Closed
Species Conservation Program
Funding for species at risk conservation in Ontario
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : November 27, 2025
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Species Conservation Program provides annual funding for projects that protect and conserve species at risk and their habitats in Ontario. It supports habitat restoration, public education and outreach, threat mitigation, surveys and monitoring, research, and local or Indigenous knowledge collection.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : November 27, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Public administration
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- 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
- Other Education
- Research
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Habitat preservation, rehabilitation, and enhancement
- Public education and outreach on species conservation
- Direct threat mitigation and recovery actions
- Field surveys, monitoring, and research
- Land securement for long-term protection of species at risk
Documents Needed
- Completed 2026-27 SCP Application Form
- Supporting documents required by the application form
- Budget table spreadsheet
- Proof of insurance, if approved
- Transfer payment agreement, if approved
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Academic institutions
- Businesses and consulting companies
- Indigenous communities and organizations
- Municipal and local governments
- Non-government organizations
Who is not eligible
- Provincial government ministries
- Federal government departments and agencies
- Unincorporated informal groups or clubs
Eligible expenses
- Staff wages and mandatory benefits directly tied to project delivery
- Materials and supplies
- Third-party services and consultant fees
- Transportation, accommodation, and public meeting hospitality costs
- Equipment or capital items, administration, support services, and land securement costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Expenses beyond the approved funding amount
- Alcohol and other non-eligible food or beverage costs
- Costs required by law or legal obligations under species-at-risk legislation
- Direct funding to provincial government ministries or federal departments and agencies
- Profit margins or unrelated expenses
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through a multi-stage assessment process.
- Applications are evaluated against program objectives, annual priorities, project value, design, partnerships, and value for money.
- Applicants are notified in writing of the decision.
- Successful applicants must enter into a transfer payment agreement before payments are made.
- The ministry may request clarification or additional information during assessment.
Additional information
- Projects can be multi-year, spanning 1 to 5 years.
- Successful applicants must sign a transfer payment agreement before payments are made.
- The ministry may ask for clarification or additional information during review.
- Applicants should consult the 2026-27 program guidelines for full details.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Species Conservation Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Species Conservation 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 Species Conservation Program?
The Species Conservation Program provides annual funding for projects that protect and conserve species at risk and their habitats in Ontario. It supports habitat restoration, public education and outreach, threat mitigation, surveys and monitoring, research, and local or Indigenous knowledge collection.
Who is eligible for the Species Conservation Program program?
To be eligible for the Species Conservation Program program, you must:
Legal entity
Benefit species at risk
Support program objectives
What expenses are eligible under Species Conservation Program?
Habitat preservation, rehabilitation, and enhancement
Public education and outreach on species conservation
Direct threat mitigation and recovery actions
Field surveys, monitoring, and research
Land securement for long-term protection of species at risk
Who can I contact for more information about the Species Conservation Program?
You can contact Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.
Where is the Species Conservation Program available?
The Species Conservation Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Species Conservation Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Species Conservation Program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Species Conservation Program?
Species Conservation Program is funded by Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks