From awareness to actions, there is nearly an endless number of ways that Canadian K-12 schools can start or improve their sustainability programs. This includes welcoming the broader community to join in sustainability initiatives, expanding teaching into the outdoors and always improving school facilities.
But a common limiting factor is funding. Here are green grants and awards available to Canadian K-12 schools to spark sustainability in the local community.
The funding opportunities listed are available from private and public sources. Most of the grants and awards are renewed annually, so consider opportunities even if the deadline has passed to get a head start for next year.
This list of green grants, funds and awards for Canadian K-12 schools is updated every year. To add a funding opportunity to the list, send a message to Rede.
Provincial Efficiency Programs
Efficiency British Columbia |
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| Type: Efficiency Program | |||
| Incentives for energy efficiency upgrades, energy study funding, capital funding and more. | |||
Energy Efficiency Alberta |
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| Type: Efficiency Program | |||
| Funding and incentives for upgrades, energy management programs, renewable installations and energy efficiency products. | |||
Canada-wide grants and funding
EcoLeague from Learning for a Sustainable Future |
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| Type: Grant | Amount: Up to $400 | Schools: K-12 | Deadline: November 2019 |
| For students and teachers to complete an action project that is interactive, educational and addresses a local sustainability issue. | |||
Evergreen School Ground Greening Grants |
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| Type: Grant | Amount: Up to $3,500 | Schools: K-12 | Deadline: Ongoing |
| For use on outdoor greening and gardening projects. | |||
Greenest School in CanadaCompetition |
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| Type: Award | Amount: $2,000 | Schools: K-12 | Deadline: Spring |
| Awarded to schools that demonstrate commitment to sustainability, reducing environmental footprint and environmental education. | |||
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation |
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| Type: Grant | Amount: $2,000 to $8,000 | Schools: K-12 & Post-Secondary | Deadline: January and July |
| For environmental initiatives that focus on education and green spaces. | |||
Tree Canada Greening Canada’s School Grounds Grant |
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| Type: Grant | Amount: $3,000 | Schools: K-12 | Deadline: |
| For exterior use to green schoolyards, fields and gardens, with a focus on wildfire education. | |||
World Wildlife Fund Go Wild School Grants |
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| Type: Grant | Amount: Up to $500 | Schools: K-12 & Post-Secondary | Deadline: Nov. 12, 2018 |
| Ideas for getting the school community to help nature thrive. | |||
British Columbia grants and funding
BC Hydro Smart Energy Ideas |
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| Type: Grant | Amount: Up to $10,000 | Schools: K-12 & Post-Secondary | Deadline: March 29, 2019 |
| Used to educate and connect people to promote the smart use of energy. | |||
Alberta grants and funding
Educational Partnership Foundation Environmental Actions Program |
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| Type: Grant | Amount: Up to $1,000 | Schools: K-12 | Deadline: Ongoing |
| For student-led projects and programs that have a measurable impact on energy use or the environment. | |||
Fortis Alberta Green Up Grants |
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| Type: Grant | Amount: $1,000 | Schools: K-9 | Deadline: Ongoing |
| To create or enhance environmental programs and education in schools within the Fortis Alberta service area. | |||
Saskatchewan grants and funding
EcoFriendly Saskatchewan Action Grants |
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| Type: Grant | Amount: Up to $500 | Schools: K-12 & Post-Secondary | Deadline: Ongoing |
| Any project that preserves or protects the natural environment, including energy conservation and environmental education. | |||
Manitoba grants and funding
Education for Sustainable Development |
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| Type: Grant | Amount: Up to $2,000 | Schools: K-12 | Deadline: February 2019 |
| Support schools in their educational programming and professional development related to sustainable development. | |||
Other funding opportunities
These community grants and funds are not restricted to K-12 schools or sustainability programs, but they provide significant investments into local initiatives.
Canada Post Community Foundation (Canada)
Co-Op Community Spaces (Canada)
ConocoPhillips Canada Community Investment (Canada)
EcoAction Community Funding (Canada)
Farm Credit Canada AgriSpirit Fund (Rural Canada)
Gosling Foundation Grants (Canada)
Honda Canada Foundation (Canada)
Jack Layton Award for Youth Action in Sustainability (Youth in Canada)