List of Canadian Grants
National Grants
The North Face's Explore Fund
The Explore Fund will support organizations (charity status) that encourage youth outdoor participation, focusing primarily on creating more connections of children to nature, increasing access to both front & backcountry recreation, as well as providing education for both personal & environmental health. Grants will be given up to $2,500. (Deadline is usually in May each year).
Mountain Equipment Co-Op’s Access and Activity Grant
Funding from MEC ranges from $500-$15,000 for programs, initiatives and infrastructure projects that encourage backcountry, urban and near-urban outdoor recreation. Annual application dates: March 10 and September 10.
Supports individuals and non-profits who want to participate in an Environmental Assessment.
Canadian Geological Foundation
Three tiered funding for various geology-related projects. Deadline for application is March every year.
Funds projects that will protect, rehabilitate or enhance the natural environment, and build the capacity of communities to sustain these activities into the future. Maximum funding of $100,000, with funding match in kind.
Environment Canada's Species at Risk Habitat Stewardship
Selected projects protect or conserve habitats for species listed as “at risk” (endangered, threatened or of special concern) under the Species at Risk Act. These activities must take place on private lands, provincial Crown lands, Aboriginal lands, or in aquatic and marine areas across Canada. The program also fosters partnerships among organizations interested in the recovery of species at risk.
TD Bank’s Friends of the Environment Foundation
Provides funding for non-profits with a charitable registration number for tax credits. Various funding amounts.
Evergreen - Walmart Grant
Environmental and restoration focused grants including planting of native species, rehabilitation of wildlife, and invasive species removal. Up to 50% of project budget, up to $10,000.
Mclean Foundation
General grant organization, with some projects conservation focused.
Farm Credit Canada
Focuses on rural community development, including recreation centres and community green spaces.
Provincial Grants
This is an ongoing project! If your club or organization knows of any other relevant grants that aren’t listed here, contact us.
Alberta
Various community or region based conservation focused grants.
Community Facility Enhancement Program
Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) funding provides financial assistance to acquire, build, purchase, repair, renovate, upgrade or expand sports, recreational, cultural or other related public-use community facilities.
BC
Community Gaming Grants support eligible not-for-profit organizations that deliver community programs that benefit the citizens of British Columbia. This page includes information about these grants, including: eligibility, grant amounts, application periods, how to apply, online application resources (tutorials, tips, FAQs, etc.) and more.
The Community, Culture, and Recreation (CCR) Program supports cost-sharing of infrastructure projects in communities across the province.
On September 12, 2018 the Canadian and British Columbian governments committed up to $134 million towards an initial intake of the Community, Culture, and Recreation (CCR) Program.
If your organization is looking to rehabilitate, enhance or develop new recreational trails, this program could be for you.
The types of projects that are eligible for Trail Enhancement Grants include:
- The rehabilitation of trails damaged due to a large/catastrophic weather events.
- The development of new trails that promote accessibility to attract a greater variety of users.
- The rehabilitation or development of:
- trails that incorporate identified Indigenous cultural or heritage values
- connector trails
- trailside and trailhead recreation facilities e.g. signs, washrooms, picnic tables, benches, gazebos, garbage cans and huts
- trails to mitigate identified environmental issues
- aging trail infrastructure e.g. culverts, boardwalks and bridges.
Nova Scotia
The Trail Maintenance Program will provide funding to groups who are involved in regular maintenance as well as emergency funding to groups who have experienced major maintenance issues due to fire, flooding, hurricanes, etc.
Ontario
Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion’s Healthy Communities Fund
Funding varies depending on stream (regional/province wide) and project type.
Ontario Trillium Foundation Grants
Non-profits without share capital are eligible. The focus is on communities, getting people active, and increasing volunteerism. Funding depends on project—both small and large capital grants.
Québec
Fondation Desjardins
Desjardins valorise la santé et les saines habitudes de vie en soutenant des projets visant à accroître la qualité de vie et le bien-être physique et mental des individus et des collectivités.
Ministère des Ressources Naturelles et de la Faune du Québec, « Le Volet II »
Programme de mise en valeur des ressources du milieu forestier. Ministère des Affaires municipales, des Régions et de l’Occupation du territoire, « Pacte Rural ».
Ministère du Tourisme du Québec
Programme d’aide stratégique aux projets touristiques.
Ministère de l’Éducation, Loisirs et Sports du Québec
Fonds pour le développement du sport et de l’activité physique. Centre Local de Développement (CLD)
Ministère de l’Éducation, Loisirs et Sports du Québec
Fonds pour le développement du sport et de l’activité physique. Centre Local de Développement (CLD).
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