NEW! The Climate Action and Awareness Fund is currently accepting applications for research and analysis projects to support Canada’s path to net zero until July 7, 2026, 15:00 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Funding is available nationwide.
Climate Action and Awareness Fund
Overview
The Climate Action and Awareness Fund (CAAF) is investing up to $206 million over five years to support Canadian-made projects that help to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The CAAF is designed to support projects that can create middle class jobs for Canadians who work in science and technology, academia, and at the grassroots community level. These projects are critical as we continue to build a sustainable net-zero emissions economy by 2050.
Three main priorities
The Climate Action and Awareness Fund has three main priorities:
- support youth climate awareness (summer 2020) and community-based climate action (fall 2020; winter 2022)
- support climate research at Canadian think tanks and in academia (summer 2022)
- advancing climate change science and technology (spring 2021)
Funding sources
The CAAF was created with contributions from the Climate Action Fund, as well as a significant investment from the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF).
The EDF provides a mechanism for directing funds received from fines, court orders, and voluntary payments to priority projects that will benefit Canada’s natural environment. The EDF helps to ensure that environmental good follows environmental harm by supporting projects with measurable outcomes in Canadian communities.
Available funds
The Climate Action and Awareness Fund is currently accepting applications for funding through ECCC’s Canada Environmental Science Opportunity. Funding details can be found on the EDF’s available funds page.
Past funding opportunities
Environmental Literacy funding Expression of Interest
Environmental Literacy funding Expression of Interest
In October 2023, we accepted expressions of interest for projects that will increase environmental literacy of young Canadians as part of the long-term solutions to tackle climate change. Approved projects are underway.
Youth climate awareness
Youth climate awareness
In spring 2020, we accepted applications for projects that encourage youth awareness, engagement and action on climate change issues and solutions. Approved projects are underway.
Community-based climate action
Community-based climate action
In fall 2020 and winter 2022, we accepted applications for community-based climate action projects that provide knowledge, tools and/or skills that lead to or engage communities in climate action. Approved projects from the first and second intake are underway.
Advancing climate change science and technology
Advancing climate change science and technology
In spring 2021, we accepted applications for advancing climate change science and technology projects that strengthen Canada’s science capacity to identify, accelerate, and evaluate mitigation actions towards achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 in Canada. Approved projects are underway.
Supporting academic institutions and think tank organizations
Supporting academic institutions and think tank organizations
In summer 2022, we accepted applications for projects focused on identifying, accelerating, and evaluating climate mitigation solutions and strategies that will contribute to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. Approved projects are underway.
News releases
Learn more about the announced projects for the Climate Action and Awareness Fund and the Climate Action Fund.
Success stories
We turn the spotlight on initiatives helping to increase action and raise awareness of climate change.
Contact us
All inquiries related to the Climate Action and Awareness Fund may be sent to: fasc-caaf@ec.gc.ca.