Closed
Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative
Funding for Lake Winnipeg water quality projects
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Public administration
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 water quality monitoring and training
- Indigenous data sovereignty and traditional knowledge sharing
- Indigenous stewardship capacity building and relationship-building
- Engagement and collaboration on freshwater quality management
Documents Needed
- Letter of Intent
- Full application in GCEMS
- Project budget
- Project work plan
- Performance indicators and targets
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
- Organizations planning projects outside Canada
- For-profit recipients seeking equipment or land securement funding
- Projects focused only on water quantity or beautification
- Projects that are legally required or government-mandated
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and benefits for project staff
- Professional services, travel, materials, printing, and contractors
- Equipment rental or purchases under $10,000
- Land securement costs and eligible overhead up to 15%
- GST/HST and PST not reimbursable by tax authorities
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Lobbyist fees
- Equipment or capital asset purchases or rental for for-profit recipients
- Land securement costs for for-profit recipients
- Projects focused only on water quantity or beautification
- Municipal infrastructure purchases or construction
Eligible geographic areas
- Canadian portion of the Lake Winnipeg basin
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Stage 1 LOIs are reviewed for eligibility and alignment with program priorities.
- Eligible applicants are invited to submit a full application in GCEMS.
- Applications go through administrative screening, technical review, and final review.
- Successful and unsuccessful applicants are notified in writing.
- Approved projects require a Contribution Agreement before funding is released.
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative. 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 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 water quality monitoring and training
Indigenous data sovereignty and traditional knowledge sharing
Indigenous stewardship capacity building and relationship-building
Engagement and collaboration on freshwater quality management
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)