North American Partnership for Environmental Community Action (NAPECA)
Program Category:
Climate Adaptation
Program Sub-Category:
Environmental Stewardship
Status: Closed
Funder
Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC)
Deadline Details
The NAPECA grant program occurs biennially. The recent cycle was in 2024, and a new cycle is anticipated in September 2026.
This NAPECA grant cycle aims to support climate adaptation in North America by engaging and empowering communities, particularly Indigenous and local communities, in applying Indigenous Knowledge to strengthen community-based resilience to climate change. The CEC is calling for proposals from organizations to support environmental initiatives that will help North American communities enhance climate adaptation by working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities to recognize, apply, and protect traditional and Indigenous knowledge systems.
The CEC will support projects and partnerships that are led by or promote the active participation of Indigenous governments, organizations, communities and individuals in recognition of their Indigenous rights and knowledge systems pertaining to environmental decision-making.
Eligible projects could address such topics as the sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems through Indigenous knowledge and practices, reducing habitat loss to conserve biodiversity and land, strengthening climate action to achieve a low-carbon emission economy (considering scientific, technical and Indigenous Knowledge), improving air quality, improving community support networks to deal with times of crisis, and implementing nature-based solutions. Priority will be given to long-term environmental solutions that can demonstrate, through qualitative and/or quantitative indicators, a direct impact on communities, their well-being and health, their territories and capacities to address and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
See the Call for Proposals for more information.
Eligible Community
- Indigenous governments, councils and organizations
Funding Stacking Restrictions
Yes
NAPECA grants cannot be used for projects that are currently receiving financial support from Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Application Limit per Community
1
Specific Eligibility Requirements
NAPECA does not support businesses, private individuals, or municipal, provincial/state, territorial and federal governments, except for tribal nations, and Indigenous Peoples and communities. However, proposals from qualified organizations partnering with the private sector or local government entities are eligible. Additionally, NAPECA grants cannot be used for projects that are currently receiving financial support from Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Other Eligible Applicants
Indigenous OrganizationsNon-governmental Organizations / Not-for-Profits
Academic Institutions
- Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), environmental groups and community-based associations; and
- Universities, academic and public research institutions.
Type of Funding
- Grant
Range of Funding Available per Project
- Under $100 000
- From $100 000 to $1 000 000
Description of Funding
The CEC encourages applicants to submit proposals up to C$185,000 and will consider additional funds (where available) for exceptional projects.
The CEC recognizes that a project can have a great impact at a low cost; therefore, no minimum grant amount has been established.
Eligible Costs
See the Call for Proposals for a list of eligible project types.
Ineligible Costs
The following projects and activities are not eligible for funding:
- Activities for which the local, state/provincial or federal government is responsible (e.g., construction of roads, bridges, sewage treatment plants);
- Purchase of motor vehicles, property, or land;
- Renovations;
- Pursuing legal action;
- Projects dedicated exclusively to planning;
- Projects meant only to beautify an area;
- Lobbying or advocacy;
- Annual or regular organizational events/campaigns;
- Expenses to attend general conferences; and
- Projects implemented outside the territory of the three ECA member countries.
Reporting Requirements
Progress reports and final reports
Expected Timeframe for Funding Decision
5 monthsExamples of recent NAPECA projects can be found at: www.cec-org/napeca