Green Municipal Fund
Department - Organization: Infrastructure Canada/Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Description: GMF is more than just a funding source—they are a full-service partner in your climate action progress. Grants and loans for all stages. Stackable with other funding sources. Dedicated staff to help you apply. Free resources to help build business cases and improve project outcomes. Grants from $100-500k for up to 50% of eligible costs, combined grant and loan to a maximum of $10M for up to 80% of eligible costs.
- Sustainable Municipal Buildings: Funding for high-efficiency new construction of municipal and community buildings, and retrofits of municipal buildings.
- Community Energy Systems: Support for the adoption of renewable energy solutions that meet community needs and are aligned with a net-zero future.
- Municipal Fleet Electrification: Funding for the electrification of municipal and transit fleets to help municipalities achieve net-zero transportation emissions.
- Organic Waste to Energy: Support for communities with established waste diversion programs to generate renewable energy from organic waste streams or landfill gas.
- Local Net-Zero Transformation: Funding for innovative projects that have significant GHG reduction benefits and are not eligible under other GMF funding offers.
Deadline: Continuous
Contact: gmfinfo@fcm.ca or book a meeting with an advisor.
Website: Green Municipal Fund
Information Sessions: Webinar for Nova Scotia Municipalities, local examples will be used. May 23rd, 11:00 am. Please click here to register.
Innoweave
Department - Organization: Innoweave/ McConnell Family Foundation
Description: Innoweave helps organizations implement social innovation with personalized coaching. Innoweave teaches the organization to implement these changes itself, taking a coaching method rather than a consultation approach. They offer funding three times a year through a competitive process, funding 2/3 of organizations (up to $10,000). With a large network of experienced coaches, they guide areas like policy engagement, scaling impact, developmental evaluation, and impact measurement. To better understand the program, please watch the “Introduction to Innoweave” video.
Deadline: April 26th, 2024.
Contact: info@innoweave.ca
Pan-Atlantic Net-zero Community Accelerator Program
Department - Organization: Quest Canada
Description: A three-year program with an initial target Pan-Atlantic cohort of 15 municipalities, eligible applicants include local governments or organizations applying on behalf of a local government or a group of local governments. Get tailored services to help you develop and/or implement a community energy plan or initiative. Help reduce your GHG emissions. For every % of reduction in community energy use, more dollars are kept in your local economy. The majority of the program is funded by ACOA & private companies. The cost to participate is based on the population of the municipality (approximately $2000-$6000). Includes:
- Community Energy Benchmark Assessment: identify strengths and areas for improvement
- Energy Mapping Exercise: identify opportunities for energy and emissions reduction
- Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP) Development Workshop: take a deep dive into areas of opportunity
- CEEP Implementation Workshop
- Monthly Meetings and Webinars
- Success Stories: during and after, they share your successes far and wide
- Economic Impact Assessment
Deadline: April 29, 5:00 pm Atlantic Daylight Time.
Contact: eoldfield@questcanada.org
Farm Credit Canada AgriSpirit Fund
Department - Organization: Farm Credit Canada
Description: The FCC AgriSpirit Fund supports rural communities under 150,000 people across Canada with funding for capital projects that enrich the lives of community residents. $1.5 million distributed annually.
Example(s): Equipment for the fire department. Refrigeration and equipment to support food waste reduction and recovery. Construction of or upgrades to community buildings. Renovations or upgrades that reduce a building’s energy footprint. Initiatives that support agriculture and food.
Deadline: May 15th, 2024.
Contact: agrispirit-agriesprit@fcc-fac.ca
Website: Farm Credit Canada AgriSpirit Fund
Investments in Forest Industry Transformation
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: Municipalities are eligible. The program will help improve the environmental performance of the forest sector by supporting demonstration and adoption projects that contribute to the decarbonization of industrial processes, as well as the efficient use of resources that generate more value from the same amount of wood. In addition to continuing to fund projects that produce renewable energy and sustainable bioproducts, IFIT will seek to invest in projects that integrate technologies leading to greater energy efficiency and explore bioenergy carbon capture in forest sector operations. Capital Investment projects stream: Up to $10M in funding. The studies stream provides up to $1M in funding.
The foresty sector in your community could benefit from additional funding that municipalities are ineligible for, such as Nova Scotia Foresty Innovation Transition Trust or federal funding programs.
Deadline: June 30th, 2024. March 31st, 2025
Contact: ifit-itif@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Information Session: You can find the webinar recording here.
