Closed
Source verified July 6, 2026
Ecosystem Services Grant Program
Supports ecosystem services conservation in Alberta
Latest source updateLast Update: July 6, 2026Latest change: The program now shows the June 1 to Sept. 15, 11:59 pm MST application window, a new grant form, updated eligibility rules, and expanded project and payment categories.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 6, 2026
Latest change: The program now shows the June 1 to Sept. 15, 11:59 pm MST application window, a new grant form, updated eligibility rules, and expanded project and payment categories.
Ecosystem Services Grant Program updated for 2026 intake
The Ecosystem Services Grant Program now shows applications open from June 1 to Sept. 15 at 11:59 pm MST, replacing the earlier closed/spring 2026 intake notice. The apply section also now directs applicants to download the Ecosystem Services Grant Program Grant Application form, and the program page adds a June 2, 2026 news item plus a new grant approval fact sheet link. Eligibility and scope were also updated: for-profit organizations or companies are now explicitly ineligible to apply, while the program now describes funding for non-profit organizations and municipalities to support farmers' and ranchers' participation. The payment and project language expanded from 2 payment types to 4, adding retention of intact native habitat, improvement of intact native habitat, restoration of disturbed lands, and ecosystem services enhancement of disturbed lands, along with new restoration/enhancement examples such as habitat restoration on disturbed or cultivated land.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
The Ecosystem Services Grant Program offers grant funding to eligible non-profit organizations, NGOs, and municipalities in Alberta to support direct payments to landowners for conserving and enhancing natural assets through ecosystem services programs. The program funds activities such as habitat agreements, conservation initiatives, wetland stewardship, best management practices, and restoration projects, with no perpetual land agreements required; the specific maximum funding amount is not specified in the program guide.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Environment
Target groups
- General public
- Rural / Remote communities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Retaining intact native habitat.
- Improving intact native habitat.
- Restoring disturbed or cultivated lands.
- Enhancing ecosystem services on disturbed or cultivated lands.
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered non-profit organizations
- Non-governmental organizations registered under a government act
- Municipalities
Who is not eligible
- For-profit organizations or companies
- Projects on municipal land, provincial Crown land, or federal land
- Retention payments for land that is already conserved, including land with a conservation easement
- Projects that a landowner has already received other funding for
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Payments for projects on municipal land, provincial Crown land, or federal land.
- Retention payments for land that is already conserved, including land with a conservation easement.
- Payments for a project that a landowner has already received other funding for.
Selection criteria
- Fit with the Ecosystem Development Partnerships Program objectives and intended outcomes.
How to apply
- Interested applicants must connect with one of the listed representatives before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
- Complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form in the online application portal (SmartSimple) for evaluation.
- Successful applicants will be invited to submit a Full Proposal.
- Submit the Full Proposal for evaluation within four weeks of EOI approval.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed and evaluated by Alberta Innovates staff and external expert reviewers to determine fit with the program objectives and intended outcomes.
- Successful applicants will be invited to submit a Full Proposal and assigned a Project Advisor.
- Applicants may be requested to present their proposed project and/or provide additional information throughout the review.
Additional information
- Grant recipients must quantify ecosystem services using ecosystem services indicators.
- Grant recipients will receive the program funds at the start of the grant term.
- By the end of the grant term, all landowners who will be paid with grant funds must be enrolled.
- Grant recipients may apply in future grant intakes to expand their program or fund subsequent agreements with enrolled landowners whose terms have expired.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ecosystem Services Grant Program Program
What is the Ecosystem Services Grant Program?
The Ecosystem Services Grant Program offers grant funding to eligible non-profit organizations, NGOs, and municipalities in Alberta to support direct payments to landowners for conserving and enhancing natural assets through ecosystem services programs. The program funds activities such as habitat agreements, conservation initiatives, wetland stewardship, best management practices, and restoration projects, with no perpetual land agreements required; the specific maximum funding amount is not specified in the program guide.
Who is eligible for the Ecosystem Services Grant Program program?
To be eligible for the Ecosystem Services Grant Program program, you must:
The applicant must be a registered non-profit organization, a registered non-governmental organization, or a municipality.
The program must be delivered in Alberta.
The application must show how the program will enroll natural assets and quantify ecosystem services.
What expenses are eligible under Ecosystem Services Grant Program?
Retaining intact native habitat.
Improving intact native habitat.
Restoring disturbed or cultivated lands.
Enhancing ecosystem services on disturbed or cultivated lands.
Who can I contact for more information about the Ecosystem Services Grant Program?
You can contact Government of Alberta by email at ESGP@gov.ab.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the Ecosystem Services Grant Program available?
The Ecosystem Services Grant Program program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Ecosystem Services Grant Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Ecosystem Services Grant Program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Ecosystem Services Grant Program?
Ecosystem Services Grant Program is funded by Government of Alberta