Local Leadership for Climate Adaption (under GMF)
Department - Organization: Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Description: GMF’s Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation (LLCA) initiative provides funding and skills development support to local governments to adapt and build long-term resiliency to the impacts of climate change. By 2031, this $530M initiative will fund more than 1,400 municipal activities.
- Adaption in Action – Increased implementation of equitable climate adaptation action taken by Canadian municipalities.
- Implementation projects (Capital projects. 60-100% of costs, up to $1M.)
- Feasibility studies (80-100% of costs up to $70k)
- Climate-Ready Plans and Processes – Integration of equitable and inclusive climate resilience into municipal plans, processes and management systems, such as asset management systems planning. Coming Fall 2024.
- Financing Adaptation – Increase in new financing models utilized/leveraged by Canadian municipalities to finance climate adaptation capital projects.
- Capacity Development Partner Grants – funds partners to design and deliver training that will help local governments advance their climate adaptation knowledge and technical skills.
Examples:
- Installing, retrofitting or upgrading structural flood protection or stormwater collection works (e.g., sponge parks, flood conveyance works, pump stations, flood walls, flood boxes, debris catchment structures, jetties, detention ponds)
- Enhancing municipal service levels to respond to climate risks
- Relocating municipal infrastructure
- Installing, retrofitting or upgrading public structures or critical infrastructure for municipal service provision to reduce the risks associated with climate hazards
Deadline:
Climate-Ready Plans and Processes Funding: Available Fall 2024.
Adaption in Action: Available February 2025.
Financing Adaptation: Available Spring 2025.
Capacity Development Partner Grants: Closed August 7th.
Adaption in Action: Available February 2025.
Financing Adaptation: Available Spring 2025.
Capacity Development Partner Grants: Closed August 7th.
Contact: gmfinfo@fcm.ca or book a meeting with an advisor.
Website: Local Leadership Climate Adaption
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.
Generally requires GHG reductions. If your water or wastewater retrofit increases efficiency, the project may be eligible.
Deadline: Continuous
Contact: gmfinfo@fcm.ca or book a meeting with an advisor.
Website: Green Municipal Fund
Mitacs Municipal Support
Department - Organization: Mitacs
Description: They offer funding (non repayable grants) and connect municipalities with post-secondary researchers for innovative projects — from affordable housing, green initiatives, transit, infrastructure, climate change — and more — to tackle your most difficult challenges and create vibrant and healthy communities.
- 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
Example(s):
- In a joint project with the University of Victoria, the City of Vancouver increased its capacity to deploy green rainwater infrastructure and demonstrate benefits to residents and businesses alike.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: Form on the webpage
Website: Mitacs Municipal Support
Innovative Communities Fund
Department - Organization: Atlantic Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Description: The fund is for economic development projects and initiatives that lead to long-term employment and a stronger local economy. The fund enables communities to: develop thriving industry sectors, strengthen infrastructure in rural areas, invest in projects to help communities overcome economic issues and take advantage of new opportunities.
Example(s): Expansion of municipal services can be eligible if it is linked to economic development in the private sector.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: ACOA Regional Manager
Website: Innovative Communities Fund
Currently Closed. Next intake TBD:
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): Water and Wastewater: This includes construction, expansion and/or renewal of Facilities for the treatment and disposal of sanitary sewage. Sanitary sewage collection systems. Water intake, treatment, pumping and storage facilities. Water transmission and distribution systems. Storm sewer separation. Infrastructure which reduces/eliminates combined sewer overflows.
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: London Environmental Institute- This project educates businesses about their impact on the SDGs. It guides them on energy, waste and water usage, and helps them set targets. It includes educational events and forums on SDGs linking to business sustainability. It invites business leaders and employees across Southwestern Ontario to learn from experts.
Deadline: Closed January 12, 2024.
Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/sustainable-development-goals.html
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
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
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 13, 2024.
Contact: pcap@novascotia.ca
Municipal Innovation Program
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Description: MIP supports innovative approaches to regional municipal services, improvements to municipal capacities, and promotion of effective intermunicipal relations to support regional economic development, regional planning, and intermunicipal collaboration. This program is for joint applications requiring at least 2 municipalities.
Deadline: Closed June 13, 2024.
Contact: mip.info@novascotia.ca
Website: Municipal Innovation Program
Housing Accelerator Fund
Department - Organization: Canadian Mortgage and Housing Association
Description: New funding is available for previous applicants only.
The Housing Accelerator Fund provides incentive funding to local governments encouraging initiatives aimed at increasing housing supply. It also supports the development of complete, low-carbon and climate-resilient communities that are affordable, inclusive, equitable and diverse. HAF rewards applications that drive change within the local government's control. This can involve making changes to land use planning and development approvals processes, such as amending bylaws or implementing programs that expedite housing permits in both the short and long term. A list of example initiatives can be found in the pre-application material on the website.
Deadline: Closed September 13th, 2024.
Website: Housing Accelerator Fund
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
