
Closed
Environmental Damages Fund
Funds projects that restore and protect Canada's natural environment
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
No Condition
Timeline
- Closing date : December 18, 2025
Location
Montérégie, Quebec, Canada
Overview
The Environmental Damages Fund provides financial support from court-awarded fines and voluntary payments to eligible organizations for projects that restore the environment, improve environmental quality, advance research and development, or promote education and awareness in Canada. While there is no stated maximum funding amount, over $240 million has been distributed since 1995 to support initiatives benefiting ecosystems and communities nationwide.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Closing date : December 18, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
- Educational services
- Public administration
Location
- Montérégie
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Restoration of damaged natural environments and support for wildlife conservation.
- Initiatives aimed at improving environmental quality in affected areas.
- Research and development projects focused on environmental restoration and improvement.
- Programs that raise education and awareness on issues impacting environmental health.
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.
Eligible geographic areas
- Projects must be undertaken within Canadian provinces and territories.
Additional information
- 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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Environmental Damages Fund Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Environmental Damages Fund. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Environmental Damages Fund?
The Environmental Damages Fund provides financial support from court-awarded fines and voluntary payments to eligible organizations for projects that restore the environment, improve environmental quality, advance research and development, or promote education and awareness in Canada. While there is no stated maximum funding amount, over $240 million has been distributed since 1995 to support initiatives benefiting ecosystems and communities nationwide.
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?
Restoration of damaged natural environments and support for wildlife conservation.
Initiatives aimed at improving environmental quality in affected areas.
Research and development projects focused on environmental restoration and improvement.
Programs that raise education and awareness on issues impacting environmental health.
Who can I contact for more information about the Environmental Damages Fund?
You can contact Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) by email at edf-fde2@ec.gc.ca.
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
Who are the financial supporters of the Environmental Damages Fund?
Environmental Damages Fund is funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
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