Green Construction through Wood
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: The program encourages the use of innovative wood-based building technologies in construction projects. GCWood invests in wood construction projects that generate many benefits, including:
- reduced GHG emissions from renewable and sustainable resources that help decarbonize the built environment
- accelerated adoption of innovative building technologies and systems
- updated building codes that allow for taller and larger wood buildings
- affordable housing and community infrastructure
The foresty sector in your community could benefit from additional funding that municipalities are ineligible for, such as Nova Scotia Foresty Innovation Transition Trust or federal funding programs.
Deadline: June 30th, 2024. March 31st, 2025
Contact: gcwood-cvbois@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Website: Green Construction through Wood
Information Session: You can find the webinar recording here.
Community Solar Program
Department - Organization: NS Department of Natural Resources and Renewables
Description: Please click here for an overview of the Community Solar Program. The program brings together local project owners with solar subscribers. Project owners are eligible individuals, businesses, non-profits, and other groups who wish to build, own, and operate a community solar garden to generate clean electricity for participating subscribers. Project owners can choose to use their solar garden to benefit subscribers from a specific community, group, or geographic area, or they can accept subscribers from the general public
Deadline: Continuous intake.
Website: Community Solar Program
Information Sessions: Webinars about the program on March 19th: 2-3 pm, and March 21st: 11 am-12 pm. Click the link to register.
Natural Asset Management Roadmap
Department - Organization: Intact Public Entities/ Natural Assets Initiative
Description: Intact Public Entities (IPE) has announced a new partnership with Natural Assets Initiative (NAI) to sponsor the Natural Asset Management Roadmap Program for municipalities (for those insured by Intact). Developed and led by NAI, the program provides direction, support and guidance to local governments as they develop roadmaps to account for natural assets in their asset management strategies. Roadmaps have proven to be a relatively low-effort, high-impact activity requiring no more than a few days of effort for the project lead and a few hours from the other staff participants; yet it provides a strong foundation for participants to get started on Natural Asset Management with confidence that they are on the right track.
Deadline: Open call for EOI
Contact: nikitab@naturalassetsinitiative.ca
Green Freight Program
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: The program will help fleets reduce their fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from on-road freight through fleet energy assessments, fleet retrofits, engine repowers, best-practice implementation and the purchase of low-carbon vehicles. There are two streams, municipal governments are listed as eligible applicants on both streams. Stream 1 of the program provides grant funding up to a maximum of $250,000 per Applicant. Stream 2 contributes up to 50% of total project costs, up to a maximum of $5 million per project.
Example(s): Stream 1 includes Third-Party Fleet Energy Assessments; and/or Truck/Trailer Equipment Retrofits. Stream 2: They can include, but are not limited to, the purchase of fueling equipment, and costs associated with site preparation and networking equipment; however, land is not considered an eligible expenditure under this program. The retrofitting or upgrading of existing capital assets is included under this stream.
Deadline: Stream 1 is a continuous intake
Contact: freightassessment-evaluationdeflotte@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Energy Rebates & Solutions
Department - Organization: Efficiency Nova Scotia
Description: These programs include rebates, for a variety of measures to make municipal operations more efficient. Non-electric retrofits, which allow for the installation of heat pumps in municipal buildings. For many smaller municipalities, all of their facilities (except water and wastewater treatment facilities, arenas and indoor pools) will likely qualify for this program. There is also support for engineered studies and models. You can use their online form to explain what you’re looking to achieve.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Mitacs Municipal Support
Department - Organization: Mitacs
Description: Mitacs connects municipalities of all sizes with post-secondary researchers for innovative projects ensuring Canadians develop the best public policies to create vibrant and healthy communities. Mitacs is a national, not-for-profit organization that designs and delivers research internships, placing highly educated graduate students and postdocs into the public and private sectors. Bringing a qualified intern on board, whether it’s a college student, a university student, a grad or a postdoc, is a smart strategy, allowing you to tap into their knowledge and know-how while keeping your budget in check. It’s also a great way to boost your organization’s productivity and create a valuable work opportunity for students who are passionate about the challenges you face.
- Non-repayable funding from $6,000 to multi-million.
- A custom-built research and innovation team to roadmap your project.
- Scalable, multidisciplinary projects in all areas.
- Academic/research team to give you the specialized knowledge and skills that you need.
