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Lake of the Woods Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Toxic and nuisance algae

Supports projects to reduce toxic algae in Lake of the Woods

Offered by
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
Official source: canada.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 150,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Manitoba, Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Indigenous organizations, governments, individuals, boards, commissions, communities, associations, and authorities.
See full eligibility

Overview

This program supports projects that reduce toxic and nuisance algae in Lake of the Woods. It funds actions such as phosphorus reduction measures, innovative approaches, watershed planning, and studies to fill knowledge gaps.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$150,000
Financing goals
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Implement environmental initiatives
  • Conduct research and development activities
  • Reduce environmental footprint
  • Reach a new target audience
  • Raise awareness or mobilize a population
  • Conduct research or evaluation activities

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Manitoba, Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Canadians
Legal structures
All legal structures

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 2

Latest changes

Lake of the Woods funding opens

The Lake of the Woods overview now shows the application period as open with a deadline of November 26, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EST, and it expands the program priorities and contact details.

See more

The Lake of the Woods overview now says the application submission period for funding is open and sets the deadline at 3:00 p.m. EST on November 26, 2026. It also adds an email contact for more information and links to the funding and funded-project pages. The program priorities are now stated more specifically: nutrient management planning, reduced nutrient loadings, improved practices or technologies, collaborative plans, and targeted science to fill knowledge and data gaps.

Official source: canada.ca
September 30, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Indigenous organizations, governments, individuals, boards, commissions, communities, associations, and authorities.
  • Not-for-profit organizations, including charities, volunteer groups, professional associations, and NGOs.
  • Municipalities.
  • Research, academic, and educational institutions.

Who is not eligible

  • Provincial government agencies.

Eligible expenses

  • Salaries and benefits for project staff.
  • Professional services, including accounting, monitoring, communications, translation, audit, and legal fees.
  • Travel, supplies, printing, and distribution.
  • Equipment and capital assets needed for the project.
  • Contractor fees, vehicle costs, and reasonable overhead.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Projects focused on water quantity issues.
  • Projects outside the defined geographic area.
  • Projects aimed at increasing production, replacing worn-out equipment, or commercial expansion.
  • Lobbying or direct influence activities targeting government.
  • Wastewater infrastructure projects.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Canadian portion of the Lake of the Woods watershed.
  • Lower Rainy River sub-watershed priority area.

Activities funded

  • Implement and evaluate Best Management Practices and other approaches to reduce phosphorus loads to Lake of the Woods.
  • Implement and evaluate innovative and new approaches or technologies to reduce phosphorus loads to Lake of the Woods.
  • Develop new or enhanced watershed planning that supports taking action on phosphorus.
  • Undertake studies to fill priority knowledge or data gaps.

How to apply

  • Step 1: Access the online system
    • Sign in through the Single Window system using GCKey.
    • Add your organization to your profile to access GCEMS.
  • Step 2: Complete the application
    • Fill in all required sections of the online form.
    • Prepare the project summary, work plan, budget, evaluation plan, and supporting information.
  • Step 3: Submit online
    • Open the funding opportunity in GCEMS and select Apply.
    • Submit the completed application through the portal before the deadline.
  • Step 4: Await review and decision
    • The application is reviewed administratively and then evaluated by ECCC.
    • Successful and unsuccessful applicants are notified in writing.
  • Step 5: Finalize agreement if approved
    • If approved in principle, negotiate a Contribution Agreement with ECCC.
    • Project implementation may begin after official approval, pending agreements or contracts where applicable.

Documents Needed

  • Completed online application form.
  • Project budget and annual funding breakdown.
  • Project work plan.
  • Evaluation plan and performance measures.
  • Supporting documents, such as letters of financial or in-kind support, if applicable.

Selection criteria

  • Project results and expected phosphorus reduction outcomes.
  • Outreach and knowledge mobilization approach.
  • Project feasibility, expertise, and likelihood of success.
  • Ability to estimate phosphorus load reduction.
  • Value for money and additional cash or in-kind support.

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications undergo an administrative review first.
  • Eligible proposals are then evaluated by ECCC against program criteria.
  • Applicants are notified in writing once a decision is made.
  • If approved in principle, a Contribution Agreement is negotiated before funding is finalized.
  • Project spending after notification and before agreement signing may be reimbursable if the agreement is signed.

Additional information

  • Applications are closed.
  • Projects may run for up to three years.
  • Other funding or in-kind support is encouraged but not required.
  • Project results and data should be shared openly.

Contacts

lakeofthewoods-lacdesbois@cwa-aec.gc.ca

Official sources

Lake of the Woods overview

Program guide

Funding for protecting Lake of the Woods
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Lake of the Woods Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Toxic and nuisance algae Program

What is the Lake of the Woods Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Toxic and nuisance algae?

This program supports projects that reduce toxic and nuisance algae in Lake of the Woods. It funds actions such as phosphorus reduction measures, innovative approaches, watershed planning, and studies to fill knowledge gaps.

How much funding can be received?

Lake of the Woods Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Toxic and nuisance algae Funds up to $150,000 of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the Lake of the Woods Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Toxic and nuisance algae program?

To be eligible for the Lake of the Woods Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Toxic and nuisance algae program, you must: Canadian organizations only. Project in Canadian watershed area. Supports phosphorus reduction.

What expenses are eligible under Lake of the Woods Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Toxic and nuisance algae?

Salaries and benefits for project staff. Professional services, including accounting, monitoring, communications, translation, audit, and legal fees. Travel, supplies, printing, and distribution. Equipment and capital assets needed for the project. Contractor fees, vehicle costs, and reasonable overhead.

Who can I contact for more information about the Lake of the Woods Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Toxic and nuisance algae?

You can contact Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) by email at lakeofthewoods-lacdesbois@cwa-aec.gc.ca.

Where is the Lake of the Woods Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Toxic and nuisance algae available?

The Lake of the Woods Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Toxic and nuisance algae program is available the province of Manitoba, Ontario.

Is the Lake of the Woods Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Toxic and nuisance algae a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Lake of the Woods Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative — Toxic and nuisance algae is a Grant and Funding