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Community Economic Development and Not-for-Profit Organizations

What is Community Economic Development?

Community Economic Development (CED) is local community action that provides economic opportunities and improves social conditions in a sustainable way. It is a community-based process that combines social and economic development to foster the economic, social, ecological, and cultural well-being of communities.

The Haliburton County Development Corporation is committed to increasing community capacity through community economic development.

HCDC and Community Economic Development

HCDC believes that building and maintaining a strong foundation for the community and supporting the growth and development of economic sectors that are compatible with a healthy natural environment will support community economic development and increase permanent employment in Haliburton County.

At HCDC we believe that a strong foundation for the community includes:

  • A skilled and knowledgeable workforce;
  • A healthy natural environment;
  • Accessible services;
  • Opportunities for healthy, active living;
  • Engaged citizens and volunteer leadership;
  • Appropriate infrastructure;
  • Good channels for communication and planning

HCDC works with community groups, not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, other government agencies and the private sector to strengthen this foundation and to support community economic development in Haliburton County.

Give us a call
We are always pleased to talk with community members about ideas and opportunities to see how we can be of assistance. This may be through providing information, letting you know about resources, connecting you with other groups in the community involved in similar activities or reviewing opportunities for funding.

Our CED Priorities
The board of the Haliburton County Development Corporation has identified the following sectors as our current priorities for CED:

  • Arts and culture, 
  • Tourism,
  • Opportunities for healthy active living,
  • The environment,
  • The creative economy, and
  • The green economy.

Although the sectors listed above have been identified as priorities, the HCDC will consider funding and support for any initiative that contributes to building and maintaining a strong foundation for the community and/or supports the growth and development of any economic sector that is compatible with sustaining a healthy natural environment.

Funding for CED initiatives
The HCDC is able to give financial support to a number of CED initiatives each year through a variety of funding programs made possible through the Eastern Ontario Development Program. These include:

A not-for-profit group or a municipality must be the lead applicant for these funding programs. The HCDC staff may also be able to direct you to other funding opportunities.