EcoAction - Community-led freshwater action across Canada Stream

• Funding ranges from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $100,000 per project.
• Financial support is limited to up to 50% of the total project value.
• Projects must secure at least a 1:1 match in funding from non-federal government partners (cash or in-kind contributions) for every dollar received.
• The maximum duration of financial aid is 36 consecutive months.
• A maximum of 15% of overhead and administrative costs can be included in the budget.

• The applicant must be a domestic not-for-profit organization, such as a charitable, volunteer, professional association, or non-governmental organization; a domestic Indigenous organization, government, or authority; a local organization such as a community association or group, seniors’ or youth group, or service club; or a regional conservation district or watershed authority.
• The project must address the key environmental priority of fresh water and demonstrate strong community involvement and support.
• The application must identify active opportunities for community engagement and knowledge transfer activities within the project.
• All necessary permits or authorizations for project activities must be identified within the application.

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)

• Strength of the project's link to the key priority of fresh water.
• Demonstration of strong community involvement and Knowledge Transfer components.
• Feasibility of the project's impact, budget, results, and activities.
• Potential for continuation of project activities and benefits after funding ends.
• Level of engagement and partnership with priority groups, such as Indigenous peoples, youth, and small businesses.

• 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.