
EcoAction — Stream 1
Canada
Improves freshwater quality through community-led environmental projects
grant_single|update March 12, 2025
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
- Educational services
grant_single|grantors
- Canada Water Agency (CWA)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|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.
grant_single_labels|projects
- 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.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 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
grant_single_labels|admissibility
- 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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- 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
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_single_labels|criteria
- 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.
grant_single_labels|apply
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- 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.
grant_single_labels|contact
EcoActionNational@cwa-aec.gc.ca
Apply to this program
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