Grants of up to $20,000 to Alberta environmental groups, First Nations and Métis communities, community-based entities, and other nonprofit organizations for a wide range of activities and programs that improve local watersheds. Funding is intended for innovative and collaborative stewardship projects. Preference will be shown for projects that clearly identify expected outcomes and demonstrate strong supporting partnerships, community involvement, and volunteer/citizen engagement.
The WSG supports volunteer-driven, grassroots efforts that have a meaningful impact within their respective watersheds. To be considered for WSG funding, proposed projects must meet the following requirements:
The project has clear and measurable outcomes that will lead to one or more of the following:
Increased awareness and knowledge of local watershed issues
The adoption of practices and actions that benefit a local watershed
Improved environmental conditions within a local watershed
The proposed project activities also align with and support one or more of the following key priorities identified by Alberta Environment and Parks:
Watershed management outcomes identified in approved Regional Plans
Source water protection planning and management
Biodiversity Management Framework goals
Watershed literacy and stewardship education, including the Wetland Policy
Others (see text field entitled "Additional Eligibility Criteria" for clarification)
Additional Eligibility Criteria
A broad variety of Alberta-based stewardship groups i.e., naturalist organizations, synergy groups and community associations and stewardship groups, First Nations and Métis communities, are eligible to apply for and receive WSG funding for projects that directly impact or enhance your local watershed.
Eligible groups are volunteer-based, locally oriented, and actively involved in the stewardship of their watershed through on-the-ground efforts that safeguard our water sources. They set common goals to achieve shared outcomes and they actively engage individuals, organizations, agriculture, industry, municipalities, and other forms of local government in their work.
Stewardship groups may apply for funding under this program as either an:
1. Incorporated Group: The applicant is a legal entity (i.e., a registered society or non-profit organization) whose purpose, mandate, and activities support environmental stewardship within the local watershed. The applicant is prepared to accept all financial and legal responsibility for the project.
2. Unincorporated Group: A group applying in partnership with an eligible legal entity. The applicant is a group, organization, or community-based partnership that supports environmental stewardship of the local watershed, but is NOT a legal entity (i.e., is NOT a registered society or non-profit organization). The partnering legal entity is prepared to accept all financial and legal responsibility for this project and manage the grant funds on behalf of the group.
Ineligible
Individuals, for-profit businesses and corporations, fish and game associations, educational institutions, or previous grant recipients with outstanding reporting obligations are not eligible to receive funding under this grant program.
Government agencies, municipal governments, and Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils (WPACs) are not eligible to apply directly for this grant. They may, however, serve as the partnering legal entity for a group that does not have legal status.
Pre-Application Information
The deadline for applications is April 26, 2023 (at 5:00 PM MST).
If you are uncertain if your group or your project is eligible for funding under the WSG Program, please contact the Stewardship Program Coordinator before filling out and submitting a WSG application form.
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience on GrantWatch.com. By continuing to use our site, you consent to the use of cookies. Learn more by exploring our comprehensive Cookie Policy
