EcoAction - Freshwater Sustainability and Innovation across Canada Stream

• Financial contributions range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $200,000 per project.
• Funding covers up to 50% of total project costs, requiring a 1:1 match of funds from non-federal sources.
• Eligible projects may be single-year or multi-year but must be completed within a two-year period ending March 31, 2027.
• A maximum of 15% of overhead and administrative costs directly related to the project may be included.
• A minimum 10% holdback applies until acceptance of the final project report.

• The applicant must be a domestic not-for-profit organization, municipal or local government, research, academic or educational institution, Indigenous organization, or a small for-profit entity (with fewer than 100 employees) piloting innovative and/or clean technology solutions.
• The project must address at least one of the program's objectives related to freshwater quality, ecosystem health, circular economy opportunities, resilience to climate change, or data accessibility for freshwater management.
• The project activities must be implemented within Canada.
• The project must be new (not already underway) and result in measurable, positive environmental outcomes.
• The project must demonstrate potential for national relevance or scalability across multiple locations in Canada.

Who is eligible?

• Domestic not-for-profit organizations (e.g., charitable and volunteer organizations, professional associations, NGOs)
• Municipal governments and local governments
• Domestic research, academic, and educational institutions
• Domestic small for-profit entities piloting innovative and/or clean technology solutions (less than 100 employees)
• Domestic Indigenous organizations, governments, boards, commissions, communities, associations, and authorities

Who is not eligible

• Companies focused exclusively on brackish water or saltwater activities.
• Businesses seeking funding for projects already underway or projects required by law or government mandate.
• Companies intending to undertake ongoing or routine organizational activities rather than new projects.
• Organizations seeking funding for the purchase or construction of municipal infrastructure, land acquisition, or core municipal functions.
• Companies with projects to be implemented outside of Canada.

Eligible expenses

• Salaries and benefits for project staff.
• Fees for contractors performing project-related activities.
• Management and professional service costs (accounting, monitoring, communications, translation, audit, legal fees).
• Travel, hospitality, and venue/conference expenses compliant with government directives.
• Hospitality expenditures specific to Indigenous ceremonial offerings.
• Costs for Indigenous participation or ceremonies, including honoraria for Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
• Materials and supplies required for the project.
• Printing, production, and distribution costs linked to the project.
• Purchase or rental of equipment needed for project activities.
• Vehicle rental and operational costs for project use.
• Land securement costs (such as leases, conservation easements, covenants, or servitudes).
• Overhead and administrative costs directly attributed to carrying out the project (up to 15%).

Eligible geographic areas

• Projects must be implemented within Canada.

• Quality and completeness of the application submitted.
• Scientific and technical feasibility as assessed by subject-matter experts.
• Alignment with program priorities and criteria during Application Review Committee evaluation.

• The minimum and maximum funding amounts per project are $25,000 and $200,000, respectively.
• Projects must be completed within a two-year period ending by March 31, 2027.
• Performance indicators must be identified and goals established in the application.
• Applicants are responsible for verifying and securing any necessary permits or authorizations relevant to their project.