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RFAs: EcoAction Stream 1 – Community-led freshwater action across Canada

Deadline: 04-Dec-2025

The Canada Water Agency has launched a new funding opportunity under the EcoAction Community Program — Stream 1, providing $25,000–$100,000 for community-led freshwater conservation projects. This initiative supports non-profits, Indigenous communities, municipalities, and local groups to restore aquatic ecosystems, improve water quality, and promote long-term community stewardship across Canada. Projects must deliver measurable environmental outcomes and foster strong local partnerships.

Canada Water Agency: EcoAction Community Program — Stream 1

Overview

The Canada Water Agency is inviting applications for Stream 1 of the EcoAction Community Program. The program funds community-driven projects that protect and improve freshwater ecosystems while fostering local engagement and stewardship.

Key Focus Areas

Projects should focus on measurable environmental impacts, including:

  • Improving freshwater quality and reducing pollution

  • Restoring aquatic habitats and ecosystems

  • Enhancing community involvement in water conservation

  • Advancing local monitoring and conservation initiatives

  • Supporting long-term ecosystem health and resilience

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Non-profit organisations

  • Indigenous communities and groups

  • Academic institutions

  • Municipalities

  • Local community-based groups

Applicants must demonstrate capacity to lead effective environmental projects with tangible outcomes and strong local participation.

Funding Details

  • Grant range: $25,000–$100,000

  • Eligible activities: Community-led freshwater protection, habitat restoration, pollution reduction, monitoring, and stewardship programs

  • Delivery: Projects should have a clear plan for measurable outcomes aligned with local environmental priorities

Why It Matters

Freshwater resources in Canada face increasing threats from:

  • Climate change and extreme weather events

  • Land-use changes and urbanization

  • Pollution from industrial, agricultural, and domestic sources

Supporting local projects empowers communities to take proactive action, ensuring the protection and sustainability of freshwater systems for future generations.

How to Apply

  1. Identify a local freshwater issue – Focus on a specific ecological challenge or opportunity.

  2. Develop a project plan – Define objectives, expected outcomes, timelines, and activities.

  3. Build partnerships – Engage local stakeholders, Indigenous groups, or academic institutions.

  4. Estimate budget – Prepare a realistic budget within the $25,000–$100,000 range.

  5. Demonstrate measurable impact – Show how the project will improve water quality, restore habitats, or enhance stewardship.

  6. Submit application – Follow the official EcoAction Stream 1 guidelines and submission process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Lack of clear ecological outcomes or measurable objectives

  • Insufficient local partnerships or community engagement

  • Unrealistic timelines or budgets

  • Proposals that do not align with regional environmental priorities

  • Inadequate planning for monitoring and evaluation of results

FAQ

1. Who can apply for Stream 1 funding?
Non-profits, Indigenous communities, municipalities, academic institutions, and local groups with capacity to deliver community-led freshwater projects.

2. What is the funding range?
Applicants can request between $25,000 and $100,000 per project.

3. What types of projects are eligible?
Projects that improve water quality, restore habitats, engage communities in stewardship, and support monitoring or conservation efforts.

4. Are partnerships required?
Yes, projects should involve local participation and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

5. How is success measured?
Applicants must show clear, measurable ecological outcomes, such as improved water quality or restored habitats.

6. Can projects span multiple years?
Projects must have a realistic delivery plan. Multi-year plans may be considered if objectives and outcomes are clearly defined.

7. Why is this funding important?
It empowers communities to take action to protect Canada’s freshwater resources amid increasing environmental threats.

Conclusion

The EcoAction Community Program — Stream 1 provides an important opportunity for Canadian communities to lead freshwater conservation projects. By supporting local stewardship, improving water quality, and restoring aquatic habitats, the program helps secure sustainable and resilient freshwater ecosystems for future generations.

For more information, visit Government of Canada.