Closed
Source verified June 14, 2026
Ontario Community Environment Fund — General Funding
Supports local environmental restoration projects in Ontario
Funding available
$ 5,000
Deadline
September 24, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
Ontario Community Environment Fund supports local environmental restoration projects in Ontario with region-based funding. It covers community projects such as habitat restoration, tree planting, shoreline cleanup, invasive species control, and environmental monitoring.
/100
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
- Minimum amount : 5,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Primary and Secondary Education
- Higher Education
- Other Education
- Environment
Target groups
- General public
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Environmental restoration and remediation projects
- Projects that improve community resilience to environmental issues
- Habitat restoration, shoreline cleanup, tree planting, and invasive species control
- Environmental monitoring and conservation-related local solutions
Documents Needed
- Completed application form through Transfer Payment Ontario
- Detailed project budget using the OCEF budget template
- Signed letters from project partners or other funders, if applicable
- Copies of required permits, approvals, or permit applications, if applicable
- Project location map or sketch
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous communities and organizations
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Municipalities
- Incorporated not-for-profit organizations
- Incorporated community-based groups
Who is not eligible
- Provincial or federal government departments, agencies, boards, and commissions
- Conservation authorities
- Individuals
- For-profit organizations
Eligible expenses
- Staff or labour costs directly related to the project
- Materials, supplies, and equipment rental
- Consulting and technical services
- Travel, accommodation, and project marketing
- Workshop, conference, and training costs related to the project
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Overhead and core administrative costs such as rent, telephone, internet, and utilities
- Costs incurred before the Transfer Payment Agreement takes effect
- Beautification-only activities not tied to native restoration
- Capital expenses such as vehicles, office furniture, computers, or building renovations
- Hospitality, entertainment, refundable HST, insurance, and legal costs
Eligible geographic areas
- Southwest region of Ontario
- West Central region of Ontario
- Northern region of Ontario
Selection criteria
- Environmental need and project purpose - 15%
- Environmental benefits and challenges - 15%
- Measuring success - 10%
- Community support and involvement - 10%
- Project design, methodology, and value for money - 30%
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the application guide
- Read the OCEF application guide and instructions.
- Step 2: Register or log in to Transfer Payment Ontario
- Create or access a Transfer Payment Ontario account.
- Complete registration before starting the application.
- Step 3: Complete the application form
- Fill out the form online through Transfer Payment Ontario.
- Follow the application instructions in the portal.
- Step 4: Upload supporting documents and submit
- Attach the required documents and project budget.
- Submit the application electronically through Transfer Payment Ontario.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first checked for eligibility and completeness.
- Eligible applications are then reviewed for technical merit and feasibility.
- The ministry evaluates environmental and community benefit.
- Successful applicants must sign a Transfer Payment Agreement before funding is released.
- The agreement sets the activities, timelines, payment schedule, and reporting requirements.
Additional information
- Applications are reviewed in two stages: administrative review and application review.
- Successful applicants must sign a Transfer Payment Agreement before funding is released.
- Recipients must report on project progress and results, including expenditures.
- Projects may be funded in instalments, depending on scope and timeline.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Community Environment Fund — General Funding Program
What is the Ontario Community Environment Fund — General Funding?
Ontario Community Environment Fund supports local environmental restoration projects in Ontario with region-based funding. It covers community projects such as habitat restoration, tree planting, shoreline cleanup, invasive species control, and environmental monitoring.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Community Environment Fund — General Funding program?
To be eligible for the Ontario Community Environment Fund — General Funding program, you must:
Based in an eligible Ontario region
Environmental restoration focus
Eligible legal entity
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Community Environment Fund — General Funding?
Environmental restoration and remediation projects
Projects that improve community resilience to environmental issues
Habitat restoration, shoreline cleanup, tree planting, and invasive species control
Environmental monitoring and conservation-related local solutions
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Community Environment Fund — General Funding?
You can contact Ontario Community Environment Fund by email at OCEF@ontario.ca or by phone at 437-212-0820.
Where is the Ontario Community Environment Fund — General Funding available?
The Ontario Community Environment Fund — General Funding program is available across Canada.
Is the Ontario Community Environment Fund — General Funding a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Ontario Community Environment Fund — General Funding is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Ontario Community Environment Fund — General Funding?
Ontario Community Environment Fund — General Funding is funded by Ontario Community Environment Fund