Closed
Source verified July 7, 2026
Faithful Footprints Grant Program
Funding for church decarbonization upgrades
Latest source updateLast Update: July 7, 2026Latest change: Faithful Footprints added FAQ guidance on unrestricted reserves and decarbonizing projects, and the reporting section now shows a Post-Project Reflective Summary Report form link.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 7, 2026
Latest change: Faithful Footprints added FAQ guidance on unrestricted reserves and decarbonizing projects, and the reporting section now shows a Post-Project Reflective Summary Report form link.
Faithful Footprints guidance updated
Faithful Footprints added FAQ guidance clarifying what counts as unrestricted reserves and what qualifies as a decarbonizing project, including replacement of fossil-fuel equipment with electric alternatives such as a heat pump. The reporting section now includes a Post-Project Reflective Summary Report form link, while the page still shows the 2026 Funding Cycle is now closed and the funding amount remains up to $20,000. The supporting About page also now focuses more narrowly on mission-alignment context, with the program overview and impact-navigation links reduced compared with the earlier version.
Funding available
$ 20,000
Deadline
May 31, 2026
Opened January 28, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
Faithful Footprints supports The United Church of Canada’s decarbonization building upgrades for communities of faith across Canada. It funds retrofit projects that lower energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, including heat pumps and other electric alternatives to fossil-fuel equipment.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 20,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Religious Congregations and Associations
Target groups
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Retrofit projects that reduce fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions
- Replacement of gas-, oil-, or propane-burning equipment with electric alternatives
- Building decarbonization upgrades for United Church properties
Documents Needed
- Post-Project Reflective Summary
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- United Church of Canada communities of faith
- United Church-owned churches
- United Church camps
- United Church training centres
- United Church outreach ministries
Who is not eligible
- Manses
- Secondary properties
Eligible expenses
- Decarbonization building upgrades and retrofit work
- Replacement of fossil-fuel equipment with electric alternatives
- Project costs covered by matching funds and grant funding
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects without at least one decarbonization element
- Manses and secondary properties
- Work started before project approval
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Eligibility screening against program requirements
- Priority for higher-emitting and financially vulnerable buildings
- Priority for projects with significant emissions impact
How to apply
- Step 1: Submit Expression of Interest
- Complete the online form.
- Provide basic organization and property information.
- Step 2: Attend onboarding meeting
- Meet with Faithful Footprints staff by Zoom or phone.
- Review the program and application process.
- Discuss building decarbonization opportunities and next steps.
- Step 3: Complete and submit application
- Receive the application form after onboarding and a decarbonization plan.
- Gather required supporting documentation.
- Submit the full application package.
- Step 4: Follow up after approval
- Complete the project within the approved calendar year.
- Submit the project report and reimbursement documentation after completion.
Processing and Agreement
- Grant recipients must submit a Post-Project Reflective Summary upon completion of their projects.
- After review and approval of the complete project report, reimbursement funds are released, subject to a $1,000 holdback.
- In January 2028, grant recipients must submit 1-year post-retrofit energy data to receive the remaining $1,000 holdback and an energy and carbon baseline comparison report.
Additional information
- The 2026 Funding Cycle is now closed.
- You can register to be notified when the next round of funding is available.
- A 2027 Funding Cycle interest form is available for United Church communities of faith.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Faithful Footprints Grant Program Program
What is the Faithful Footprints Grant Program?
Faithful Footprints supports The United Church of Canada’s decarbonization building upgrades for communities of faith across Canada. It funds retrofit projects that lower energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, including heat pumps and other electric alternatives to fossil-fuel equipment.
How much funding can be received?
Faithful Footprints Grant Program Funds up to $20,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was May 31, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Faithful Footprints Grant Program program?
To be eligible for the Faithful Footprints Grant Program program, you must:
United Church of Canada-owned property
Decarbonization project required
Financial eligibility thresholds apply
What expenses are eligible under Faithful Footprints Grant Program?
Retrofit projects that reduce fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions
Replacement of gas-, oil-, or propane-burning equipment with electric alternatives
Building decarbonization upgrades for United Church properties
Who can I contact for more information about the Faithful Footprints Grant Program?
You can contact Shining Waters Regional Council (SWRC) by email at info@faithfulfootprints.org.
Where is the Faithful Footprints Grant Program available?
The Faithful Footprints Grant Program program is available across Canada.