Sustainability Grants Program
The Sustainability Grants Program provides funds to support small-scale, community-based environment and sustainability projects that can help reach our climate action and ecosystem health goals.
There is a total of $30,000 available for 2023, and we anticipate successful projects will receive approximately $1,000 to $5,000.
The 2023 application period is open from September 25 to October 30, 2023.
On this page:
- Project eligibility
- Who can apply
- How to apply
- What we ask for in your application
- After you submit your application
- How we evaluate applications
- Who to contact for help
Project eligibility
We are looking for community-led projects that address challenges in one or more of the following categories:
| Project category | Goal | Project example (s) |
|---|---|---|
| Low carbon buildings and energy use reduction | Reduce energy and emissions in existing buildings. |
|
| Low carbon and active transportation | Address vehicle congestion, support active modes of transportation, and focus on safety for vulnerable road users. |
|
| Zero waste | Shifting towards zero waste and a circular economy. |
|
| Healthy ecosystems | Working to restore, enhance, and protect the District’s natural ecosystems. |
|
| Climate adaptation and resilience | Make our community more adaptive and resilient to the impacts of climate change. |
|
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Who can apply
- Registered not-for-profit societies
- Unincorporated local community associations
- Groups and service clubs
- Schools
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How to apply
Before you apply
Before you start your application, we strongly encourage you to contact us to discuss your proposal. Call Bo Ocampo, Environmental Sustainability Specialist, at 604-990-2242, or email sustainabilitygrants@dnv.org.
Once you're ready to apply
You will submit your application online using our grant application system. To apply:
- Review our Sustainability Grants Program Terms of Reference, and the information on this page
- Select the 'Apply now' button to launch the online application system
- If this is your first time applying using our system, you will be asked to create an account
- Once you have created an account, you can complete the online application form (note that you will be able to save your application in progress at any time, and return to complete it later)
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Information we ask for in your application
The application form asks about each of these categories:
- General information about your organization
- Contact details
- Project description
- Project timeline
- Project success metrics
- Recognition of support
- Project budget
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After you apply
When you successfully submit your application, you will receive an email confirming we have received it. Staff will review your application and contact you if they require any additional information.
We’ll notify you about the application result within six weeks following the final submission date.
Successful applicants will need to submit two reports using our reporting form:
- Interim report, submitted six months after receiving initial funding
- Final report, submitted within 12 months of receiving funding
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How we evaluate applications
We use these criteria to evaluate all applications:
- Project contributes to the District’s social and environmental sustainability in one or more of the categories outlined above
- Clear project goals and objectives
- An action plan with attainable goals for timing, delivery, and resources
- Evidence of community support and inclusiveness
- Evidence of financial need and fiscal responsibility
View the previous recipients of the Sustainability Grants Award
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Who to contact for help
If you have questions about the grant or application process, or you need help with your application, contact Bo Ocampo, Environmental Sustainability Specialist, as early as possible at 604-990-2242 or sustainabilitygrants@dnv.org.
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Reaching our climate action and environmental health goals
We're taking action in six key areas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect and enhance ecosystem health and biodiversity, and improve our resilience to climate change.