Closed
Great Lakes FEI: Supporting Community-based Science
Supports community science for Great Lakes protection
Last Update: May 12, 2026
Funding available
$ 40,000 - $ 1,000,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon
Overview
Supports community-based science projects for the Great Lakes, with funding of up to $1,000,000 per project. The program supports citizen engagement, innovative technologies, open data, and decision-making related to Great Lakes water quality and ecosystem health.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 40,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Public administration
Location
- Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Community-based science projects for Great Lakes priorities
- Projects using innovative technologies and open data
- Data platform projects that improve access to community science data
- Projects that engage citizens and support decision-making or research
Documents Needed
- Completed online application form
- Project budget
- Project work plan
- Evaluation plan and performance measures
- Letters of support or financial/in-kind support, if applicable
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Conservation authorities
- Indigenous organizations, governments, communities, associations, and authorities
- Canadian municipal and local governments
- Canadian not-for-profit organizations
- Canadian research, academic, educational, and local community organizations
Who is not eligible
- Individuals
- Provincial government agencies
Eligible expenses
- Human resources, including salaries and benefits
- Professional and management services, travel, materials, printing, training, database/software, equipment, and vehicle costs
- Reasonable overhead and administrative costs directly linked to project delivery
- Non-reimbursable GST/HST and PST
- Other incremental project costs pre-approved by the Canada Water Agency
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Ongoing projects and activities already underway, except possible expansion to a new area or scope
- Projects mainly focused on beach cleanups or litter collection
- Projects mainly focused on capital assets, vehicles, municipal infrastructure, or land acquisition
- Core organizational functions, general conferences, lobbying, advocacy, and fundraising activities
Eligible geographic areas
- Canadian Great Lakes waters
- Great Lakes shorelines, nearshore areas, and offshore areas in Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed in two stages: administrative review and project evaluation.
- Successful and unsuccessful applicants are notified in writing.
- If approved in principle, the applicant is contacted to negotiate a Contribution Agreement.
- Project implementation can begin after formal approval notification, pending any required agreements or contracts.
- Costs incurred after official notification and before the agreement is signed may be considered for reimbursement.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Great Lakes FEI: Supporting Community-based Science Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Great Lakes FEI: Supporting Community-based Science. 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 Great Lakes FEI: Supporting Community-based Science?
Supports community-based science projects for the Great Lakes, with funding of up to $1,000,000 per project. The program supports citizen engagement, innovative technologies, open data, and decision-making related to Great Lakes water quality and ecosystem health.
How much funding can be received?
Great Lakes FEI: Supporting Community-based Science Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Great Lakes FEI: Supporting Community-based Science program?
To be eligible for the Great Lakes FEI: Supporting Community-based Science program, you must:
Eligible Canadian organization or public body
Great Lakes community-based science project
Project focused on Canadian Great Lakes waters
What expenses are eligible under Great Lakes FEI: Supporting Community-based Science?
Community-based science projects for Great Lakes priorities
Projects using innovative technologies and open data
Data platform projects that improve access to community science data
Projects that engage citizens and support decision-making or research
Who can I contact for more information about the Great Lakes FEI: Supporting Community-based Science?
You can contact Government of Canada by email at GreatLakes-GrandsLacs@cwa-aec.gc.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the Great Lakes FEI: Supporting Community-based Science available?
The Great Lakes FEI: Supporting Community-based Science program is available the province of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon.
Is the Great Lakes FEI: Supporting Community-based Science a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Great Lakes FEI: Supporting Community-based Science is a Grant and Funding