Environmental Damages Fund

Who is eligible?

• Not-for-profit organizations
• Non-governmental organizations (e.g., environmental community groups)
• Universities and academic institutions
• Indigenous organizations
• Provincial, territorial, and municipal governments

Who is not eligible

• Private businesses or for-profit companies.
• Individuals (i.e., not organizations).
• Other federal departments or agencies.
• Organizations that have been offenders fined or paid monetary penalties directed to the EDF (in relation to those payments).

Eligible expenses

• Human resource costs, including salaries and benefits for project activities.
• Travel expenses up to National Joint Council rates.
• Costs for materials and supplies required for the project.
• Printing and production costs directly related to the project.
• Communications and distribution costs necessary for project delivery.
• Equipment rental or purchase essential for the project.
• Vehicle rentals and operational costs linked to project implementation.
• Translation expenses tied to the project.
• Project-specific liability insurance costs.
• Direct project overhead and administrative costs, including rent (up to 20% of total expenses).
• Non-reimbursable GST/HST and PST directly associated with eligible project expenses.

• Scientific soundness and technical feasibility of the project.
• Cost-effectiveness in achieving the objectives and measurable results.
• Demonstrated measurable environmental benefits resulting from the project.
• Evidence of necessary experience, knowledge, skills, and partnerships to execute the project successfully.
• Involvement of individuals and communities with local experience and knowledge.

• Step 1: Confirm Available Funds and Eligibility
  • Log into the Grants and Contributions Enterprise Management System (GCEMS) to review current funding opportunities.
  • Contact your regional Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) office for information about available funds in your province or territory, or to discuss the application process.
  • If discussing a proposal in GCEMS, always reference the ID number associated with your application.
• Step 2: Prepare Your Funding Application
  • Prepare your application using the GCEMS portal.
  • Consult the GCEMS application instructions page for technical assistance documents, tutorials, and support to help you complete the application.
• Step 3: Submit Your Application
  • Submit your completed application through the GCEMS portal.
  • After submission, the GCEMS portal will automatically generate an acknowledgment of receipt.
  • If you do not receive an acknowledgment, email sgesc-gcems@ec.gc.ca to confirm your application was received.
• Step 4: Application Review and Notification
  • Your proposal will be reviewed for technical and scientific merit, as well as eligibility.
  • You will receive a decision by email following the review phase.

• The EDF is not currently accepting funding applications.
• The EDF generally issues one to two calls for applications each year.
• Funding availability varies according to the number of court awards and voluntary contributions directed to the EDF.
• Since 1995, more than $275 million has been invested in over 600 projects benefiting ecosystems and communities across Canada.