Funding available for community environmental projects (3)

August 01, 2025

WATERLOO REGION – Applications are now being accepted for the 2021 Region of Waterloo Community Environmental Fund. The application deadline isMarch 5, 2021.

Established in 2011, the Fund provides grants to assist community members and organizations carry out projects that protect, promote, and enhance our natural environment - and will help the community transition to a low-carbon, resilient future. Grants will be available for environmental stewardship and sustainability projectsthat:

  • enhance and restore natural areas; naturalizing landscapes; acquiring ecologically significant natural areas;
  • promote public education/awareness initiatives related to environmental stewardship;      
  • research related to environmental stewardship;
  • reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) and/or air emissions;
  • increase energy conservation or efficiency;
  • reduce or divert waste; or
  • assist with climate change adaptation.

“We’re looking forward to receiving applications for innovative projects that further demonstrate the Region’s ongoing commitment to build corporate and community understanding of the climate crisis focusing on individual and collective responsibility and action,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman. “We’re looking for more projects that reduce greenhouse gases or increase climate resiliency like last year’s installation of 33 electric vehicle charging stations throughout the region or the 22 gardener and pollinating projects.”

The fund prioritizes projects that make measurable and lasting impacts. Grant amounts generally range from $5,000 - $20,000.  Over the past 10 years, the Community Environmental Fund has provided approximately $1.6 million to fund more than 200 community-led environmental projects in stewardship and sustainability streams. These funds have leveraged between three and four times their value in cash and in-kind community contributions.

Applications for projects commencing in 2021 will be accepted until Friday, March 5, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. The online application form can be found at https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/living-here/environmental-sustainability.aspx. There is also additional information on the website that provides answers to common questions about funding eligibility, project requirements and timelines.

Please note that applications are subject to Regional Council approval.  

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