Since 1995, Environment Canada's EcoAction Community Funding Program has provided financial support to community groups for projects that have measurable, positive impacts on the environment. Funding support can be requested for projects that have an action focus, a community capacity building focus, or a combination of both objectives.

EcoAction encourages project submissions that will protect, rehabilitate or enhance the natural environment, and build the capacity of communities to sustain these activities into the future. Projects require matching funds or in-kind support from other sponsors.

Non-profit groups are eligible to apply to the program. This includes, but is not limited to: community groups, environmental groups, aboriginal groups and First Nations councils, service clubs, associations, and youth and seniors' organizations. Private sector organizations, educational institutions, and municipal, provincial/territorial and federal governments are not eligible applicants, but are encouraged to partner with non-profit organizations.

In keeping with major Environment Canada and Government of Canada environmental priorities, EcoAction supports projects that address the following themes:

• Climate Change - projects focusing on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that contribute to climate change
• Clean Water - projects focusing on the diversion and reduction of substances that negatively affect water quality (e.g., pesticides, fertilizers, household hazardous wastes, etc.) and on the conservation of water resources;
• Nature - projects focusing on protecting wildlife and plants, and protecting and improving the habitat where they live (e.g., grasslands, rivers, forests, etc.); and,
• Clean Air - projects focusing on reducing air emissions that contribute to smog and air toxics issues

Submission deadlines are February 1st and October 1st annually. The maximum amount available per project is $100,000. Applicants must ensure that at least 50 percent of the total value of their project comes from sources other than the federal government.

To obtain more information on applying to the EcoAction Community Funding Program, link to the Your Project: Start to Finish page. For more information on developing a project and on other funding sources, link to the Before You Begin page.

Should you have any comments or questions about this website or EcoAction, please contact us.