Closed
Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR)
Supports aquatic species at risk recovery and protection
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 50,000 - $ 1,000,000
Timeline
- Closing date : July 14, 2023
Location
Canada
Overview
The Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR) provides funding of up to $1 million over 3 years to support the recovery and protection of aquatic species at risk. It supports multi-species, place-based, and threat-based stewardship actions, including consultation and engagement activities related to SARA listing and recovery planning.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 50,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : July 14, 2023
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 499 employees maximum
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Environment
- Animal Protection
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Consultation and engagement activities with Indigenous Peoples related to aquatic species at risk listing or recovery planning
- Preparation and contribution to recovery document development under SARA
- Compilation, review, and sharing of information, data, or views on project impacts
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Expression of Interest form
- Supporting project information requested by DFO
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous groups with potential or established Indigenous or treaty rights
- Indigenous governments, communities, bands, and settlements
- District councils, chiefs' councils, and tribal councils
- Bodies or entities established by rights-holding communities to represent them
Who is not eligible
- Companies whose activities are solely focused on non-aquatic environments.
- Organizations seeking funding for the development of new commercial or recreational fisheries’ habitats.
- Businesses proposing regulatory offsetting projects or decontamination as the primary focus.
- Entities planning shoreline restoration projects not associated with aquatic species at risk.
- Organizations intending to purchase or secure land as a project objective.
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and wages, including employer benefits
- Professional, technical, and specialized services
- Travel, accommodation, meals, and allowances
- Office space, facilities, equipment, software, printing, and communications
- Meetings, workshops, conferences, honoraria, and ceremonial costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Activities or expenses incurred before approval
Eligible geographic areas
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Maritimes
- Gulf region
- Quebec
- Ontario and Prairie and Arctic regions
- Pacific region
Processing and Agreement
- DFO acknowledges receipt of the expression of interest within 5 business days.
- Selected applicants are notified by email and invited to submit a full proposal.
- Successful applicants are contacted by DFO's regional office to discuss a contribution agreement.
- A letter of approval is issued before funds are provided.
Additional information
- Applications must be supported by a consultation or engagement notification from DFO.
- Funding requests should reflect the depth and complexity of the activities.
- Applications are processed in the order received.
- Information provided is subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR)?
The Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR) provides funding of up to $1 million over 3 years to support the recovery and protection of aquatic species at risk. It supports multi-species, place-based, and threat-based stewardship actions, including consultation and engagement activities related to SARA listing and recovery planning.
How much funding can be received?
Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR) Funds up to $1,000,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR) program?
To be eligible for the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR) program, you must:
Eligible Indigenous group
DFO notification received
Related to SARA process
What expenses are eligible under Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR)?
Consultation and engagement activities with Indigenous Peoples related to aquatic species at risk listing or recovery planning
Preparation and contribution to recovery document development under SARA
Compilation, review, and sharing of information, data, or views on project impacts
Who can I contact for more information about the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR)?
You can contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) by email at DFO.QUECanadaNatureFund-FondsdelaNatureduCanadaQUE.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or by phone at 1-877-775-0848.
Where is the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR) available?
The Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR) program is available across Canada.
Is the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR) is a Grant and Funding