The province of Ontario, and every city, town, and county within it, has big environmental and sustainability goals. Whether it’s increasing our renewable energy usage or ensuring our water supply is safe and clean, it is difficult to know how we, as citizens, can play a role in large-scale environmental projects.
Nature-focused work at the community level is a great way to make these larger goals more approachable. These four Ontario cottage regions offer grants for small initiatives to get you and your cottager group started.
Lake of Bays Environmental Projects Grant Program
The Township of Lake of Bays is encouraging residents and local groups to apply to the Environmental Projects Grant Program. While the primary focus of this initiative is to improve water and ecosystem quality, funding is available for work of any kind that preserves nature or promotes sustainability.
This grant program has three divisions: the Habitat Fund, which offers up to $500; the Biodiversity Fund, with up to $1,000; and the Watershed Fund, which can provide up to $5,000. Applications for the Habitat and Biodiversity Funds are accepted between April 1 and June 30, and again between October 1 and December 31. The Watershed Fund only considers applications in the latter period.
South Nation Conservation Community Environmental Grants
These grants are available to community groups planning nature events within the South Nation Conservation Authority’s watershed jurisdiction. In particular, the program supports events that provide environmental education, allow residents to enjoy nature responsibly, promote sustainable farming, celebrate natural history in the region, and enhance local ecosystems.
Approved projects will receive a grant of either $250 or $500 depending on the size and nature of the activity. South Nation Conservation reviews applications throughout the year.
Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Grants
The LSRCA provides grants to landowners in the region for environmental projects on their property. The initiatives considered include opportunities to enhance and restore wildlife habitat on one’s property, and planting trees and shrubs. Community groups and schools are also welcome to apply for funding towards local environmental events, such as tree planting, citizen science projects, and educational programs.
Maximum funding—which varies as much as the projects the LSRCA supports—ranges from $500 to $20,000. It will cover anywhere from 50 to 100 per cent of the costs depending on the type of project. Applications are accepted year-round.
Prince Edward County Municipal Community Grants
Grants in Prince Edward County are provided through The County Foundation. Among other kinds of community work, the organization will fund environmental projects that focus on nature conservation, education, and restoration.
Proposals are reviewed in the spring for projects to be completed in the following year. Applicants must be community organizations, which the foundation defines as “groups of people working collectively with volunteer governance, without profit motives, for the benefit of the Prince Edward County community.” Approved projects can expect to receive anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 in funding, but especially impactful outstanding initiatives may receive up to the maximum grant of $15,000.
Know of another nature project grant in Ontario? We’d love to hear from you! Email edit@cottagelife.com to tell us about funding opportunities in your area.
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