Overview
The EcoAction Community Funding Program provides financial support to non-profit and non-government organizations for local action-based projects that produce measurable, positive effects on the environment.
Objectives
EcoAction funds projects that:
lead to tangible environmental results;
engage the community to improve the environment;
increase environmental awareness; and,
increase capacity in communities.
Funding priorities
This year, funding is available for new projects that engage Canadians and clearly demonstrate measurable, positive results related to the following key environmental priority: Freshwater
Your project must include one related priority result:
Canadians contribute to the improvement of water quality through the diversion and reduction of harmful substances in freshwater.
Or
Canadians contribute to improvement of freshwater management and increase climate resilience through action involving the development and/or restoration of natural infrastructure.
Geographic location
Projects must take place within Canadian provinces and territories. For examples of previously funded projects, see our
map of funded projects .
Eligible applicants
Non-profit and non-governmental groups and organizations are eligible to receive funding, examples include:
environmental groups;
community groups;
youth and seniors groups;
community-based associations;
service clubs; and,
indigenous organizations.
The following groups are ineligible , but are encouraged to partner with non-profit and non-governmental groups and organizations to support a project proposal:
businesses;
educational institutions;
C3 organizations;crown corporations;
individuals; and,
municipal, provincial, territorial, and federal governments.
Eligible projects
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; and,
produce a positive environmental impact.
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.
Additionally, a minimum of at least 50% of the total value of your project must come from sources other than the Government of Canada.
Eligible project costs
The following project costs are eligible under EcoAction:
human resources, including salaries and benefits
contract 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)
travel and field expenses (based on Government of Canada rates )
materials and supplies
printing and production costs
communication and distribution costs
equipment purchases or rental fees
vehicle rental and operation costs
translation fees
a reasonable share of overhead and/or administrative costs and rent that is directly attributed to program delivery
Available funding
The maximum EcoAction funding is $100,000 per project; the minimum funding amount request is $25,000 per project for a maximum duration of 36 months.
A minimum of 50% of the total project value must come from sources other than the Government of Canada. Consequently, EcoAction can fund a maximum of half a project’s expenses provided no other Government of Canada funds are used. Employment support programs within Employment and Social Development Canada and programs for Indigenous peoples within Indigenous Services Canada are exempt from this requirement. Please
contact us for more information.
Your project must include one related priority result:
Canadians contribute to the improvement of water quality through the diversion and reduction of harmful substances in freshwater.
OR
Canadians contribute to improvement of freshwater management and increase climate resilience through action involving the development and/or restoration of natural infrastructure.
Preference will be given to proposals that engage Indigenous Peoples, youth or small businesses. All proposals must fully meet program requirements.
Please refer to the
Applicant's Guide for more details and how to submit an application to the GCEMS
portal online.
Evaluation of applications
EcoAction project funding decisions are based on an annual competitive Call for Proposal process. If received by the deadline, your completed application will go through a three-stage review process:
Administrative review to confirm all eligibility criteria. Ineligible projects will be notified at the end of this stage.Technical review by subject-matter experts to confirm scientific and technical feasibility of your project.Regional review and assessment of eligible projects, including budgets, workplans, and evaluation plans.
Related links
Contact us
Atlantic & Québec Region
Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Québec
Ontario Region
Ontario
New Email: EcoAction.Ontario@ec.gc.ca
West & North Region
British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut
New Temporary Email: EcoAction@ec.gc.ca
