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EcoAction - Community-led freshwater action across Canada Stream - Canada
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EcoAction - Community-led freshwater action across Canada Stream

Supports community projects improving freshwater quality and ecosystem health
Canada Water Agency (CWA)
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 25,000 - $ 100,000
Timeline
  • Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Canada

Overview

The EcoAction Stream 1: Community-led Freshwater Action across Canada provides up to $100,000 in funding for projects aimed at improving freshwater quality and ecosystem health through strong community involvement. Eligible activities include shoreline protection, invasive species removal, habitat restoration, water conservation, and educational workshops directly linked to community action.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 100,000 $
  • Minimum amount : 25,000 $
  • Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
  • Receipt of requests is now closed

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
  • Educational services
  • Other services (except public administration)
  • Public administration
Location
  • Canada
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
  • Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Canadians
  • Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • All industries
Target groups
  • All the groups
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • All dimensions

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Shoreline protection, stabilization, or enhancement initiatives.
  • Clean-up and removal of waste or debris from freshwater environments.
  • Control and removal of invasive plant or animal species in freshwater areas.
  • Planting of native plant species to restore or enhance freshwater habitats.
  • Restoration of habitats or land adjacent to freshwater sources.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Domestic not-for-profit organizations (charitable and volunteer organizations, professional associations, non-governmental organizations)
  • Domestic Indigenous organizations, governments, boards, commissions, communities, associations, and authorities
  • Local organizations (community associations and groups, seniors’ and youth groups, service clubs)
  • Regional conservation districts and watershed authorities

Who is not eligible

  • Companies and organizations operating outside of Canada.
  • Businesses with activities focused on brackish water or saltwater rather than freshwater.
  • Organizations whose ongoing programs and activities are unrelated to new, distinct freshwater projects.
  • Entities conducting projects mandated by law or required by any level of government.
  • Companies seeking funding solely for political lobbying, advocacy, fundraising, or beautification projects.

Eligible expenses

  • Human resource costs, including salaries and benefits for project personnel
  • Contractor fees related to project activities
  • Professional service costs such as accounting, monitoring, communications, official language and Indigenous language translation, audit, and legal charges
  • Direct project-related hospitality, travel, and venue/conference expenses
  • Materials and supplies required for the project
  • Printing, production, and distribution costs for project needs
  • Equipment rental or purchase for project purposes (excluding capital assets)
  • Vehicle rental and operational costs directly linked to project activities (vehicle purchases are ineligible)
  • Non-reimbursable GST/HST and PST directly related to project expenses
  • Up to 15% of direct project-related overhead and administrative costs
  • Hospitality expenditures for Indigenous ceremonial offerings during meetings or ceremonies
  • Honoraria for Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers related to specific participation activities

Eligible geographic areas

  • Canada (projects must be carried out within Canada)

Additional information

  • Funding decisions are communicated in writing to all applicants, whether successful or unsuccessful.
  • Final payment is subject to submission and approval of a comprehensive final project report.
  • All applications must use the GCEMS (Grants and Contributions Enterprise Management System) online platform.
  • It is recommended to complete the budget section of the online application at least 24 hours before the deadline to avoid submission issues.

Contacts

EcoActionNational@cwa-aec.gc.ca

Frequently Asked Questions about the EcoAction - Community-led freshwater action across Canada Stream Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the EcoAction - Community-led freshwater action across Canada Stream. 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 EcoAction - Community-led freshwater action across Canada Stream?

The EcoAction Stream 1: Community-led Freshwater Action across Canada provides up to $100,000 in funding for projects aimed at improving freshwater quality and ecosystem health through strong community involvement. Eligible activities include shoreline protection, invasive species removal, habitat restoration, water conservation, and educational workshops directly linked to community action.

How much funding can be received?

EcoAction - Community-led freshwater action across Canada Stream Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $100,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the EcoAction - Community-led freshwater action across Canada Stream program?

To be eligible for the EcoAction - Community-led freshwater action across Canada Stream program, you must: Domestic not-for-profit organizations, including charitable and volunteer organizations, professional associations, and NGOs Domestic Indigenous organizations, governments, boards, commissions, communities, associations and authorities Local organizations such as community associations, seniors’ and youth groups, service clubs, and regional conservation districts or watershed authorities

What expenses are eligible under EcoAction - Community-led freshwater action across Canada Stream?

Shoreline protection, stabilization, or enhancement initiatives. Clean-up and removal of waste or debris from freshwater environments. Control and removal of invasive plant or animal species in freshwater areas. Planting of native plant species to restore or enhance freshwater habitats. Restoration of habitats or land adjacent to freshwater sources.

Who can I contact for more information about the EcoAction - Community-led freshwater action across Canada Stream?

You can contact Canada Water Agency (CWA) by email at EcoActionNational@cwa-aec.gc.ca.

Where is the EcoAction - Community-led freshwater action across Canada Stream available?

The EcoAction - Community-led freshwater action across Canada Stream program is available across Canada.

Is the EcoAction - Community-led freshwater action across Canada Stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?

EcoAction - Community-led freshwater action across Canada Stream is a Grant and Funding

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