Are you a first-time applicant? If so, we recommend you review these easy-to-follow directions.
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 six-step process will save you time and allow you to quickly figure out if your project is a fit for an Alberta Ecotrust grant.
Step One: Are you eligible to apply?
Alberta Ecotrust funds environmental projects in the province of Alberta only. We do not fund projects in other provinces or countries.
The following groups are eligible:
- Most registered not-for-profit societies
- Most registered not-for-profit corporations
- Most registered charities
- Alberta youth between the ages of 16 and 26 (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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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.
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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Step Four: Which grant is right for you?
Alberta Ecotrust has four granting programs: Community Grants, Major Grants, Multi-year Grants, and Youth Environmental Stewardship Grants. Each one was designed to meet the needs of a variety of individuals, projects and organizations. Read the descriptions to figure out which one is best suited to your project.
Step Five: Review Fundraising 101
If you're new to fundraising in general, or if you need a few extra tips and tricks on grantwriting, then please review our recent Fundraising 101 webinar.
Step Six: 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.
We will provide a half-hour of free coaching, providing you contact us well in advance of the application deadlines. We may be able to point you in the direction of other sources of funding, find additional resources, source other program collaborators, or help you strengthen your proposal.
