FAQs - Community Resilience Fund

The Community Resilience Fund (CRF) is a two‑year pilot grant program designed to help small businesses and non‑profit organizations in Saint John manage the impacts of crime and disorder. It provides financial support for property damage repairs, security upgrades, and proactive safety initiatives that strengthen resilience and build safer, more inclusive public spaces.

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered small businesses (under 100 employees) operating within Saint John city limits, with priority directed toward areas identified for enhanced support (e.g., Waterloo Village, Rothesay Ave, Thorne Ave, Uptown Saint John).
• Local non‑profit organizations impacted by crime or seeking to prevent incidents.
• Commercial property owners leasing to small businesses affected by criminal activity.
• Uptown Saint John Inc., applying on behalf of member businesses for collective prevention and education projects.
• Mixed‑use, multi‑unit developments currently under construction.

Funding may be used for:

• Security and prevention measures such as lighting, cameras, locks, and training in crime prevention or de‑escalation.
• Damage response including repairs, biohazard clean‑up, and restoration after incidents.
• Business resilience initiatives that strengthen long‑term stability, such as shared safety improvements or collaborative projects.

Applicants can receive:

• Up to $7,500 per business or non‑profit per year.
•  Up to $25,000 for collective projects involving Uptown Saint John Inc. or groups of four or more businesses applying jointly.
• Cost‑sharing applies: small businesses cover 50% of eligible expenses, while non‑profits cover 25%.

Applications are accepted twice per year during the pilot period, with intakes in April and September. While applicants may apply in both rounds, the maximum funding available per year remains capped (up to $7,500 for individual businesses or non‑profits, and up to $25,000 for collective projects).

 Applications are reviewed by an independent committee using a scoring matrix. Criteria include:

• Demonstrated need and level of impact from crime or disorder.
• Alignment with program objectives (prevention, resilience, collaboration).
• Potential community benefit and contribution to safer, more inclusive spaces.

The Community Resilience Fund advances Council’s priorities by:

• Supporting businesses through the GROW pillar.
• Promoting trauma‑informed, inclusive approaches to safety under the BELONG pillar.
• Encouraging collaboration between businesses, social agencies, and the municipality.

No. Residential property owners and home‑based businesses are not eligible.

No. Insurance‑covered costs are not eligible, except for deductibles.