- Works with you to resolve the major challenges that Canadian municipalities face
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: Form on the webpage
Farm Credit Canada Community Fund
Department - Organization: Farm Credit Canada
Description: FCC Community Funding is to help enhance communities. Eligible organizations can apply for up to $10,000 in FCC Community Funding annually and applications are accepted year-round.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: agrispirit-agriesprit@fcc-fac.ca
Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: Provides funding for clean energy projects in rural and remote communities. Including biomass heating, district heating, and combined heat and power systems. There is also a stream for research, development, and demonstration projects. A rural community is defined as a community with a population of fewer than 5,000 people and a population density of fewer than 400 persons per square kilometre and not connected to the North American piped natural gas network. Remote community refers to a community not currently connected to the North American electrical grid or the piped natural gas network and is a permanent or long-term (5 years or more) settlement with at least 10 dwellings.
Example(s): Fort Nelson, BC: This investment will focus on community energy planning, feasibility modelling, design, permitting and resource assessment to support a geothermal electricity generation project under the Emerging Renewable Power Program.
Deadline: Continuous intake
PACE Programs
Department - Organization: Programs offered by Clean Foundation & Switch PACE & FCM
Description: Homeowners can access low-interest financing to cover the cost of these upgrades through PACE programs offered by their municipalities. Each municipality can have their own PACE program or can join a turnkey program. Such as the Clean Energy Financing program created by Clean Foundation, or Switch PACE. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities administers the Community Efficiency Financing program that offers loans and grants to help municipalities across Canada deliver energy efficiency and solar power financing programs for residential properties, including PACE.
Deadline: Continous
Contact: info@novascotiapace.ca
Websites:
2Billion Trees
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: The program provides financial support to organizations to plant trees over 10 years. Please also see the Clean Foundation's sister program, the Thriving Forests Program.
Deadline: Open call for proposals
Contact: 2btrees-2garbres@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Thriving Forests Program
Department - Organization: Clean Foundation
Description: Thriving Forests is a sister program to the federal 2Billion Trees program. This program can help municipalities develop projects and connect them with service suppliers and local seed stock inventory. All projects must be planting incremental trees, meaning above and beyond any current legally-required tree planting activities, and not be part of business-as-usual commercial forestry activities.
Example(s): Examples of successful projects may include (but are not limited to): Reforesting an area after a wildfire, reforesting an urban area that has fallen to disease, afforestation on retired agricultural land, restoration of legacy forest landings or forest roads, urban planting projects, initiatives to improve biodiversity and habitat resilience, reforesting an area where disturbances impact a critical habitat, infill planting or underplanting to increase biodiversity of an area.
Deadline: Open for expression of interest
Contact: Rachael MacNeil, rmacneil@cleanfoundation.ca
Permanent Public Transit Funding: Zero Emission Transit Fund
Department - Organization: Infrastructure Canada
Description: The fund is to support the electrification of public transit, support the purchase of 5,000 zero-emission buses and build supporting infrastructure, including charging infrastructure and facility upgrades. There is a planning stream and a capital stream.
Example(s): Eligible projects include studies, modelling and feasibility analysis that will support the development of future larger-scale capital projects. Eligible capital projects include buses, charging and refuelling infrastructure, and other ancillary infrastructure needs.
Deadline: Currently open for applications.
Contact: zetf-ftcze@infc.gc.ca
Website: Zero Emission Transit Fund
Max Bell Foundation Grants
Department - Organization: Max Bell Foundation
Description: The Max Bell Foundation makes grants to support projects that are designed to inform public policy. They do so across four program areas: Education; Environment; Health & Wellness; and Civic Engagement and Democratic Institutions. A typical project supported by Max Bell Foundation ranges from 1-3 years in duration and has a budget that ranges from approximately $10,000 to $200,000. Max Bell Foundation is often the only financial supporter of projects they fund. Not for building or service delivery, it is for projects that inform public policy. You can view previous grants awarded here: https://www.maxbell.org/about-us/grants-database/
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: Contact Form
Website: Max Bell Foundation Grants
Municipal Adoption Fund
Department - Organization: Divert Nova Scotia
Description: Divert NS provides support for municipalities and/or waste management regions that wish to adopt a waste diversion program previously established in Nova Scotia.
Deadline: Continuous intake. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their Regional Coordinator in advance of submitting their application.
Example(s): Curbside collection and recycling of textiles, Green cart collection of pet waste, Curbside collection and recycling of expanded polystyrene, Implementation of a reuse center, Curbside collection and recycling of small scrap metal.
Contact: Regional coordinator (To be updated ASAP)
Website: Municipal Adoption Fund
Municipal Efficiency Fund
Department - Organization: Divert Nova Scotia
Description: Divert NS provides support for increasing efficiency in the municipal solid waste-resource management system of Nova Scotia. The fund will support municipalities in researching, developing and implementing efficiency projects.
