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Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative - Winnipeg - Manitoba - Canada
Closed
Source verified May 28, 2026

Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative

Funding for Lake Winnipeg water quality projects
Offered by
Canada Water Agency (CWA)
Official source: canada.ca
Latest source update
Last Update: May 17, 2026
Latest change: The Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative now shows detailed eligibility, funding, and application instructions for the Cultivating Collaboration and Indigenous-driven Action stream, including a closed LOI stage and email contact.
View change
Lake Winnipeg FEI application details updated
The Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative now includes a full program section for Cultivating Collaboration and Indigenous-driven Action, with detailed eligibility, eligible and ineligible costs, performance indicators, and funding conditions. It also adds a two-stage application process with a Letter of Intent stage that is closed, email submission instructions, and the GCEMS application path for invited applicants. The update also clarifies the funding period for this stream, the matching requirement, and the contact email for questions. It appears that the program now distinguishes more clearly between the Indigenous-focused stream and the Nutrient Reduction stream for 2026/27 applications.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Closed
Location
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Who can apply

Indigenous organizations, governments, boards, commissions, communities, associations, and authorities.

See full eligibility

Overview

Provides funding for partner-led projects that improve Lake Winnipeg’s water quality and ecological health. Supports Indigenous-led stewardship, collaboration, and freshwater quality initiatives in the Canadian portion of the basin.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Improve governance or administrative structure
  • Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
  • Varies by project
Funds Providers

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Winnipeg
  • Manitoba
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
  • Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • Environment
Target groups
  • Indigenous peoples
  • Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • Regional

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Community-based water quality monitoring and training.
  • Indigenous data sovereignty and traditional knowledge sharing.
  • Indigenous stewardship capacity building and intergenerational knowledge transfer.
  • Collaboration and relationship-building on freshwater quality issues.

Documents Needed

  • Letter of Intent
  • Full application in GCEMS
  • Project budget

Official resources

Official page

Funding through the Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative

Program guide

Cultivating Collaboration and Indigenous-driven Action

Cultivating Collaboration and Indigenous-Driven Action: Applicant Guide for 2026/2027

Cultivating collaboration and Indigenous-driven Action:Letter of intent

Application form

Letter of Intent - Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative Cultivating Collaboration and Indigenous-Driven Action

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Indigenous organizations, governments, boards, commissions, communities, associations, and authorities.
  • Not-for-profit organizations.
  • Research, academic, and educational institutions.
  • For-profit organizations, including small businesses with fewer than 500 employees.
  • Municipal and local governments.

Who is not eligible

  • Projects implemented outside Canada.
  • Projects focused only on water quantity issues.
  • Projects designed only to beautify an area.
  • Projects required by law or mandated by government.

Eligible expenses

  • Salaries and benefits for project staff.
  • Professional services, travel, venue, printing, and contractor costs.
  • Equipment and capital assets under $10,000, or rental costs.
  • Materials, supplies, vehicle use, land securement, and eligible overhead.
  • GST/HST and PST not reimbursable by tax authorities.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Lobbyist fees.
  • Equipment and capital assets purchase or rental for for-profit recipients.
  • Land securement costs for for-profit recipients.
  • Projects focused only on water quantity, beautification, or activities outside Canada.
  • Municipal infrastructure purchases or construction.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Canadian portion of the Lake Winnipeg basin.

Selection criteria

  • Quality of the application.
  • Alignment with program priorities.
  • Completeness of the submission.

How to apply

  • Step 1: Prepare the Letter of Intent
    • Download and complete the LOI form.
    • Submit the completed LOI by email.
  • Step 2: Complete the full application
    • If invited, complete the detailed application in GCEMS.
    • Provide the required project information and supporting details.

Processing and Agreement

  • LOIs are reviewed first.
  • Eligible projects are invited to submit a full application through GCEMS.
  • Applications are evaluated competitively on quality, alignment with program priorities, and completeness.
  • Applications are reviewed before a final funding decision is made.

Additional information

  • Applications are reviewed in two stages.
  • Letter of Intent submissions are by email.
  • Successful applicants must sign a Contribution Agreement.
  • Reports are required during the project and at the end.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative Program

What is the Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative?

Provides funding for partner-led projects that improve Lake Winnipeg’s water quality and ecological health. Supports Indigenous-led stewardship, collaboration, and freshwater quality initiatives in the Canadian portion of the basin.

Who is eligible for the Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative program?

To be eligible for the Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative program, you must: Project in the Canadian basin Indigenous-led or partnered One performance indicator required

What expenses are eligible under Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative?

Community-based water quality monitoring and training. Indigenous data sovereignty and traditional knowledge sharing. Indigenous stewardship capacity building and intergenerational knowledge transfer. Collaboration and relationship-building on freshwater quality issues.

Who can I contact for more information about the Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative?

You can contact Canada Water Agency (CWA).

Where is the Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative available?

The Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative program is available the province of Manitoba.

Is the Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative is a Partnering and Collaboration

Who are the financial supporters of the Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative?

Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative is funded by Canada Water Agency (CWA), Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)