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Environmental Damages Fund

Program Category: Climate Adaptation, Built Environment, Climate Mitigation, Environment
Program Sub-Category: Mapping, Environmental Stewardship, Active Transportation, Monitoring, Innovation, Emergency Mitigation / Preparedness / Planning, Waste Reduction and Circular Economy
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Status: Open

Funder

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)

Deadline Details

The Environmental Damages Fund is accepting funding applications until December 18, 2025, 15:00 Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Funder Organization Type

  • Federal Government

The Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) is a specified purpose account administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), on behalf of the Government of Canada, to direct funds received from fines, penalties, court orders and voluntary payments to priority projects that will benefit Canada’s natural environment. Through its support of these projects, the EDF helps to ensure environmental good follows environmental harm.  

The primary goal of EDF-funded projects is to restore the environment and conserve wildlife and habitats in a scientifically sound, cost-effective, and technically feasible way.

Fines directed to the EDF are used to fund projects that focus on the following four categories in order of priority:

  • restoration

  • environmental quality improvement

  • research and development

  • education and awareness

Eligible Community

Eligible applicants include:

  • non-government organizations (e.g. environmental community groups, registered charities, etc.)

  • Indigenous organizations, defined as:

    • National, provincial, and territorial Indigenous organizations;

    • Tribal councils;

    • Indigenous communities.

  • universities and academic institutions (e.g. community colleges, CEGEP)

  • provincial, territorial, and municipal governments

Individuals, businesses, international entities and/or other federal departments or agencies are not eligible to apply for funding, but are encouraged to partner with eligible applicants. Offenders that have been fined or made monetary payments directed to the EDF are not eligible to apply or to partner with eligible groups for fines or monetary payments they have made that were directed to the EDF.

Required Community Contribution

No community contribution required
EDF funding is available to cover up to 100% of eligible project costs. The EDF does not require matching funds; however, evidence of other project funding sources (i.e. additional contributions) or demonstration of your organization’s ability to raise funds from sources other than the federal government (i.e. in a past project) will be considered a project strength at the application evaluation stage.

Funding Stacking Restrictions

No
The maximum level (stacking limit) of Total Government Assistance (federal, provincial and municipal assistance for the same eligible expenditures) for this program will not exceed 100% of eligible expenditures. 

Professional Input Required

No
Professional input is not required at the application phase. Applications may undergo a review by a technical expert to ensure the feasibility and scientific merit of the application. 

Specific Eligibility Requirements

Applications are reviewed to verify eligibility and to assess technical and scientific merit. All project applications are subject to the same evaluation criteria.If project applications are approved in principle, applicants will be contacted to negotiate a funding agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the funding. 

Other Eligible Applicants

Indigenous Organizations
Non-governmental Organizations / Not-for-Profits
Academic Institutions

Type of Funding

  • Non-repayable Contribution

Range of Funding Available per Project

  • From $100 000 to $1 000 000
  • Over $1 000 000

Description of Funding

Available funding varies according to the number of fines and voluntary contributions directed to the EDF. In its sentencing decision, the court may recommend a specific recipient, location, and/or a specific project category and scope to be funded by a fine. This information is considered in the assessment of the fines and in the preparation of the Fund Use Requirement. Details on available funds and Fund Use Requirements can be found on the available funds page. 

Percentage of Project Funded

100%

EDF funding is available to cover up to 100% of eligible project costs. The EDF does not require matching funds; however, evidence of other project funding sources (i.e., additional contributions) or demonstration of your organization’s ability to raise funds from sources other than the federal government (i.e. in a past project) will be considered a project strength at the application evaluation stage.

Eligible Costs

Engineering
Design
Planning
Operational and Maintenance Costs
Capital Costs
Community Engagement
Equipment/Material Purchase
Project Management
Staff Costs
Administration Fees
Capacity Building for the Community
Training
Awareness and Education
Research and Development

Please refer to How to apply to the Environmental Damages Fund - Canada.ca website for eligible costs.

Ineligible Costs

Building Purchase Costs
Land Acquisition

Please refer to the How to apply to the Environmental Damages Fund - Canada.ca for full details on ineligible costs. If you are unsure about the eligibility of your project and activities, please contact the ECCC office in your region.

Reporting Requirements

Progress reports and final reports

Expected Timeframe for Funding Decision

Once a call for applications is closed, each application is reviewed by EDF regional teams to verify eligibility. Following this administrative assessment the application is examined by a team of technical reviewers, which may include experts from ECCC, other federal government departments, or provincial departments (as applicable) to evaluate its scientific and technical merit. The last step includes conducting a final evaluation of each of the applications received. This process may take several months. All applicants will be notified of a funding decision.

There is no application limit per community. The maximum amount of funding for a project is $6 million.