Community Environmental Projects Grant Program (CEPGP)

Who is eligible?

• Community associations
• Community groups
• Youth groups
• School councils/parent associations
• Industry and trade associations

Who is not eligible

• For-profit organizations and businesses
• Individuals (non-organizational applicants)
• Government agencies
• Organizations with political affiliations
• Organizations with an active CEPGP-funded project

Eligible expenses

• Costs associated with the implementation of small-scale community initiatives promoting environmental sustainability, excluding capital assets, furniture, and regular operating expenses.
• Valuation of volunteer work and in-kind contributions in the project budget.

Eligible geographic areas

• Organizations based in Ottawa

• Eligibility of the organization.
• Completeness of the application.
• Contribution to an environmentally sustainable Ottawa.
• Quality of the project description, timeline, and budget.
• Permission from property owner (if applicable).

• Step 1: Prepare Application Materials
  • Develop a comprehensive project description outlining your proposed initiative.
  • Create a project timeline detailing key milestones and anticipated completion date (no later than June 30, 2026).
  • If applicable, prepare a sketch of the project site and gather photos of the existing site.
  • Write a description of your organization, including its not-for-profit status and community focus.
  • Construct a complete project budget, accounting for volunteer labour, in-kind donations, and other sources of funding. Ensure your organization contributes at least 33% of the project’s value through funds or in-kind contributions.
  • If the project is not on property owned by your organization, obtain a letter of consent from the property owner. For school property, secure school board permission. For City-owned land, plan to obtain necessary approvals before starting the project.
  • Ensure your organization can demonstrate coverage through appropriate commercial general liability insurance if approved for funding.
• Step 2: Complete Online Application Form
  • Access the CEPGP online application form.
  • Input all required project and organizational information as outlined above.
  • Upload supporting documents as required (project description, timeline, site sketch/photos, budget, property permissions, etc.).
• Step 3: Submit Application
  • Review the completed application for accuracy and completeness.
  • Submit the application via the online form before the program deadline.
• Step 4: Application Review and Notification
  • All applications are reviewed by a committee following the submission deadline.
  • The committee assesses eligibility, completeness, environmental impact, and supporting materials.
  • Applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision once the review process concludes, typically within two months of the deadline.
• Step 5: Contact for Support or Updates
  • For questions or to receive future program updates, contact the CEPGP Coordinator at cepgp@ottawa.ca or call 613-580-2424 ext. 16822.

• Successful applicants are required to carry commercial general liability insurance.
• If the project is located on property not owned by the applicant, a letter of consent from the property owner is necessary.
• Applicants must contribute at least 33% of the total project value through funds or in-kind contributions.
• Projects must be completed within one year and no later than June 30, 2026.