Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026
Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative
Funding for Lake Winnipeg water quality projects
Get notified when Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative reopens
Latest source updateLast Update: October 11, 2026Latest change: The Letter of Intent page now states a November 16, 2026 at 16:00 CDT deadline and clarifies the two-stage application process.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: October 11, 2026
Latest change: The Letter of Intent page now states a November 16, 2026 at 16:00 CDT deadline and clarifies the two-stage application process.
Lake Winnipeg LOI deadline and process updated
The Letter of Intent page for Cultivating collaboration and Indigenous-driven Action now states that completed LOIs must be emailed by November 16, 2026 at 16:00 CDT. It also clarifies that the LOI stage confirms proposed activities are eligible and that selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application; the linked applicant guide and LOI form now point to 2027/2028 and 2026/2027 materials, respectively.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Unspecified
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.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
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
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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
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
Official resources
Program guide
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
- Download, save and fill out the Letter of Intent
- Submit the completed Letter of Intent by email before the deadline
- If invited, complete the full application through the Grants and Contributions Enterprise Management System (GCEMS)
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)