How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $100000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the EcoAction — Stream 1?

EcoAction — Stream 1 is funded by Canada Water Agency (CWA)

What are EcoAction — Stream 1's eligibility criterias?

National non-profit organizations, such as charities, volunteer organizations, professional associations, and non-governmental organizations are eligible. Local organizations, including community associations, seniors' and youth groups, and charitable societies can apply. Preference is given to applications involving Indigenous peoples, youth (up to 25 years old), and small businesses.

EcoAction — Stream 1

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Improves freshwater quality through community-led environmental projects

EcoAction — Stream 1 at a glance

Eligible Funding

From $25,000 to $100,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Eligible Industries

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Educational services

Grant Providers

Canada Water Agency (CWA)

Program status

Open

Overview of the EcoAction — Stream 1 program

The EcoAction Stream 1 grant provides up to $100,000 in funding to support community-led projects across Canada aimed at improving freshwater quality and ecosystem health. Eligible activities include shoreline protection, invasive species control, indigenous plant restoration, and environmental education workshops.

Financing terms and conditions

The EcoAction Stream 1 provides a minimum funding amount of $25,000 and a maximum of $100,000 per project.
The maximum duration for the funding is 36 consecutive months, accommodating annual or multi-annual projects.
Funding requests must cover all project years for eligibility.
EcoAction Stream 1 can contribute up to 50% of eligible project expenses.
A matching funding requirement is in place, requiring that for every dollar received, at least an equivalent amount must be secured from non-federal partners, except for certain Indigenous Services Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada programs.
Eligible matching contributions may be in cash or in-kind, such as equipment, volunteer time, professional services, or other donations directly supporting the project.
Contributions must be expended within the project's funding period.
Some costs, such as the value or purchase of land, are not eligible as matching contributions.
Funds from resubmitted but initially unsuccessful projects may be reconsidered under a subsequent call for applications.
Reporting requirements are stringent, with recipients needing to file progress and final reports to trigger full payment of funds.

Eligible projects & activities

Protection, stabilization, or enhancement of shorelines.
Cleaning, removal, and/or redirection of waste.
Control and/or eradication of invasive species.
Plantation of native plant species.
Habitat and/or land restoration.
Workshops and/or awareness activities directly associated with community action.
Implementation of freshwater recommendations from environmental management plans.
Water conservation efforts.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 55,000

Launching a green technology incubator for startup companies

$ 48,000

Creating a digital archive for Indigenous heritage preservation

$ 32,000

Implementing a solar energy system in a local school

$ 45,000

Developing community kitchen to support local food security

$ 45,000

Launching a mental health support app for young adults

$ 28,000

Establishing a new arts education program for underserved youth

$ 50,000

Installing solar panels on low-income housing

Eligibility criteria of the EcoAction — Stream 1 program

The applicant must be a national non-profit organization, such as charities or voluntary organizations, professional associations, and non-governmental organizations, or national Indigenous organizations, governments, boards, commissions, communities, associations, and authorities.
Local organizations such as associations, community groups, seniors and youth groups, and charitable societies are eligible.
Regional conservation authorities and districts are eligible.
Preference is given to applications involving priority groups like Indigenous peoples, youth (up to 25 years old), and small businesses to achieve project objectives.

Who is eligible?

National non-profit organizations, such as charities or volunteer organizations, professional associations, and non-governmental organizations
National Indigenous organizations, governments, councils, commissions, communities, associations, and authorities
Local organizations, such as associations, community groups, senior and youth groups, and charitable societies
Regional conservation authorities and districts
Priority given to projects involving Indigenous peoples, youth (up to 25 years), and small businesses

Eligible expenses

Personnel resources, including salaries and benefits.
Services of contractors required to conduct project-related activities.
Management and professional services such as accounting, monitoring, communications, translation in official languages, auditing, and legal fees.
Costs of accommodation, travel, events, or conferences, following the Treasury Board Secretariat's directive on travel, hospitality, conference, and event expenditures.
Indigenous ceremonial offerings used or consumed during meetings or ceremonies.
Costs associated with Indigenous ceremonies or participation.
Monetary fees for Indigenous elders or knowledge keepers participating in specific activities, such as translation and interpretation, leading traditional ceremonies, knowledge exchange, or traditional art demonstrations.
Equipment and supply costs.
Costs of printing, production, and distribution.
Purchase or rental of equipment.
Rental and operational costs of vehicles.
Non-reimbursable GST/HST by the Canada Revenue Agency and non-reimbursable provincial sales tax.
A reasonable share (15% or less) of overhead or administrative fees directly arising from the project's execution.

Eligibility criteria of the EcoAction — Stream 1 program

Administrative Review: Examination to confirm eligibility, projects deemed ineligible will be notified by the end of this step.
Technical Review: Assessment by subject matter experts to confirm the scientific and technical feasibility of your project.
Regional Review: Regional staff reviews projects based on the following elements:Project's connection to freshwater.
Evidence of strong community involvement and knowledge transfer components.
Feasibility of the project in terms of impacts, budget, outcomes, and activities.
Continuation of the project's activities and benefits.
Engagement of priority groups and establishment of partnerships with these groups.

How to apply to the EcoAction — Stream 1 program

Access Online SystemUse the Grants and Contributions Enterprise Management System (GCEMS) to start your application.

If needed, contact sgesc-gcems@ec.gc.ca for technical assistance with GCEMS.

Complete the Application FormDraft a comprehensive project proposal including project objectives, community involvement, and the educational component.

Identify all necessary permits or authorizations and include them in your plan if not yet obtained.
Fill out the budget section detailing all sources of funding and contributions.

Review and SubmitMake sure your application aligns with freshwater priorities and includes measurable objectives and indicators.

Submit your application at least 24 hours before the deadline to address any potential errors.

ConfirmationOnce submitted, expect to receive a confirmation letter if your project is being considered.

Prepare for additional communications to finalize a contribution agreement if selected.

Additional information

All applicants will be notified in writing whether their application is successful or not. For approved applications, a contribution agreement outlining the funding terms will be negotiated.
Members of Parliament and/or their staff may be informed about approved projects, including project details and funding amounts.
Funding is contingent upon the successful negotiation of a contribution agreement between the applicant and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
The contribution agreement must include written confirmation of all funding sources, a summary of the project description, implementation details, progress evaluation, expected results, and budgetary forecasts.
Approved applicants are required to submit regular reports to ECCC throughout the project duration, aligned with the contribution agreement terms.
A final report is required upon project completion, with the final payment withheld (minimum 10%) until the final report is submitted, reviewed, and approved by ECCC.