The Region of Waterloo is delighted to announce an open call for project funding for the 2022 Community Environmental Fund, following funding approval by Regional Council in December.
Established in 2011, the Community Environmental Fund serves to provide financial support to community-led environmental sustainability and stewardship projects. Community members and organizations are encouraged to apply for funding to carry out projects that protect, promote and enhance the natural environment, and will help the community transition to a low-carbon, resilient future.
“The Community Environmental Fund is a great initiative, and one that that remains timely,” explained Regional Chair Karen Redman. “It’s a very tactical and effective mechanism to help enable members of our community to engage in environmental issues by, importantly, removing some risk for exploring new ideas for stewardship and sustainability. Some really wonderful projects have been bourne out of this program – it’s truly a win-win.”
The program includes two funding streams; stewardship and sustainability. Stewardship grants are meant to support projects related to enhancing and restoring natural areas, while sustainability grants are available for projects that reduce green house gas (GHG) and/or air emissions; increase energy conservation or efficiency; reduce or divert waste; or assist with Climate Change adaptation. Public education and awareness initiatives, which promote long term behavioural change related to environmental sustainability or research related to environmental sustainability, are also eligible.
Successful applications generally fall within a $5,000 – $20,000 range, and past successful projects include a range of diversity from invasive species management to energy conservation and waste reduction to pollinator gardens and schoolyard greening .
The call for proposals is now open and applications for projects commencing in 2022 will be accepted until Friday, March 4, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.
