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Environmental Damages Fund

Funds projects that restore and protect Canada's natural environment

Offered by
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
Official source: canada.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 250,000
Up to 100% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
Not-for-profit organizations
See full eligibility

Overview

The Environmental Damages Fund is a Government of Canada program that uses fines, penalties, court orders, and voluntary payments to support projects benefiting Canada’s natural environment, usually in the area where the violation occurred. It prioritizes restoration, environmental quality improvement, research and development, and education and awareness initiatives.

At a glance

Funding available

Minimum funding
$250,000
Maximum share of project costs
100%
Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Conduct research and development activities
  • Reduce environmental footprint
  • Raise awareness or mobilize a population
  • Conduct research or evaluation activities

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Montérégie
  • Quebec
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Rural or Northern Residents
  • Canadians
  • Youth (<40)
Legal structures
Non-profit

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

EDF opens Quebec call with Dec. 1, 2026 deadline

Environmental Damages Fund applications are now open for Quebec projects, with a December 1, 2026 deadline and multiple Quebec funding opportunities listed.

See more

The Environmental Damages Fund now shows a Quebec-focused call for applications open until December 1, 2026 at 15:00 EST. The available-funds page now lists four Quebec opportunities with separate funding amounts and minimum-request conditions, including $900,096, $1,282,500, $84,573, and $617,500. The new funding notices also specify different eligible project types and Quebec locations, including fish and fish habitat conservation, water-quality improvement, Western Chorus Frog habitat work, and the Deux-Montagnes Lake area.

Official source: canada.ca
October 7, 2026

Eligibility

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.

Activities funded

  • Restoration projects that restore damage to the natural environment and support wildlife conservation
  • Environmental quality improvement projects
  • Research and development projects
  • Education and awareness projects

How to apply

  • 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.

Selection criteria

  • 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.

Additional information

  • 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.

Contacts

enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca
1-800-668-6767

Official sources

canada.ca

Official page

Environmental Damages Fund

Program guide

Environmental Damages Fund - Qukin ʔamakʔis (Elk Valley) Letter of Intent - Applicant Guideenvironmental damages fund applicant guideFunds designated for use in Qukin ʔamakʔis (Elk Valley)
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Environmental Damages Fund Program

What is the Environmental Damages Fund?

The Environmental Damages Fund is a Government of Canada program that uses fines, penalties, court orders, and voluntary payments to support projects benefiting Canada’s natural environment, usually in the area where the violation occurred. It prioritizes restoration, environmental quality improvement, research and development, and education and awareness initiatives.

How much funding can be received?

Environmental Damages Fund Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the Environmental Damages Fund program?

To be eligible for the Environmental Damages Fund program, you must: Applicant must be a not-for-profit organization (e.g., NGO, academic institution, Indigenous, or municipal/provincial/territorial government). Businesses and individuals are not eligible to apply. For-profit organizations may partner but not apply as lead applicants.

What expenses are eligible under Environmental Damages Fund?

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.

Who can I contact for more information about the Environmental Damages Fund?

You can contact Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) by email at enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca or by phone at 1-800-668-6767.

Where is the Environmental Damages Fund available?

The Environmental Damages Fund program is available Montérégie, Quebec.

Is the Environmental Damages Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Environmental Damages Fund is a Grant and Funding