EcoAction Community Funding Program

Government of Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)

Agency: Federal

GrantWatch ID #162751

Grant Description

Grants to Canada nonprofit organizations, community groups, and Indigenous organizations for projects that will positively impact water quality. Funding is intended to support new projects that engage the public and distinctly exhibit quantifiable, beneficial results related to the key environmental priority: freshwater. Preference will be given to proposals that engage Indigenous Peoples, youth, or small businesses.

Your project must address the following priority result: Canadians contribute to improving freshwater quality through actions that reduce harmful substances in freshwater and/or restore and protect freshwater ecosystem health.

Projects must always address the environmental priority of the call for proposals and clearly demonstrate that activities:

Lead to measurable results for the environment at the end of the project
Provide opportunities for community members to take action
Produce positive environmental results
Lead to results and engagement that will be sustained after the completion of EcoAction funding

As indicated in the program's list of performance indicators (available via the GCEMS portal), all projects must also include:

At least one environmental indicator; and,
At least one capacity-building indicator.

The following project costs are eligible under EcoAction:

Human resources, including salaries and benefits
Contractors
Management and professional services (e.g., accounting, audit, liability insurance costs that are directly attributed to carrying out the project, monitoring, legal or other professional fees translation)
Travel and field expenses (based on Government of Canada rates)
Materials and supplies
Communication, production, distribution and printing costs
Equipment purchases or rental fees
Vehicle rental and operation costs
A reasonable share of overhead and/or administrative costs and rent that is directly attributed to program delivery

For eligible expenditures, see: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/eccc/documents/pdf/ecoaction-pdfs/EN%20EcoAction%20Applicant%27s%20Guide%20R44%20FINAL.pdf#page=24

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Eligibility:

Others (see text field entitled "Additional Eligibility Criteria" for clarification)

Additional Eligibility Criteria:

Non-profit groups and non-governmental groups and organizations are eligible to receive funding including:
- Environmental groups;
- Community groups;
- Youth and seniors groups;
- Community-based associations;
- Service clubs; and,

Indigenous organizations are also eligible to receive funding, such as:
- First Nations
- Indigenous governments and/or authorities
- Indigenous boards, commissions, communities, and/or associations
- District councils, Chiefs councils, Treaty councils, and/or Tribal councils
- Indigenous not-for-profits organizations

The following groups are not eligible but are encouraged to partner with nonprofit organizations to support a project proposal:
- Businesses;
- Educational institutions;
- C3 organizations;
- Crown corporations;
- Individuals; and,
- Municipal, provincial, territorial and federal governments.

For examples of projects, activities, and costs that cannot be funded, see: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/eccc/documents/pdf/ecoaction-pdfs/EN%20EcoAction%20Applicant%27s%20Guide%20R44%20FINAL.pdf#page=8 and https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/eccc/documents/pdf/ecoaction-pdfs/EN%20EcoAction%20Applicant%27s%20Guide%20R44%20FINAL.pdf#page=27

Additional Geographic Information:

EcoAction Community Funding Program map: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-funding/ecoaction-community-program/map.html

Pre-Application Information:

ECCC’s EcoAction Community Funding Program is now accepting applications for funding until December 8, 2022, at 12:00p.m. PST / 3:00p.m. EST for projects beginning summer 2023.

A minimum of 50% of the total project value must come from sources other than the Government of Canada. An exception to this requirement are funds from programs for Indigenous Peoples within Indigenous Services Canada. These funds may be included as matching funding for the project. Please note: Funding from employment support programs within Employment and Social Development Canada are also exempt from this requirement; however, they cannot be used as matching funding for the project.

Applicant's Guide: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-funding/ecoaction-community-program/applicant-guide.html

Additional Funding Information:

Estimated Size of Grant:

The maximum EcoAction funding is $100,000 per project; the minimum funding amount request is $25,000 per project.

Term of Contract:

For projects beginning summer 2023. Projects have a maximum duration of 36 months.

Contact Information:

Apply online: https://ec.ss.ec.gc.ca/

For GCEMS technical assistance:
sgesc-gcems-sgescgcems@ec.gc.ca

For any questions, please consult with your ECCC Regional Office.

Atlantic & Québec Region
Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Québec
Email: ec.ecoaction.qa.ec@canada.ca

Ontario Region
Ontario
Email: ec.ecoactionon.ec@canada.ca

West & North Region
British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut
Email: ec.ecoactionouestnord-ecoactionwestnorth.ec@canada.ca