Closed
Accelerating community energy systems
Funding for community energy system studies
Last Update: April 10, 2026
Funding available
$ 200,000
Timeline
- Closing date : March 31, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $200,000 to support studies for low-carbon community energy systems. It funds planning work that identifies priority areas, supports implementation, and advances related policy, engagement, and market research.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
- Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 200,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : March 31, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Studies that identify and prioritize community energy system opportunity areas
- Studies that assess implementation mechanisms for community energy systems
- Thermal decarbonization planning that includes community energy system opportunities
- Market research, stakeholder engagement, and policy review related to implementation
Documents Needed
- Pre-application form
- Application form
- Project workbook
- Supporting documents listed in the application guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian municipal governments
- Municipally owned corporations
- Eligible Indigenous communities partnering with a Canadian municipal government
Eligible expenses
- Project administration and communication costs
- Permits, certifications, and required project documentation
- Professional and technical consultant fees
- Staff wages and benefits for time worked on the project
- Supplies, materials, transport, travel, and accommodation directly related to the project
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs incurred before the application is received, except pre-application writing costs within the allowed period
- General operating costs, office space, supplies, and overhead
- Marketing costs that are not specifically required for the project
- Major capital purchases and real estate purchases or rentals
- Costs already covered by another GMF grant or by other government funding for the same study
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Three territories
- Northern portions of Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia
Processing and Agreement
- Submit a pre-application through FCM’s funding portal.
- GMF reviews the pre-application for eligibility within 21 business days.
- If eligible, submit the full application and project workbook through the portal.
- A GMF project officer reviews the full file for completeness and accuracy.
- External peer review and internal review are completed before the funding decision.
- If approved, a funding agreement is prepared before funding is provided.
Additional information
- Selected communities may join a peer-learning support program and receive skills development training.
- Applicants must commit to actively participating in the learning cohort.
- Quebec municipalities must also submit their application through the Quebec government portal before GMF review.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Accelerating community energy systems Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Accelerating community energy systems. 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 Accelerating community energy systems?
This program provides up to $200,000 to support studies for low-carbon community energy systems. It funds planning work that identifies priority areas, supports implementation, and advances related policy, engagement, and market research.
How much funding can be received?
Accelerating community energy systems Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $200,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Accelerating community energy systems program?
To be eligible for the Accelerating community energy systems program, you must:
Study for a community energy system.
Canadian municipal or municipal-owned applicant.
Active participation in the learning cohort.
What expenses are eligible under Accelerating community energy systems?
Studies that identify and prioritize community energy system opportunity areas
Studies that assess implementation mechanisms for community energy systems
Thermal decarbonization planning that includes community energy system opportunities
Market research, stakeholder engagement, and policy review related to implementation
Who can I contact for more information about the Accelerating community energy systems?
You can contact Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) by email at gmfinfo@fcm.ca or by phone at 1-877-417-0550.
Where is the Accelerating community energy systems available?
The Accelerating community energy systems program is available across Canada.
Is the Accelerating community energy systems a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Accelerating community energy systems is a Partnering and Collaboration