Due to the government's Comprehensive Expenditure Review, no new funds will be allocated to Seed Funding. As a result, the program is no longer accepting new applications, and the application portal is now closed.
We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest and continued support of affordable housing.
CMHC's Seed Funding program provides financial support for individuals or organizations involved in the initial phases of creating an affordable housing project. You can apply for up to $350,000 in interest-free loans and a maximum of $150,000 of non-repayable contributions to assist with early development expenses. These expenses can include things like the formulation of a business plan, creation of preliminary design concepts and conducting environmental site assessments.
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Eligible proponents include, but are not limited to:
community housing providers, such as public or private non-profit housing organizations or rental co-operatives, including those serving Indigenous and/or northern populations
municipal, provincial and territorial governments, including their agencies and those serving Indigenous and/or northern populations
Indigenous governments and organizations, including First Nation bands and tribal councils
private entrepreneurs/builders/developers
Eligible project types include:
Indigenous community housing
community and affordable housing
mixed-used market / affordable rental units
shelters, transitional housing, and supportive housing
conversion of non-residential buildings to affordable multi-residential
Renovation of existing affordable unitsEligible activities may include, but not limited to:
analysis of need and demand for the proposed project
special purpose surveys
preliminary financial feasibility
business plans
incorporation
option to purchase
registration of security
professional appraisal
site surveys
planning fees (for example, rezoning, development agreement costs)
preliminary design
project viability study
environment site assessments
geotechnical reports (soil load bearing tests)
energy modelling study (cost-benefit analysis)
accessibility modelling study (cost-benefit analysis)
Mandatory Minimum Requirements
Minimum requirements include, but aren't limited to:
affordability, economic sustainability, and housing for those in greatest need
proposed rents must be affordable as determined by the municipality, province or territory, indigenous government, or as otherwise accepted through CMHC programs
must have a minimum of 5 affordable housing units (beds)
primary use must be residential
FUND DETAILS
Interest-free loans
The interest-free loan offers up to $350,000 with a 3-year term to complete and submit a payment request, allowing for security provision where required. The loan can be combined with non-repayable contributions.
Non-repayable contributions
Apply for up to a maximum of $150,000. Funding under the non-repayable contribution must be invoiced and submitted for reimbursement by December 31, 2025.
Maximum funding amounts are determined during the scoring and prioritization process. For more information, download the Product Highlight Sheet (PDF).
Considerations for Indigenous and Northern Housing Solutions Clients
In addition to a Ministerial Loan Guarantee, CMHC is now accepting four additional alternative types of security for projects on First Nation lands.
RESOURCES
The following resources are available to help you prepare your application:
Before starting your application, please take a moment to download, save, and review our portal guide. The guide includes information required to create your profile and start the application process successfully.
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