Closed
Source verified July 8, 2026
The Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund (EDRF)
Environmental legal funding for BC communities
Funding available
$ 50,000
Deadline
March 25, 2026
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Who can apply
Individuals, community groups, grassroots movements, non-profit organizations, and First Nations.
See full eligibility
Overview
Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund (EDRF) supports individuals, community groups, non-profit organizations, and First Nations in British Columbia with legal help for environmental disputes, with Stage 1 grants up to $4,025 and Stage 2 grants up to $20,925. Eligible support includes lawyers’ fees, expert fees, mediators, and reasonable disbursements for negotiations, mediation, court, or tribunal work.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
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
Activities funded
- Legal advice and representation on environmental issues
- Legal opinions on the strength of a potential legal challenge
- Litigation, including court cases and appeals
- Participation in administrative tribunals and alternative dispute resolution
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Letter from your lawyer or expert
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Individuals, community groups, grassroots movements, non-profit organizations, and First Nations.
Who is not eligible
- Businesses and organizations seeking support for general operating costs
- Applicants seeking funding for non-legal campaign expenses
- Applicants seeking support for criminal defense
- Applicants seeking assistance to purchase land
Eligible expenses
- Lawyer fees at approved rates
- Expert fees, including scientific and Indigenous experts
- Mediation and other alternative dispute resolution specialist fees
- Reasonable disbursements such as filing, copying, postage, and travel
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- General operating expenses
- Non-legal campaign expenses
- Adverse cost awards
- Purchase of land
- Defense against criminal charges
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
Selection criteria
- Ability to use legal tools effectively as part of a broader campaign.
- Ability to run a broader community-based campaign, including raising funds toward a client contribution toward legal fees, will be given priority.
- Due consideration is given to the customs, traditions, rules and legal orders of the Indigenous peoples concerned.
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact the Access to Justice team
- Reach out before completing the form.
- Confirm whether the matter appears eligible.
- Get help identifying the correct funding stage.
- Step 2: Prepare the application
- Download the application form.
- Gather the required lawyer or expert letter.
- Use the checklist to complete the package.
- Step 3: Submit by email
- Send the completed application by email to legalaid@wcel.org.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first reviewed by staff.
- Staff contact the applicant and/or the lawyer or expert if there are questions or suggestions for the application.
- Applications are then reviewed by the EDRF Management Committee, which may approve, decline, or defer them, and it can also review applications on an emergency basis when time is of the essence.
- If approved, WCEL sends documentation confirming the funding.
- When the work is completed, WCEL requires a reporting letter from the lawyer with summary details on actions taken and an analysis of achievements made; the EDRF eligible portion of invoices is paid directly to the lawyer or expert after the client reviews and approves the invoice.
Additional information
- WCEL sets 5 regular application intake dates each year, posted on its website.
- The committee can review applications on an emergency basis when time is of the essence.
- WCEL can assist applicants in completing their application forms.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the The Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund (EDRF) Program
What is the The Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund (EDRF)?
Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund (EDRF) supports individuals, community groups, non-profit organizations, and First Nations in British Columbia with legal help for environmental disputes, with Stage 1 grants up to $4,025 and Stage 2 grants up to $20,925. Eligible support includes lawyers’ fees, expert fees, mediators, and reasonable disbursements for negotiations, mediation, court, or tribunal work.
How much funding can be received?
The Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund (EDRF) Funds up to $50,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the The Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund (EDRF) program?
To be eligible for the The Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund (EDRF) program, you must:
The application must address issues of public importance and/or community interest.
The matter must be an environmental legal dispute or issue that can be effectively resolved with a lawyer's assistance.
The applicant must need legal help.
What expenses are eligible under The Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund (EDRF)?
Legal advice and representation on environmental issues
Legal opinions on the strength of a potential legal challenge
Litigation, including court cases and appeals
Participation in administrative tribunals and alternative dispute resolution
Who can I contact for more information about the The Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund (EDRF)?
You can contact WCEL (WCEL) by email at legalaid@wcel.org or by phone at 604-684-7378 ext. 229.
Where is the The Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund (EDRF) available?
The The Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund (EDRF) program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the The Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund (EDRF) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
The Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund (EDRF) is a Grant and Funding