Deadline: Continuous intake. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their Regional Coordinator in advance of submitting their application.
Example(s): Eligible projects under the program could include: Projects assessing the feasibility of shared services or regional collaboration. Projects that create new processes, systems and services or improve substantially those already in existence. Examples of past research can be found here.
Contact: Regional coordinator (To be updated ASAP)
Website: Municipal Efficiency Fund
R. Howard Webster Foundation
Department - Organization: R. Howard Webster Foundation
Description: The R. Howard Webster Foundation makes grants to outstanding Canadian charitable organizations offering unique and inspiring programs or projects for the benefit, improvement and development of Canadian society. The R. Howard Webster Foundation’s funding interests are within the areas of Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Medical, and Social Services.
Example(s): Does not fund capital projects. Previous grantees can be viewed on their website.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: application@rhwfdn.ca
Website: R. Howard Webster Foundation
Rink Efficiency
Department - Organization: Efficiency Nova Scotia
Description: Through the program, municipalities can improve their rink or arena’s energy efficiency. This will not only improve conditions for customers, it will result in cost savings that can be reinvested in other ways. There are programs for retrofits, optimization, and rebates. You can inquire about your project idea on their website, and they will get back to you within two business days.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: Use the contact form on the website.
Website: Rink Efficiency
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Grant
Department - Organization: TD Bank
Description: The Foundation supports a wide range of environmental initiatives, with a primary focus on environmental education and green space programs. The website states that municipalities are eligible. Eligible projects include park revitalization, community gardens, park programming and citizen science initiatives.
Deadline: January 15th, July 15th annually.
Contact: tdfef@td.com
The McLean Foundation Grant
Department - Organization: The McLean Foundation
Description: They endeavour to maintain a flexible policy, with particular emphasis on projects showing promise of general social benefit but which may initially lack broad public appeal. Normally in the areas of social welfare, education, environmental conservation and the arts.
Deadline: Continuous
Contact: info@mcleanfoundation.ca
Website: The McLean Foundation Grant
McConnell Foundation Grants
Department - Organization: The McConnell Foundation
Description: The McConnell Foundation funds three areas; community, reconciliation, and climate. They fund a wide variety of projects and understand that applying for funding can take a lot of time and resources. Therefore, have designed a two-stage process meant to minimize the time required. Stage 1 consists of selecting the focus area your initiative is most aligned with, and submitting a short-form application.
- Community: spaces of collaboration and policy change that address barriers to social and economic inclusion
- Reconciliation: projects that allow communities to contribute to a reconciliation economy in relationship with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
- Climate: climate mitigation solutions.
Deadline: Continuous
Example(s): There is a database of previously funded projects, view it here. For example, funding to contribute to Community Connectors to run a series of community conversations over the next two years, to surface key issues, identify solutions, form natural support groups and disseminate community insights with mainstream organizations to influence systems change.
Contact: You can book a 15-minute appointment to determine if they are the right partner for your project.
Currently Closed, Next Intake TBD:
Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund
Department - Organization: Environment and Climate Change Canada
Description: This $1.4 billion, ten-year fund (2021-2031) is focused on supporting natural climate solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help achieve Canada’s emission reduction targets. NSCSF supports projects and initiatives that reduce the loss, restore, or improve the management of ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, peatlands and grasslands. These projects are expected to provide co-benefits such as wildlife habitat, water quality improvement, climate adaptation and value to communities. A new application period is expected to open later this year. Municipalities are encouraged to propose ideas and apply.
Deadline: will open Summer, 2024.
Website: Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund
Disaster Mitigation Adaption Fund
Department - Organization: Infrastructure Canada
Description: The fund is to help build infrastructure that will increase the resilience of communities impacted by natural disasters.
Examples(s): Dykeland system upgrades
Deadline: Intake is currently closed, waiting on further information.
Contact: dmaf-faac@infc.gc.ca
Website: Disaster Mitigation Adaption Fund
Carbon Surcharge Fund
Department - Organization: NSFM
Description: All carbon surcharge money collected is held in a special account and disbursed annually to support local, small-scale initiatives to help a municipality reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In 2023 NSFM had $2342 to disburse.
Example(s): 2019: Town of Wolfville for its student sustainability orientation program. County of Victoria for its Reuse Centre in Baddeck. 2018: District of West Hants for its Water Leak Detection Program. 2017: Town of Middleton for its Bike Repair Station Project. 2017: County of Pictou for its Food Producers Network. 2016: District of Lunenburg for its Electric Bike Program. 2015: Town of Kentville for its Green Roof Project. 2014: County of Inverness for its Community Energy Reduction Project. 2013: District of West Hants for its Residential Water Conservation Initiative.
