Toronto-based Community Power Fund (CPF) has launched a C$3 million fund to support community-owned renewable energy projects in Ontario. Eligible renewable energy projects include wind, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, small-scale hydro, geothermal and biogas. CPF says incorporated groups, including farmers, First Nations and community groups, can apply for one of two grant programs.
The fund will offer a small-grant program for feasibility studies and exploration up to C$25,000 and a large-grant program to support project development up to C$300,000. According to CPF, the intention of the programs is to attract additional capital in order to transition the fund into a long-term, sustainable financial organization that provides a combination of grants, loans and investment opportunities. CPF's original endowment was advanced in March from the Ontario government.
