic benefits and the need for funding that has been demonstrated in the application. It will not exceed $3,000,000. In addition, AANDC funding will not exceed two-thirds of the total project cost for economic infrastructure projects or 80% of the total cost for all other types of projects. Recipients must provide at least 10% of eligible project expenditures.

How is the program delivered?

Applications are submitted to the AANDC regional office. Projects are reviewed. Limited budgets will be allocated to those projects judged to have the greatest economic impact. Where projects are approved, AANDC enters into funding agreements with the recipients. Recipients are expected to report on the implementation and results of their projects.

• Program Guidelines
• Regional Contacts