Accelerating community energy systems
Canada
Support for advancing low-carbon community energy systems
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- Federation of canadian municipalities (FCM)
- Green Municipal Fund
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The grant offers up to $200,000, covering up to 50% of eligible costs, and aims to accelerate community energy systems (CES) through studies identifying low-carbon energy opportunities and implementation mechanisms. Eligible activities include geospatial analysis, modeling energy demand, stakeholder engagement strategy development, and drafting municipal land-use policies that enable CES.
grant_single_labels|projects
Eligible projects for this grant involve identifying and prioritizing opportunity areas for low-carbon community energy systems and developing mechanisms to support their implementation. These activities include geospatial analysis, stakeholder engagement strategies, and policy development, among others.
- Conducting geospatial analysis to identify optimal conditions for community energy systems.
- Modeling baseline energy demand in priority areas.
- Developing concrete next steps for community energy systems development.
- Creating a stakeholder engagement strategy to build support and partnerships.
- Identifying and prioritizing implementation mechanisms for community energy development.
- Advancing prioritized implementation mechanisms through detailed requirements.
- Developing municipal land-use policies that enable community energy systems.
- Conducting market research to gauge awareness and support for energy systems.
- Conducting an equity assessment to address impacts on equity-deserving groups.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for this grant, organizations must meet the following criteria:
- Canadian municipal governments (e.g., towns, cities, regions, districts, and local boards)
- Municipally owned corporations (e.g., a municipal utility)
- An Indigenous community is an eligible lead applicant if they are partnering with a Canadian municipal government on an eligible project, or if they have a shared service agreement with a Canadian municipal government related to municipal infrastructure, climate change or adaptation.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is open to Canadian municipal governments and municipally owned corporations interested in advancing community energy systems. An Indigenous community is also an eligible lead applicant under specific partnership conditions.
- Canadian municipal governments, including towns, cities, regions, districts, and local boards.
- Municipally owned corporations, such as municipal utilities.
- Indigenous communities partnering with Canadian municipal governments on eligible projects, or having a shared service agreement related to municipal infrastructure, climate change, or adaptation.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant covers eligible costs associated with studies to develop community energy systems and projects.
- Identify and prioritize opportunity areas for community energy systems (CES)
- Geospatial analysis to identify optimal conditions for implementation
- Model anticipated baseline energy demand
- Articulate concrete next steps for prioritized areas
- Develop stakeholder engagement strategy
- Identify and prioritize implementation mechanisms to accelerate community energy development
- Advance prioritized implementation mechanisms
- Develop municipal land-use policies for community energy systems
- Conduct market research related to district energy system deployment
- Conduct an equity assessment related to the project
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to organizations in Canada, specifically targeting municipal governments, municipally owned corporations, and Indigenous communities that meet certain partnership criteria. The funder, GMF, allocates funding to projects that support community energy systems across various Canadian provinces and territories.
- Canada
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Québec
- Ontario
- Manitoba
- Saskatchewan
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- The three territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut)
grant_single_labels|register
Step 1: Pre-application submission
- Create a client profile on FCM's funding portal.
- Submit a pre-application form through FCM’s funding portal.
Step 2: Eligibility determination
- GMF outreach officer or advisor reviews your pre-application form.
- Receive a response within 21 business days about eligibility to proceed.
Step 3: Full application submission
- If eligible, complete the full application form available through FCM’s funding portal.
- Fill out the Excel project workbook template provided.
- Attach the required supporting documents.
- Submit the full application form and project workbook to GMF through the FCM funding portal.
Step 4: GMF project officer review
- A GMF project officer reviews your application for accuracy and completeness.
- Work with the officer to resolve any remaining questions.
Step 5: Peer review and internal review
- An external expert peer review panel evaluates applications.
- Internal analysis provides a funding recommendation to GMF's managing director, the GMF Council, and FCM's Board of Directors.
Step 6: FCM funding decision
- For plans, pilots, and studies, GMF’s managing director makes funding decisions, typically taking three to five months.
- For capital projects, FCM's Board of Directors approves the funding recommendation by the GMF Council, taking four to six months on average.
grant_single_labels|contact
gmfinfo@fcm.ca
1-877-417-0550
Apply to this program
Accelerating Community Energy Systems Grant Overview
The Accelerating Community Energy Systems grant provides funding, training, and expert guidance to Canadian municipal governments, Indigenous communities collaborating with municipalities, and municipally-owned corporations to develop and implement low-carbon community energy systems. This initiative aims to identify opportunities for renewable energy solutions and district heating and cooling innovations within municipalities, offering up to $200,000 per project.
Understanding the Accelerating Community Energy Systems Grant
The Accelerating Community Energy Systems (CES) grant is a crucial funding opportunity for municipalities in Canada aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to more sustainable energy systems. With climate change becoming an increasingly pressing issue, this grant provides a timely and essential resource for communities seeking to implement low-carbon solutions. The grant offers financial support of up to 50% of eligible project costs, with opportunities for increased funding percentages for smaller municipalities and Indigenous communities. Municipal governments, municipally-owned corporations, and eligible Indigenous communities partnered with Canadian municipalities have the opportunity to apply for this grant. These partnerships are crucial for fostering community engagement and supporting innovative energy solutions that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The core aim of the CES grant is to conduct comprehensive studies that pinpoint areas within communities where low-carbon energy systems can thrive. This involves a rigorous analysis of development density, potential thermal energy sources, and existing electricity demands. By conducting geospatial analyses, municipalities can identify neighborhoods and areas with optimal conditions for new energy systems. This strategic approach ensures that projects are not only environmentally beneficial but also financially viable and community-supported. What's unique about this grant is the extensive peer-learning support program it provides. Successful applicants will gain access to a network of national leaders in community energy systems. This network facilitates skills development and enhances municipalities’ capabilities in navigating the financial and technical challenges associated with implementing community energy systems. By collaborating with experienced professionals, municipalities can more confidently move forward with their projects, knowing they have guidance and support throughout the process. Furthermore, the CES grant encourages the development of robust stakeholder engagement strategies. Building community buy-in and fostering partnerships are crucial for the successful implementation of community energy systems. By involving diverse stakeholders, municipalities can ensure that energy systems meet the needs of all community members and that equity considerations are at the forefront of project planning. This approach not only aids in creating more inclusive projects but also enhances the likelihood of project approval and funding. A significant element of the application process is the equity assessment, which ensures that projects positively impact equity-deserving groups and address any potential negative implications. Projects that can articulate strategies to mitigate barriers and enhance inclusivity are likely to stand out in the application process. This aligns with the grant's emphasis on fostering socio-economic benefits and equitable distribution of project outcomes. The application process for the CES grant involves several essential steps. Applicants need to submit a pre-application form through the FCM funding portal, followed by eligibility determination, submission of a full application, and subsequent reviews by GMF project officers and external experts. This structured process ensures that only the most qualified and impactful projects receive funding, thereby promoting widespread and effective adoption of community energy systems. Ultimately, the Accelerating Community Energy Systems grant is a comprehensive initiative aimed at fostering sustainable energy innovations across Canadian municipalities. By providing financial support, expert guidance, and access to a peer-learning network, this grant equips communities with the tools they need to transition to low-carbon energy systems effectively. With a focus on equity, collaboration, and innovation, the CES grant stands as a vital resource for municipalities striving towards a sustainable and resilient future.