Deadline: Closed August, 2023. The next intake is in Summer 2024.
Contact: kmckenzie@nsfm.ca
Website: Carbon Surcharge Fund
Flood Risk Infrastructure Investment Program
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Description: To reduce flooding in vulnerable communities. The Flood Risk Infrastructure Investment Program promotes investment in infrastructure needed to protect communities from flooding. Municipalities can apply for funding from the Flood Risk Infrastructure Investment Program to support studies needed to understand flooding or the construction of infrastructure to protect against floods.
Example(s): River training, floodwater containment, studies on mapping and flood impacts.
Deadline: Closed June, 2023. Next intake TBD.
Contact: friip@novascotia.ca
Green and Inclusive Community Buildings
Department - Organization: Infrastructure Canada
Description: The program supports green and accessible retrofits, repairs or upgrades of existing public community buildings and the construction of new publicly accessible community buildings that serve high-needs, underserved communities across Canada.
Deadline: Closed. (Another intake not anticipated)
Contact: gicbp-pbcvi@infc.gc.ca
Green Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Program
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: Under the Energy Efficiency Solutions track, eligible projects include those that support the implementation of energy efficiency and energy management solutions. These activities are intended for industrial facilities that are engaged in energy-consuming processes that involve the physical or chemical transformation of materials or substances into new products. The maximum amount of NRCan funding that can be requested under Track 1 is $20 million per proposal.
Example(s): Eligible NAICS codes for the fund are: 11, 21, 22, 23, 31, 32, 33, and 56. Both municipally owned utilities and wastewater treatment facilities fall under NAICS code 22 and would therefore be eligible for funding.
Deadline: Closed in March 2023. The next intake is in 2024.
Contact: nrcan.rfpindustry-ddpindustrie.rncan@canada.ca
Joan Freynman Climate Change Fund
Department - Organization: Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia
Description: The grants are small matching grants for climate change-related projects throughout Nova Scotia. The grants are designed to support innovative, community-based action and to promote environmentally sustainable, socially supportive, and economically thriving communities. The program/service that is the focus of the project must be directed toward a rural area of Nova Scotia. Up to $5000.
Example(s): Clean Annapolis River Project.
Deadline: Closed February, 2023. Next intake TBD.
Contact: ed@rcfofns.com
Website: Joan Freynman Climate Change Fund
Low Carbon Communities
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Natural Resources and Renewables
Description: The program helps communities develop and advance innovative solutions in building 75% of total project eligible costs efficiency, clean electricity and clean transportation. The Low Carbon Communities program supports community-led, innovative solutions to create long-lasting greenhouse gas reductions. The funding helps communities complete the preparatory work required to implement their projects. 75% of total project eligible costs up to $75,000.
Example(s): Net-Zero Design for New Affordable Housing in Musquodoboit. Electric fleet and charging infrastructure planning in Kings County.
Deadline: Closed June, 2023. Next intake TBD.
Contact: lowcarboncommunities@novascotia.ca
Website: Low Carbon Communities
Natural Infrastructure Fund
Department - Organization: Infrastructure Canada
Description: The fund supports projects that use natural or hybrid approaches to protect the natural environment, support healthy and resilient communities, and contribute to economic growth and jobs.
Deadline: Currently not accepting applications, waiting on further information about additional funding for the program.
Contact: NIF-FIN@infc.gc.ca
Website: Natural Infrastructure Fund
Provincial Capital Assistance Program (PCAP)
Department - Organization: Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Description: A fund for municipal projects designed to eliminate serious environmental and health problems. The program supports investment in high-priority municipal infrastructure projects. You need to use the funding for municipally owned infrastructure projects like water supply, sewage disposal, and solid waste management. Projects that reduce or eliminate actual and potential environmental and health problems in the municipality are given priority. Priority is also given to projects that include collaborating with multiple municipalities or have beneficial impacts on larger populations
Example Project: Stormwater management study, landfill decommission project
Deadline: Closed June, 2023. Next intake TBD.
Contact: pcap@novascotia.ca
Zero Emission Trucking Program
Department - Organization: Transport Canada
Description: The program will support municipalities to develop, modernize, and align the necessary guidelines, codes, standards and regulations to accelerate the safe deployment of zero-emission trucking in Canada. Up to $1 million per project, up to 75%.
