Closed
Nature Smart Climate Readiness Program
Cost-share support for conservation projects
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
$ 40,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Nature Smart Climate Readiness Program offers up to $40,000 per project in cost-share funding. It supports wetland, grassland, and riparian area conservation or restoration projects on Ontario farmland.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 40,000 $
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Conserving existing wetland, grassland, or riparian areas.
- Establishing new wetland, grassland, or riparian areas on agricultural land.
Documents Needed
- Detailed site map based on a satellite image.
- Letter of support or planning document from a qualified third party.
- Completed application form with project costs and bid.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Ontario farm businesses.
- Farm businesses owning farmland in Ontario.
- Farm businesses proposing projects on farmland they own.
Who is not eligible
- Businesses that do not own farmland in Ontario.
- Applicants who do not own the project land.
- Projects involving land used for grazing or agricultural production.
Eligible expenses
- Third-party planning, design, engineering, and technical support.
- Site preparation, excavation, earthwork, equipment rental, and maintenance.
- Planting, specialized planting equipment, and livestock exclusion fencing.
- Permits, erosion control, ditch plugs, and water crossing improvements.
- In-kind labour and opportunity costs for land taken out of production.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Irrigation ponds, landscaping, and biofilters.
- Fencing not tied to livestock exclusion.
- Grazing areas or land accessed by livestock.
- Harvest-related vegetation establishment and invasive species planting.
- Travel, meals, accommodations, land purchase, and financing-related costs.
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed only during intake periods.
- Applications are assessed competitively against other submissions.
- Written approval is sent by email if funding is allocated.
- A signed Conservation Agreement is required before payment is issued.
- Projects may be inspected during the 10-year agreement and funding may need to be repaid if conditions are not maintained.
Additional information
- A Conservation Agreement is required before payment.
- Projects are subject to inspection during the agreement period.
- Nature Smart funding cannot be used for federal or provincial carbon credit programs during the agreement term.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nature Smart Climate Readiness Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Nature Smart Climate Readiness Program. 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 Nature Smart Climate Readiness Program?
Nature Smart Climate Readiness Program offers up to $40,000 per project in cost-share funding. It supports wetland, grassland, and riparian area conservation or restoration projects on Ontario farmland.
How much funding can be received?
Nature Smart Climate Readiness Program Funds up to $40,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Nature Smart Climate Readiness Program program?
To be eligible for the Nature Smart Climate Readiness Program program, you must:
Own farmland in Ontario.
Own the project land.
Sign a 10-year agreement.
What expenses are eligible under Nature Smart Climate Readiness Program?
Conserving existing wetland, grassland, or riparian areas.
Establishing new wetland, grassland, or riparian areas on agricultural land.
Who can I contact for more information about the Nature Smart Climate Readiness Program?
You can contact Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) by email at naturesmart@ontariosoilcrop.org or by phone at none.
Where is the Nature Smart Climate Readiness Program available?
The Nature Smart Climate Readiness Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Nature Smart Climate Readiness Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Nature Smart Climate Readiness Program is a Grant and Funding