Environmental Damages Fund

• Eligible overhead and administrative costs covered up to 20% of total project expenses, provided they are directly attributed to project delivery.

• The applicant must be a not-for-profit organization, such as a non-governmental organization (including environmental groups), a university or academic institution, an Indigenous organization, or a provincial, territorial, or municipal government.
• The project must take place within Canada and address one or more of the following areas: restoration, environmental quality improvement, research and development, or education and awareness related to the natural environment.
• The proposal must demonstrate scientific soundness, technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and measurable positive outcomes for the environment.
• The applicant must possess or have access to the necessary experience, knowledge, and skills to successfully carry out the project.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

• Projects must be undertaken within Canadian provinces and territories.

• 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.

• There is typically one to two calls for proposals annually.
• While matching funds are not required, contributions from sources other than the federal government can strengthen your application.
• Performance indicators and clear target values must be included in the application.
• Project duration is flexible, but most projects do not exceed five years.