Are you a first-time applicant? If so, we recommend you follow the easy-to-follow directions on this page.
Alberta Ecotrust supports environmental projects undertaken by non-profit organizations working in Alberta. We are often the first funder to support new and exciting grassroots initiatives, which often leads to support from other funders.
This five-step process will save you time and allow you to quickly figure out if you're project is a fit for an Alberta Ecotrust grant.
Step One: Are you eligible to apply?
The following groups are eligible:
- Most not-for-profit societies
- Most not-for-profit corporations
- Alberta youth between the ages of 16 and 29 (inclusive)
Not-for-profit corporations or societies do not need to be Registered Charities to be eligible for an Alberta Ecotrust grant.
The following groups are ineligible:
- For profit corporations
- Co-operatives
- Federal, provincial or municipal governments
- Government agencies or quasi-governmental institutions
- Academic institutions and schools
- Political Parties
- Individuals (except youth eligible under the YES Grant Program)
- Organizations not registered or incorporated within Canada
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If your organizaiton is eligible to apply for an Alberta Ecotrust grant, proceed to Step Two.
Step Two: Does your project support our environmental priorities?
Water. Wilderness and Wildlife. Air and Climate.
These are the environmental priorities Albertans have told us they most care about, so they have become our priorities, too. We support projects that either directly or indirectly improve the way these valuable natural resources are managed and used. Projects funded by Alberta Ecotrust must provide solutions that directly or indirectly address threats to Alberta's water, wilderness, wildlife, air and climate.
Visit our project database to learn about current and past projects related to our three environmental priorities.
If your project supports our priorities, proceed to Step Three.
Step Three: Can we support the project's approach and activities?
Recognizing the diversity of expertise and experience in the voluntary sector, we expect to see a range of proposals that include a variety of strategies.
Types of projects supported:
- Engaging local citizens through direct hands-on involvement
- Demonstrating or implementing sustainable practices
- Applied research that could result in development or analysis of public policy
- Developing and implementing environmental education programming for youth tied to school curriculum
- Educating and increasing environmental awareness of the public in all sectors
Types of projects not supported:
- Projects initiated or mandated by any order of government.
- Political lobbying
- Litigation
- Capital campaigns
Alberta Ecotrust recognizes that advocacy is an important mandate of the voluntary sector and supports activities focused on the good of the public and commons. However, we will not support or fund an initiative that targets or impugns the reputation of any individual, organization or sector.
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If we can support your project's approach and activities, proceed to Step Four to see which grant is right for you.
Step Four: Which grant is right for you?
Alberta Ecotrust has four granting programs. Each one was designed to meet the needs of a variety of individuals, projects and organizations. Read on to figure out which one is best suited to your project.
Community Grants Program
Community grants support community-based projects that typically focus on local opportunities for change through stewardship and action. These projects must be completed in one year. Maximum grant amount is $7,500.
Major Projects Grants Program
Major projects grants support more comprehensive projects that have the potential to result in substantial environmental benefit. The application process is more comprehensive and will be undertaken in two parts. These projects must be completed within a year. Maximum grant is $30,000.
Multi-Year Grants Program
Multi-year grants support more comprehensive projects with distinct phases that are conducted over a longer period of time. This new initiative will help groups improve their organizational effectiveness and be more strategic in planning and implementing work that leads to sustained environmental benefits. Application and reporting will be undertaken in consultation with foundation staff. Maximum grant is $60,000, to be distributed over a maximum term of 3 years.
Young Environmental Stewards Grants Program
The Young Environmental Stewards (YES) Grant Program was created to enable Alberta youth (age 16 to 29) to turn their ideas for stewardship into action. YES grants provide up to $5,000 to a single project undertaken by an individual or group of youth.
Step Five: Contact Us
Once you have figured out which grant best fits your organization and project, contact our grants coordinator and start your application process today.
