Stewardship Grants: Stream 1 Community Grants

Program Category: Climate Adaptation, Environment

Program Sub-Category: Asset Management, Environmental Stewardship

Export to PDF

Status: Open

Funder

Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation

Deadline Details

The next intake opens Jan. 15, 2026, and closes February 28, 2026 at 4:30 pm PST.

Funder Organization Type

Non-Governmental Organization or Society

The Community Grants program provides small grants to organizations and individuals who have a conservation project involving volunteers in mind but need financial help to make it happen.

Preferred Community Grant projects are those that:

have long-range benefits,
involve as many volunteers as possible, and
raise community awareness and involvement in conservation

Required Community Contribution

Community contribution required (please see program website)

Other Eligible Applicants

Indigenous Economic Agencies
Indigenous-owned Businesses
Other
Indigenous Organizations
Non-governmental Organizations / Not-for-Profits
Academic Institutions

Type of Funding

Grant

Range of Funding Available per Project

Under $100 000

Description of Funding

Applicants can apply for up to $10,000 in any one year. You must match the requested funds by contributing a combination of volunteer labour (credited at $20 per hour), materials, or other allowable donations. At least half of your matching funds must be made up of volunteer labour. See the Application Rules & Guidelines document for more information.

To assist as many groups as possible Community Grants are modest, averaging about $2,500 each. The maximum total amount available over the life of a Community Grant project is $20,000.

Once approved, recipients have up to five (5) years to use the grant money that has been awarded to your project. Upon completion of the project, a final report to HCTF is required. Any unspent funds must also be returned to HCTF.

If you intend to apply for more Community Grant funding for the same project in future years, or if you know you have a multiyear project, you must submit a new application each year. The new application must also include a progress report that outlines expenditures and activities completed to date.

Percentage of Project Funded

Unlike other HCTF granting streams, Community Grants require a 1:1 match in that your contribution must be equivalent to your funding request. In addition, at least 50% of the match must be in volunteer labour.

Volunteer labour is calculated at $20/hour. Your remaining contribution may be in the form of allowable donations made to your project.

Eligible Costs

Community Engagement
Awareness and Education

Some examples of Community Grant projects and activities that HCTF has funded include:

building and installing bird nest boxes
building waterfowl nesting floats and boxes
fencing to protect sensitive or restored areas
improving habitat for freshwater fishes
planting shrubs

Ineligible Costs

Any costs incurred prior to signing a funding agreement
Building Purchase Costs
Administration Fees
Staff Costs
Land Acquisition

Some types of projects or activities are ineligible for Community Grant funding include but are not limited to:

Activities required for ongoing maintenance
Administrative costs (ex. rent, utilities, etc.)
Design costs for newsletters and websites (printing costs for newsletters are eligible)
Hatchery activities
In-class school programs and development of classroom materials
Lecture series or conventions
Payment of wages (except for contracted equipment or special expertise required in the field, e.g. a biologist, restoration specialist, etc.). See the table below for more information on special expertise.
Photographic or film documentaries
Promotion of business opportunities
Research studies that do not include volunteer engagement
Routine courses such as First Aid, Small Vessel Operation, etc.
Salmon-only or marine projects that do not demonstrate clear benefits to freshwater species or their habitats
School food garden projects
Vehicle mileage (note that fuel costs can be covered)

Please see the Community Grants Application for other considerations about funding eligibility

Reporting Requirements

Progress reports and final reports

Expected Timeframe for Funding Decision

3 months

Technical Review by a Committee, followed by review from the HCTF Board of Directors.