Coming Soon: 2025 Community Investment Grant Program
CUA is in the business of banking, which is why we believe in making investments that make an impact. Our Team is committed to strengthening the financial health of Nova Scotians while also contributing to projects and initiatives that make our communities and economy stronger. Each year, CUA provides direct funding to individuals, organizations, small businesses and social enterprises as part of its Community Investment Grant Program.
Since 2015, the Program has grown to welcome applications from across the Province, with over 2,270 applications received and 135 grants awarded totaling more than $550,000.
CUA’s Community Investment Grant Program will open for applications on January 7, 2025. Five grant categories will be available:
- Small Business
- Community
- Health, Wellness and Recreation
- Sustainability
- Arts and Culture
Details on eligibility criteria for each category, FAQs, worksheets to begin planning your application and instructions on how to apply will be available beginning January 2, 2025.
Those who have applied in previous years will receive an email to advise them of when the application forms are live. The application period will open on January 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., and closes on January 31, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., AST. If you have any questions, please contact grants@cua.com.
Read our CIGP Recipient Stories
Mobile Food Market
In early 2024, CUA awarded the Mobile Food Market $4,000 to purchase two new display refrigerators for their home base, to keep supplies fresh and safe, supporting their mission to provide healthy, sustainable, and affordable food options across HRM.
Halifax Surf School
In 2022, Halifax Surf School received a $4,500 grant from CUA’s Community Investment Grant Program to increase available cold-water rental inventory and expand their rental season.
Breaking Circus
In 2022, Breaking Circus received a $7,500 grant through CUA’s Community Investment Grant Program to purchase a ‘mât chinois’, a traditional ancient Chinese circus pole, to be integrated into their performances.
Spence House Senior Centre
In 2022, Spencer House Senior Centre received a $2,000 grant from CUA's Community Investment Grant Program to implement a tower garden aeroponic system to increase the number of fresh vegetables in resident meals.
Sacred Lotus Holistic Wellness
In 2023, Sacred Lotus Holistic Wellness received an $8,000 grant from CUA’s Community Investment Grant Program to deliver an eight-week health and self-care program to BIPOC and other marginalized communities.
South Shore Sexual Health
In 2021, South Shore Sexual Health applied for one of CUA’s Community Investment Grants and was awarded $5,000 to fund the TransFORMATION Closet, a pay-as-you-can service that offers gender affirming gear for both youth and adults in Lunenburg and Queens counties.
Hive to Home
In 2022, Hive to Home was one of the recipients of CUA’s Community Investment Grant Program, receiving $1,500 to be put towards a commercial electric griddle to reduce production time of the beeswax wraps.
Blk Women in Excellence
In 2022, Blk Women in Excellence received a $7,500 grant from to fund facilitators, guest speakers, honorariums, travel, and childcare associated with executing She Means Business, a program designed to support Black women entrepreneurs.
Past Community Investment Grant Program Results
Since it's inception in 2015, CUA's Community Investment Grant has provided direct funding to projects, organizations and small businesses making a difference in communities across Nova Scotia.
2024 CIGP Recipients
2024 CIGP Recipients
In 2024, grants were awarded in five categories to 20 businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia.
2023 CIGP Recipients
2023 CIGP Recipients
In 2023, grants were awarded in five categories to 20 businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia.
2022 CIGP Recipients
2022 CIGP Recipients
In 2022, grants were awarded in five categories to 27 businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia.
2021 CIGP Recipients
2021 CIGP Recipients
In 2021, grants were awarded in five categories to 19 businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia.
2020 CIGP Recipients
2020 CIGP Recipients
In 2020, grants were awarded in three categories to 15 businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia.
2019 CIGP Recipients
2019 CIGP Recipients
In 2019, grants were awarded in three categories to nine businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia.
2018 CIGP Recipients
2018 CIGP Recipients
In 2018, grants were awarded in five categories to nine businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia.
2017 CIGP Recipients
2017 CIGP Recipients
In 2017, grants were awarded in three categories to six businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia.
2016 CIGP Recipients
2016 CIGP Recipients
In 2016, grants were awarded in two categories to five businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia.
2015 CIGP Recipients
2015 CIGP Recipients
In 2015, grants were awarded in two categories to four businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia.
2024 CIGP Recipients
2024 CIGP Recipients
In 2024, grants were awarded in five categories to 20 businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia.
2023 CIGP Recipients
2023 CIGP Recipients
In 2023, grants were awarded in five categories to 20 businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia.
2022 CIGP Recipients
2022 CIGP Recipients
In 2022, grants were awarded in five categories to 27 businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia.
2021 CIGP Recipients
2021 CIGP Recipients
In 2021, grants were awarded in five categories to 19 businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia.
2020 CIGP Recipients
2020 CIGP Recipients
In 2020, grants were awarded in three categories to 15 businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia.
2019 CIGP Recipients
2019 CIGP Recipients
In 2019, grants were awarded in three categories to nine businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia.
2018 CIGP Recipients
2018 CIGP Recipients
In 2018, grants were awarded in five categories to nine businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia.
2017 CIGP Recipients
2017 CIGP Recipients
In 2017, grants were awarded in three categories to six businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia.
2016 CIGP Recipients
2016 CIGP Recipients
In 2016, grants were awarded in two categories to five businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia.
2015 CIGP Recipients
2015 CIGP Recipients
In 2015, grants were awarded in two categories to four businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia.