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Coast Funds - Stewardship Project Funding
Project funding for First Nations conservation initiatives
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
$ 150,000
Timeline
- Closing date : July 10, 2026
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
This program provides project-specific funding for conservation initiatives led by participating First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest, Great Bear Sea, and Haida Gwaii. It supports research, habitat restoration, training, equipment, planning, and related stewardship activities.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Conduct research and development activities
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : July 10, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Scientific research and monitoring for conservation matters
- Habitat and coastal restoration
- Conservation planning and management in protected or culturally significant areas
- First Nation participation in joint conservation management initiatives
- Youth stewardship and conservation capacity-building activities
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Project plan
- Council or Board resolution of support
- Cost estimates or supplier quotes
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Participating First Nation governing bodies
- Stewardship offices and resource management departments
- Non-profit societies with delegated conservation responsibility
Who is not eligible
- Organizations that are not participating First Nation entities or delegated stewardship bodies
- Applicants that are not listed as qualified donees, unless due diligence requirements are met
Eligible expenses
- Research and monitoring costs
- Habitat and coastal restoration costs
- Research equipment and infrastructure related to stewardship operations
- Training and capacity-building costs
- Office-related expenditures essential to program operations
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Open net cage finfish aquaculture
- Activities inconsistent with protected area or resource management plans
- Costs tied to statutory government duties or consultation obligations
- Political activities
- Projects or costs outside the Project Area, except certain capacity-building work
Eligible geographic areas
- Great Bear Rainforest
- Great Bear Sea
- Haida Gwaii
Selection criteria
- Alignment with the Foundation’s conservation and stewardship goals
- Project viability and likelihood of success
- Clear success measures and identified risks
- Strategic value, leverage, and relationship benefits
How to apply
- Step 1: Review eligibility and guidelines
- Check that your organization and proposed project fit the program.
- Review the funding policies before preparing an application.
- Step 2: Prepare the application package
- Complete the application form.
- Prepare the project plan.
- Obtain the required council or board resolution.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Email the completed documents to your staff contact.
- Step 4: Follow-up and review
- Coast Funds reviews the complete application and may confirm details during the assessment process.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed once a complete submission is received.
- Coast Funds reviews eligibility, viability, and alignment with program goals.
- Applications are approved by senior leadership, the Project Review Committee, or the Board depending on the amount requested.
- A funding agreement must be signed before any funds are disbursed.
- Approved projects are monitored through regular reporting and evaluation.
Additional information
- Applications can be submitted at any time.
- There are four funding rounds each year.
- Applications may be reviewed monthly or quarterly depending on the amount requested.
- Funding is accessed through the Revenue Fund.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Coast Funds - Stewardship Project Funding Program
What is the Coast Funds - Stewardship Project Funding?
This program provides project-specific funding for conservation initiatives led by participating First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest, Great Bear Sea, and Haida Gwaii. It supports research, habitat restoration, training, equipment, planning, and related stewardship activities.
How much funding can be received?
Coast Funds - Stewardship Project Funding Funds up to $150,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Coast Funds - Stewardship Project Funding program?
To be eligible for the Coast Funds - Stewardship Project Funding program, you must:
Participating First Nation organizations only
Time-bound conservation projects
Complete supporting documents required
What expenses are eligible under Coast Funds - Stewardship Project Funding?
Scientific research and monitoring for conservation matters
Habitat and coastal restoration
Conservation planning and management in protected or culturally significant areas
First Nation participation in joint conservation management initiatives
Youth stewardship and conservation capacity-building activities
Who can I contact for more information about the Coast Funds - Stewardship Project Funding?
You can contact Coast Conservation Endowment Fund Foundation.
Where is the Coast Funds - Stewardship Project Funding available?
The Coast Funds - Stewardship Project Funding program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the Coast Funds - Stewardship Project Funding a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Coast Funds - Stewardship Project Funding is a Grant and Funding