Open
Source verified September 18, 2026
Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative
Supports freshwater ecosystem projects in the Mackenzie Basin
Latest source updateLast Update: September 18, 2026Latest change: The Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative is now open for applications with a new October 28, 2026 deadline, revised eligibility and project priorities, and updated funding terms.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 18, 2026
Latest change: The Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative is now open for applications with a new October 28, 2026 deadline, revised eligibility and project priorities, and updated funding terms.
Mackenzie River call reopened with new 2027-2028 rules
The Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative has reopened for the 2027-2028 call, with applications due October 28, 2026 and submission required through GCEMS. The page also adds a 2027-2028 applicant guide and a budget planning tool contact at Mackenzie@cwa-aec.gc.ca. Eligibility, project scope, and ineligible activities were substantially revised, including updated priorities for science and knowledge, Indigenous knowledge and engagement, and resiliency and adaptation, along with expanded exclusions such as projects focused solely on water quantity, drinking water, groundwater, marine environments, water temperature, fish habitat, or barriers to navigation. Funding terms now specify a maximum per project, projects beginning on or after April 1, 2027 and ending by March 31, 2030, and matching requirements of 35% for non-Indigenous-led projects and 10% for Indigenous-led projects.
Funding available
$ 200,000
Deadline
October 28, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
The Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative supports eligible Canadian-based organizations in the Mackenzie River Basin to improve water quality and aquatic ecosystem health through partner-led actions under the Federal Freshwater Action Plan. Funded activities include collecting and sharing freshwater knowledge, Indigenous Knowledge gathering and capacity building, and collaborative training, outreach, monitoring, tools, and adaptation work.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 200,000 $
- Up to 90% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 100 employees maximum
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Activities funded
- Advancing Science and Knowledge projects that address knowledge gaps by collecting, analyzing, sharing and/or using information to increase knowledge and/or understanding of stressors threatening freshwater quality and aquatic ecosystem health.
- Indigenous Knowledge, Capacity Building and Engagement projects that support Indigenous-led efforts to advance knowledge of freshwater quality issues, build capacity of Indigenous governments, communities and organizations, and enable participation of Indigenous youth.
- Enabling Resiliency and Adaptation projects that encourage collaborative efforts to improve freshwater quality and freshwater stewardship, including innovative tools, on-the-ground actions, training, outreach, knowledge sharing, and citizen science initiatives.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian-based organizations are eligible to apply.
- Indigenous governments, organizations, boards, communities, and associations.
- Not-for-profit organizations such as charitable and volunteer organizations, professional associations, and non-governmental organizations.
- Research, academic and educational institutions; regional, municipal and local governments.
- Local organizations such as community associations and groups, seniors’ and youth groups, and service clubs; for-profit organizations such as small businesses with fewer than 100 employees.
Who is not eligible
- Federal, provincial and territorial governments are not eligible funding recipients.
Eligible expenses
- Human resource costs including salaries and benefits.
- Management and professional service costs such as accounting, monitoring, communications, official language translation, audits, and legal fees.
- Hospitality, travel and venues/conference expenses that are attributed directly to carrying out the project in accordance with the Treasury Board Secretariat’s Directives on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures.
- Costs associated with an Indigenous participation or ceremony, and honoraria offered to Indigenous Elders and/or Knowledge Keepers related to specific participation activities.
- Materials and supplies costs; printing, production, and distribution costs; equipment and Capital Assets purchases or rental; vehicle rental and operation costs; contractors required to perform activities related to the project; a reasonable share (20% or less) of overhead and/or administrative costs directly attributed to project delivery; and any GST/HST that is not reimbursable by the Canada Revenue Agency and any PST not reimbursable by the provinces.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Monitoring and data collection as stand-alone projects; projects that have a single issue action focus such as stream clean-ups, attending conferences, training, workshops and meetings.
- Projects that are focused solely on water quantity, drinking water, groundwater, or marine environments; water temperature; fish and/or fish habitat, including sediment transport; or barriers to navigation.
- Projects designed only to beautify an area; the purchase of land; projects required by law and/or mandated by a level of government; capital or operating costs of infrastructure projects.
- Expenditures related to lobbyist fees.
- For for-profit recipients: Equipment and Capital Assets purchase or rental; and costs associated with land securement.
Eligible geographic areas
- Mackenzie River Basin
Selection criteria
- Strong linkages to the Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative program priorities, with priority given to projects being implemented along or near the mainstem of the Mackenzie River, contributing waters and/or watersheds that directly discharge into it.
- Partnerships through collaboration with other organizations.
- Scientific and/or technical soundness, including detailed methodology and techniques for scientific, research, or nutrient reduction components.
- Project management capacity and financial management capacity.
- Indigenous-led efforts and/or Indigenous Knowledge; builds on/integrates existing research and knowledge/Indigenous Knowledge; communication of results and knowledge.
How to apply
- Submit the project proposal using GCEMS, Environment and Climate Change Canada’s online application system.
- Register in GCEMS in advance of the call for application deadline to view the Applicant Guide and begin your application.
- Complete the budget in GCEMS 24 hours before the deadline.
Processing and Agreement
- Completed applications received before the deadline undergo a three-stage review: administrative review, technical review, and Application Review Committee review.
- All applicants are notified in writing via email, whether successful or unsuccessful.
- If approved, applicants are contacted to negotiate a Contribution Agreement, and funding is conditional on successful negotiation.
- Approved recipients must submit reports throughout the duration of the project, and payments are based on reporting and cannot be made until a report has been submitted, reviewed, and approved by a CWA project officer.
- A final report is required at project end, and the final payment will not be provided until the final report is submitted and approved by CWA; a minimum 10% holdback applies.
Additional information
- The initiative is part of the Federal Freshwater Action Plan and supports partner-led actions addressing regional freshwater challenges and priorities.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative Program
What is the Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative?
The Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative supports eligible Canadian-based organizations in the Mackenzie River Basin to improve water quality and aquatic ecosystem health through partner-led actions under the Federal Freshwater Action Plan. Funded activities include collecting and sharing freshwater knowledge, Indigenous Knowledge gathering and capacity building, and collaborative training, outreach, monitoring, tools, and adaptation work.
How much funding can be received?
Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses, capped at $200,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is October 28, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative program?
To be eligible for the Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative program, you must:
The applicant must be a Canadian-based organization.
The project must be implemented by domestic partners within the Mackenzie River Basin.
The project must address at least one of the three program priorities.
What expenses are eligible under Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative?
Advancing Science and Knowledge projects that address knowledge gaps by collecting, analyzing, sharing and/or using information to increase knowledge and/or understanding of stressors threatening freshwater quality and aquatic ecosystem health.
Indigenous Knowledge, Capacity Building and Engagement projects that support Indigenous-led efforts to advance knowledge of freshwater quality issues, build capacity of Indigenous governments, communities and organizations, and enable participation of Indigenous youth.
Enabling Resiliency and Adaptation projects that encourage collaborative efforts to improve freshwater quality and freshwater stewardship, including innovative tools, on-the-ground actions, training, outreach, knowledge sharing, and citizen science initiatives.
Who can I contact for more information about the Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative?
You can contact Government of Canada by email at Mackenzie@cwa-aec.gc.ca.
Where is the Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative available?
The Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative program is available across Canada.