Deadline: Closed. (Another intake is not anticipated)
Contact: ZETProgram-ProgrammeCZE@tc.gc.ca
Website: Zero Emission Trucking Program
Clean Fuels Fund
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: This fund includes projects to improve logistics for the collection, supply, and distribution of biomass materials (e.g. municipal waste).
Deadline: Next intake TBD.
Contact: nrcan.cleanfuelsfund-fondsdecarburantspropres.rncan@canada.ca
Website: Clean Fuels Fund
Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: Supports projects that aim to increase awareness, knowledge and public confidence in zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) and public charging and refuelling infrastructure.
Example(s): Edmonton Electric Vehicle Trade Show
Deadline: Closed September, 2023. Next intake TBD.
Atlantic Salmon Conservation
Department - Organization: The Foundation for Conservation of Atlantic Salmon
Description: Municipalities are eligible to apply for funding to support wild Atlantic salmon conservation initiatives. The fund supports projects that protect wild Atlantic salmon, as well as preserve the important river cultures and economies of communities across Atlantic Canada and Quebec. With $1.5 million dollars available for distribution this year, they look forward to seeing applications from municipalities to aid in the conservation of this essential species. They invite you to take advantage of this funding opportunity to help ensure wild Atlantic salmon remains a staple in Canadian identity, culture and economy for generations to come.
Deadline: Closed November 17th, 2023. 5 pm AST.
Contact: Charline McCoy at 506-455-9900 or charline@salmonconservation.ca
Website: Atlantic Salmon Conservation
EJ4Climate: Environmental Justice and Climate Resilience
Department - Organization: Commission for Environmental Cooperation
Description: They are calling for project proposals that will advance community-driven strategies in support of environmental justice and community resilience to the impacts of extreme weather events in urban areas. The community-driven strategies should look to implement long-lasting solutions to strengthen resilience to extreme weather events and reduce adverse health, economic and social impacts. Urban is defined as a city- settlement of at least 50,000 inhabitants in a high-density cluster of grid cells (greater than 1,500 inhabitants per sq. km). Or Towns: settlements with between 5,000 and 50,000 that are either dense (with a density of at least 1,500 inhabitants per sq. km) or semi-dense (a density at least 300 inhabitants per sq. km). Or Suburban or peri-urban areas: cells belonging to urban clusters but not part of a town.
Deadline: Closed November 9th, 2023. 5 pm EST.
Contact: vpronovost@cec.org
Community Climate Capacity Program
Department - Organization: Clean Foundation
Description: The program will be working with up to 15 Nova Scotian communities over three years, supporting their climate and sustainability measures by helping to identify their climate challenges and implement adaptation and mitigation actions. Municipalities will be provided with a dedicated staff of specialists who can help guide them through climate and sustainability initiatives at the local level. To apply for the Community Climate Capacity program, one must first submit an Expression of Interest by early November 2023.
Deadline: EOI closed November 17th.
Contact: ccc@cleanfoundation.ca
Website: Community Climate Capacity
Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund
Department - Organization: The Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities
Description:. The program provides competitive opportunities to encourage communities in their climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. Adaption includes built environment and climate-ready infrastructure, ecosystems and nature-based solutions, community coordination and planning. Mitigation includes buildings, transportation, energy generation and storage, waste management and circular economy, carbon storage and sequestration.
Deadline: Closed November 28, 2023
Contact: info@sccfns.ca
Website: https://nschallengefund.ca/
Treemendous Communities
Department - Organization: Tree Canada
Description: Eligible projects receive funding up to $10,000 to cover the cost of purchasing and planting trees and shrubs, site preparation, tree maintenance, planting materials and developing education materials. They accept a wide range of project proposals such as heat island mitigation projects, biodiversity corridors, stormwater retention, invasive species control, riparian planting, park and street tree plantings, and more.
Deadline: Closed December 3rd, 2023.
Contact: rseltzer@treecanada.ca
Website: Treemendous Communities
Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: To install EV charging systems in public places, on-street, at workplaces and multi-unit residential buildings, as well as infrastructure for ZEV fleets
Example(s): Killam Properties – Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Alberta – 438 electric vehicle chargers under construction ($731, 783).
Deadline: Closed.
Contact: zev-infra-vez@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities Program
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: The program will provide funding to enable communities and sectors to work collaboratively at a regional scale to overcome barriers and develop coordinated solutions to climate change risks (e.g. increasing sea level rise, coastal erosion, storm surge) in coastal regions.
Example(s): Revise land use plans and policies, e.g. restrict types of development in high-risk areas. Apply revised codes and standards, e.g. building designs that minimize damage. Implement nature-based approaches to prevent shoreline erosion and reduce the impact of coastal flooding. Plan for the retreat of community assets, housing, or infrastructure away from coastal climate change hazards. Establish sustainable inclusive governance mechanisms. Determine financing approaches.
