Interest-free loans

You can apply for an interest-free loan of up to $75,000.

The loan has a 3-year term to complete eligible activities and submit a payment request.

Receiving funding

Funding is provided after:

• activities have been completed
• invoices have been submitted
• supporting documentation has been received

Activities completed before approval are not eligible for funding and will not be reimbursed.

Loan repayment

If your project is approved for capital funding under the On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program (Section 95), the Proposal Development Funding loan must be repaid to CMHC from the first capital funding advance.

This program is open to all eligible First Nation communities. Specifically, proposal funding is available to those that want to apply for a housing loan and subsidies through the On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program (Section 95).

Benefits of Proposal Development Funding

Proposal Development Funding can help communities:

• assess housing needs
• understand project costs
• reduce risks before construction begins
• prepare stronger housing proposals
• support future funding applications

Eligible activities

Eligible activities may include, but are not limited to:

• need and demand analyses
• preliminary financial feasibility
• environmental site assessments
• geotechnical reports
• project drawings and specifications
• building condition assessments
• construction cost estimates
• exploring options to acquire housing
• reviewing financing options
• contract document preparation
• management planning
• membership/tenant development and education
• training and education for members or tenants

Eligible project types  

Proposal development activities must relate to: 

• Construction of new housing
• Acquisition/purchase of existing housing with or without subsequent renovations
• Conversion of non-residential buildings to housing