Stewardship Seed Funding

• Completed pre-approval application form
• Itemized estimated project cost breakdown
• Site overview
• Site location map
• Current site condition photos

Who is eligible?

• Volunteer-based non-profit stewardship groups
• Not-for-profit organizations working on watershed restoration, enhancement, or research

Who is not eligible

• For-profit businesses and commercial organizations
• Organizations without not-for-profit status
• Projects located outside the Regional District of Nanaimo

Eligible expenses

• Native plants, fencing materials, and other on-site project supplies
• Permit application fees and related approvals
• Professional consulting for restoration design and planning
• On-site volunteer support costs, such as lunch for work parties

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Items not specifically used on-site for the project
• Items that will be used for other projects
• Work started without the required approvals or permits

Eligible geographic areas

• Regional District of Nanaimo
• Electoral Areas A, B, C, E, F, G, and H
• Member municipalities of Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville, and Qualicum Beach

• Merit of the application
• Fit with current program priorities
• Priority for actions recommended by RDN-supported stream assessments or water quality monitoring

• Step 1: Prepare the pre-approval package
  • Complete the Stewardship Seed Funding Pre-approval Application form.
  • Prepare an itemized estimated project cost breakdown.
  • Include a site overview, a location map, and current site condition photos.
  • Add permits, letters of support, or site recommendations if applicable.
• Step 2: Submit the pre-approval application
  • Email the package to waterstewardship@rdn.bc.ca.
  • Or mail or deliver it to the Drinking Water & Watershed Protection Program at the Regional District of Nanaimo.
  • Wait for confirmation and, if approved, an acceptance letter.
• Step 3: Complete the eligible work
  • Carry out the approved project within the calendar year.
  • Make sure required permissions and permits are in place before work begins.
  • The RDN may inspect or verify the site before funds are issued.
• Step 4: Submit the claim form
  • Complete the Stewardship Seed Funding Claim Form.
  • Attach paid receipts or invoices, completion photos, and the post-project maintenance plan.
  • Send the claim and supporting documents to waterstewardship@rdn.bc.ca or by mail or delivery to the RDN address.
• Step 5: Receive payment
  • The RDN allows about 6 weeks for payment after the claim is processed.

• Applications receive a confirmation and are processed in about two to three weeks.
• Projects are reviewed based on merit and fit with current program priorities.
• If approved, the applicant receives an acceptance letter and funds are reserved for the calendar year.
• The RDN may inspect or verify the site before pre-approval or fund issuance.
• A claim form and supporting documents are required before payment, which is issued after claim processing.

• Stream restoration tools may be borrowed through the RDN Tool Lending Library.