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Community Resilience Fund

Apply now for the new Community Resilience Fund grant program!

The Community Resilience Fund was created to:

  • Support small businesses and non-profit organizations with expenses related to property damage and security.
  • Promote proactive approaches and education on crime prevention, de-escalation training, and building community resilience.
  • Encourage collaboration between businesses, social agencies, and the municipality to build safer, more inclusive public spaces.

Grants are awarded based on priority criteria and the level of impact criminal activity has had on the applicant’s operations. Funding is distributed twice per year (April and September), or until resources are fully allocated.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants
  • Registered small businesses operating within the Saint John city limits, with priority for areas most affected by crime (e.g., Waterloo Village, Rothesay Ave, Thorne Ave, Uptown Saint John).
  • Non-profit organizations with offices impacted by crime or seeking to prevent such incidents.
  • Commercial property owners leasing to small businesses affected by criminal activity.
  • Uptown Saint John Business Improvement Association, applying on behalf of member businesses for collective prevention and education initiatives.
  • Mixed-use, multi-unit developments currently under construction.
Not Eligible
  • Residential property owners or businesses operating from a principal residence.
  • Businesses with outstanding municipal taxes or user fees.
  • Government or quasi-government organizations.
  • Costs already covered by insurance (except deductibles).
  • Expenses incurred before completing required approvals (e.g., building or heritage permits).

Eligible Expenses

Funding may be used for:

  • Security and Prevention – measures to reduce risk and enhance safety.
  • Damage Response – costs associated with repairing or addressing property damage.
  • Business Resilience – initiatives that strengthen long-term stability and community support.

For the full list of eligible expenses, please click HERE.

Funding Structure

  • Maximum Grant (Businesses & Non-Profits): Up to $7,500 per year. Multiple grants may be awarded, but total annual funding cannot exceed $7,500.
  • Grant Payment: Applications must be processed, approved, and paid within the year awarded. Work must be completed and a final report submitted before additional applications are considered.
  • Cost Sharing:
    • Small businesses: Grants cover up to 50% of eligible expenses; applicants contribute the remaining 50%.
    • Non-profits: Grants cover up to 75% of eligible expenses; applicants contribute the remaining 25%.
  • Collective Projects: Up to $25,000 available for the Business Improvement Association or groups of four or more businesses in the same area (with separate street-level entrances) applying jointly for a collective project. Note: For collective projects, funding is divided evenly among participating businesses. Each share counts toward the annual funding limit, reducing the amount available for individual applications in the same year. 

Important Deadlines

The Community Resilience Fund accepts applications twice per year, with grants awarded in April and September. Eligible organizations therefore have two opportunities annually to apply.

2025–2026
  • Round 1: September 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026. Grants awarded April 2026.
  • Round 2: April 1 – August 31, 2026. Grants awarded September 2026.
From 2026 onward
  • Round 1: September 1 – March 31. Grants awarded April.
  • Round 2: April 1 – August 31. Grants awarded September.

What This Means for Applicants

Projects must fall within the designated application period. Eligible expenses can be submitted if they are incurred on or after the first day of that round.

Example: ABC Inc. experienced a break-in that damaged its windows. The company replaced the windows and upgraded its CCTV system between December 15 and January 21, at a total cost of $15,000.

Since all expenses occurred between December 1 and March 31, ABC Inc. may include the full project cost in its Round 1 application. Under program guidelines, the business could receive up to $7,500 in reimbursement.

Reporting and Accountability

  • Funding Agreement: Beneficiaries must sign the Terms and Conditions of Funding at the time funds are disbursed.
  • Documentation: Recipients are required to submit receipts and a brief final report within 90 days of project completion or fund release.
  • Compliance: Failure to meet reporting requirements may result in ineligibility for future funding.

Reference Materials: For full details, click HERE to review the Community Resilience Fund Guidelines and Community Resilience Fund Policy.