Deadline: Closed December 13th, 2023 (Another intake is not anticipated)
Contact: adaptation@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Municipal Capital Growth Program
Department - Organization: Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Description: The program supports investment in municipal infrastructure projects. Municipalities and villages can apply for funding from the Municipal Capital Growth Program to help reduce the cost of infrastructure projects that support the province’s growing population.
Example(s): Climate Change Adaptation: Capital Project Recommendations from Climate Hazard/Risk Assessments. Coastal and Inland Flooding Adaptations. Emergency prep: generators, water storage.
Deadline: Closed December 13th, 2023
Contact: MCGP@novascotia.ca
Website: Municipal Capital Growth Program
Sustainable Development Goals Program
Department - Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada
Description: In September 2015, Canada and 192 other UN member states adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 2030 Agenda is a 15-year global framework centred on an ambitious set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This includes areas applicable to municipalities, such as sustainable cities and communities, decent work and economic growth, clean water and sanitation,
There are two streams to the funding program, 1) Grants, and 2) Contributions. The Grants stream of this Call for Proposals will fund projects that increase public awareness, and share best practices or lessons learned that support and enhance Canada’s progress on the 2030 Agenda, particularly within equity-deserving groups and groups or individuals in vulnerable situations. Up to $200,000 for a project that is up to 24 months (maximum $100,000 per fiscal year). The Contributions stream of this Call for Proposals will fund projects that aim to localize SDGs in communities. Funded projects will adapt, employ, and monitor the progress of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the local level and will measure and report on the SDGs. Up to $900,000 for a project that is up to 36 months (maximum $300,000 per fiscal year)
Example: By the Governors of Saint-Francis Xavier University: This project addresses the barriers to affordable housing in Nova Scotia. It leads a grassroots community consultation using the SDGs as a blueprint to frame the discussions. It addresses the factors that influence the housing needs of people living in low-income and marginalized populations.
Deadline: Closed January 22, 2024.
Environmental Damages Fund
Department - Organization: Environment and Climate Change Canada
Description: Supports projects that benefit the natural environment, achieve restoration of damage to the natural environment and wildlife conservation, cost-effectively. Priority is given to projects that restore the natural environment and conserve wildlife, followed by environmental quality improvement initiatives, research and development on environmental restoration and improvement, and education and awareness on issues affecting the health of the natural environment.
Example(s): Install reef balls in the Halifax Harbour to create and restore marine habitat. These reef balls will complete a network of over 7.5 hectares of reef structures in Halifax Harbour.
Deadline: Currently not available in Nova Scotia.
Contact: fdeqa-edfaq@ec.gc.ca
Website: Environmental Damages Fund
Energy Innovation Program- Smart Grids, Carbon Utilization, National Energy Systems
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: Three streams
Smart Grids Call: The program will provide support to the key technology, market, and regulatory innovations that address barriers to scale pilot projects into grid-wide deployments. The intended results include significant impacts on enhancing grid reliability, resiliency, and flexibility. Demonstration Stream: open to projects that request between $500,000 and $6,000,000 (comprising up to 50% of total project costs). Regulatory Innovation Capacity Building Stream: open to projects that request between $250,000 and $1,500,000 (comprising up to 75% of total project costs). Deadline: Demonstration Stream closed January 10th, 2024. Regulatory Innovation Capacity Building Stream, closed January 31st, 2024. Contact: sg-ri@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
National Energy Systems Modelling Call: open to projects which conduct quantitative modelling (e.g., simulation, optimization) of Canada’s energy system at a national level, showing potential trajectories to net zero and how these could be affected by technological innovation. Projects may focus on specific aspects of the energy system (e.g., buildings, electricity, industrial subsector) but must produce national, economy-wide GHG and energy results to demonstrate consistency with net zero. Deadline: EOI closed January 26th, 2024. Contact: eipmodelling-piemodelisation@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Carbon capture, utilization and storage RD&D Call – Utilization Focus Area: aims to support the research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) of CO2 utilization technologies that have the potential to significantly and meaningfully reduce the costs, as well as the energy and carbon intensity, of CO2 conversion and utilization into viable products and commodities for long-term or permanent sequestration of CO2 at a large scale. Deadline: EOI closed on February 23, 2024. Contact: eip-ccus.pie-cusc@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.
