Closed
Source verified October 5, 2026
Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR)
Supports aquatic species at risk recovery and protection
Get notified when Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR) reopens
Latest source updateLast Update: October 5, 2026Latest change: The CNFASAR grant funding guidance document now shows updated regional coordinator contact details, including a new Arctic contact and revised phone numbers.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: October 5, 2026
Latest change: The CNFASAR grant funding guidance document now shows updated regional coordinator contact details, including a new Arctic contact and revised phone numbers.
CNFASAR guidance contact details updated
The CNFASAR grant funding application guidance document now lists updated DFO regional coordinator contacts. The changes include a new Arctic contact, David Slater and Kaytlin Cooper, at DFO.ARCCanadaNatureFund-FondsNatureCanadaARC.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca and (867) 669-4900, along with revised phone details for other regional coordinators.
Funding available
$ 50,000 - $ 1,000,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Indigenous group with either potential or established Indigenous or treaty rights
See full eligibility
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.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
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 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
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
Availability timeline
2024
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Preparing for, participating in, and contributing to consultation and engagement activities, including public meetings and discussion groups, as well as formal consultations related to listing or recovery planning under SARA
- Compiling, reviewing or providing information, data or views regarding the impacts of SARA listing or recovery planning decision(s) to potential or established Indigenous treaty rights or title
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Expression of Interest form
- Supporting project information requested by DFO
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous group with either potential or established Indigenous or treaty rights
- Indigenous governments
- Indigenous 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
Selection criteria
- Funding requests should be relative to the depth and complexity of the activities being undertaken.
- Preference will be given to applications requesting under $15,000.
- Applications greater than $15,000 may also be accepted if the proposed expenses are relevant to supporting collaborations of multiple Indigenous communities or organizations and/or complex consultation or engagement activities.
How to apply
- Contact your designated DFO regional coordinator to initiate the application process.
- Complete the application form.
- Send the completed application form by email to the DFO regional coordinator soon after receiving the consultation or engagement notification letter from DFO.
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
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)?
Preparing for, participating in, and contributing to consultation and engagement activities, including public meetings and discussion groups, as well as formal consultations related to listing or recovery planning under SARA
Compiling, reviewing or providing information, data or views regarding the impacts of SARA listing or recovery planning decision(s) to potential or established Indigenous treaty rights or title
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