EcoAction — Stream 1

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.