Website: Energy Innovation Program
Building Capacity with the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: The program supports projects that can transform our electricity sector as we move toward a net-zero economy by 2050. Capacity Building Grants through SREPs help support an equitable transition to a cleaner electrical grid. Funded projects enable communities and organizations to acquire knowledge and tools to support decision-making and participation as SREPs advance the deployment of renewable energy, energy storage, and grid modernization across Canada.
If you are considering applying to Nova Scotia's Community Solar Program, you may consider applying to SREP as well, it will provide essential support to the development of community solar projects.
Deadline: Closed January 31st, 2024
Contact: sreps-erite@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Marine Debris Clean-Up Program
Department - Organization: Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Description: The program provides funding to help remove debris from Nova Scotia's marine and freshwater shorelines. The program has 3 funding streams: Shoreline Clean-up – supports clean-up efforts of marine and freshwater coastlines. Marine Debris and Litter Prevention – supports methods of reducing litter from reaching our water systems. Marine Debris and Litter Recycling – supports waste diversion solutions that encourage recycling over sending debris to landfills.
Deadline: Closed February 1st, 2024
Contact: MarineCleanUp@novascotia.ca
Low Carbon Economy Fund - Low Carbon Economy Challenge
Department - Organization: Environment and Natural Resources Canada
Description: The Low Carbon Economy Challenge is part of the Low Carbon Economy Fund. Projects must result in greenhouse gas emissions reductions in 2030 and must align with Canada’s goals for net-zero emissions by 2050. Projects for municipalities could include waste diversion, and biomass retrofits (wastewater). Applicants can request between $1 million and $25 million in funding for eligible project expenditures, with cost-sharing of 50% of total project costs for municipalities. Self-Screening Tool for understanding project eligibility and competitiveness. To access the tool, please send an email to lcef-fefec@ec.gc.ca.
Deadline: Closed February 8th, 2024.
Contact: lcef-fefec@ec.gc.ca
Charged for Change
Department - Organization: Aviva Canada/Earth Day Canada
Description: The program will enable the installation of at least two new charging stations in underserved communities across Canada, and will cover 100% of project costs. Funding of up to $125,000 per community is available.
Deadline: Closed February 22nd, 2024.
Contact: chargedforchange@earthday.ca
Website: Charged for Change
Information Session(s): Recorded session on YouTube
Contact: cmif-fimc@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
EV Boost
Department - Organization: Clean Foundation
Description: Access to electric vehicle charging in Nova Scotia is increasing! EV Boost is helping to bring more Level-2 EV chargers to eligible organizations in the province. Through funding provided by Natural Resources Canada's (NRCan) Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP), Clean Foundation will help to support the deployment and installation of up to 250 EV chargers.
Deadline: Closed
Website: EV Boost
Green Choice Program
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Natural Resources and Renewables
Description: Large energy buyers, including municipalities, can purchase up to 100% of their electricity from local renewable energy sources through the Green Choice Program.
Deadline: Closed March 4, 2024.
Contact: https://novascotiagcp.com/contact-us
Website: Green Choice Program
Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: The fund will provide up to $1.5 billion in federal funding over 7 years for clean energy and transportation infrastructure projects necessary to enable the sustainable development and expansion of critical minerals in Canada. Designed to: Unlock new critical mineral resources, support improved environmental performance at mine sites, facilitate market access for critical minerals, and strengthen supply chains (i.e., by connecting resources to midstream processing and refining, and downstream manufacturing). Two streams: Preconstruction and project development activities (stream 1) and infrastructure deployment activities (stream 2).
Deadline: Closed February 29th, 2024.
Contact: cmif-fimc@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
EcoAction Community Funding Program
Department - Organization: Environment and Climate Change Canada
Description: Municipalities are ineligible, but are encouraged to partner with non-profit and non-governmental groups and organizations to support a project proposal. Funding is available for new projects that engage Canadian communities and demonstrate measurable, positive results related to fresh water. Projects should contribute to improving freshwater quality through actions that reduce harmful substances in fresh water and/or restore and protect freshwater ecosystem health. The maximum EcoAction funding is $100,000 per project; the minimum funding amount requested is $25,000 per project. A minimum of 50% of the total project value must come from sources other than the Government of Canada.
Deadline: Closed March 22, 2024.
Contact: EcoAction.Quebec.Atlantic@ec.gc.ca
Website: EcoAction Community Funding Program
If you can't find a grant that suits your municipality's needs, please reach out. Similarly, if your municipality is applying to any of the listed opportunities, I am readily available to provide assistance throughout the application process.
Lucy MacLeod,
Fund Navigator
lmacleod@nsfm.ca
