Pilot project: Retrofit or new construction of sustainable affordable housing

We fund pilot projects to test innovative and ambitious technical, process- or business-model solutions to improve environmental outcomes. These projects provide the opportunity to influence future projects for an organization, or for the affordable housing sector more broadly, through the sharing of lessons learned and knowledge.

We’re seeking leading-edge pilot projects that generate significant GHG reductions for affordable housing providers and their communities. These projects may test solutions through a small-scale version of a capital project, or a full-scale, replicable application of a new approach. Pilots can include solutions implemented in other jurisdictions with positive results that have yet to be tested in your community.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for funding, retrofits must achieve a 25 percent reduction in energy consumption. New construction projects are required to meet NZE/NZER (Net Zero Energy/Net Zero Energy Ready) standards. Specifically, buildings in most regions must target a net annual total energy use intensity (TEUI) of less than 80 kWh/m2 at project completion. Northern applicants may target a net annual TEUI of up to 120 kWh/m2.

Note that pilot projects are expected to exceed the minimum energy eligibility criteria.

To be eligible for funding, at least 30% of the units in the proposed building must have rents at or below 80 percent of the local median market rent.

See application guide for more details.

Time to complete projects

Projects are typically expected to be completed within three years of FCM approval.

Notes:

Funding is stackable with CHMC’s Co-Investment Fund and other initiatives of the National Housing Strategy, as well as programs available through the provinces or territories.

We reserve the right to make changes to eligibility criteria and the types of projects funded through this offer.

How to Apply

1. Review the application guide. Make sure to look at the eligibility criteria and required document sections. 
2. Visit the FCM funding portal to create your profile and request a PIN to access the system. Already have an FCM funding portal profile? Skip to step 3. 
3. Complete the pre-application form available on the FCM funding portal following the instructions in the application guide. Applicants will receive a response within 15 business days of receipt of the initial proposal. 
4. Eligible projects will be invited to submit a full application.  

Quebec municipalities

FCM has an agreement with Quebec's Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation (MAMH)  that allows the ministry to review applications to GMF before they are submitted to FCM. Quebec municipalities and municipally-owned corporations interested in applying should contact GMF.

Municipally-owned corporations are not included in the agreement with MAMH. They must obtain authorization from the Quebec government to secure an agreement with FCM, in accordance with the Ministère du Conseil exécutif. Private non-profit organizations can submit to GMF directly.