Deadline: 22-May-2026
The Ecosystem Enhancement Program supports long-term, landscape-scale ecological restoration initiatives that strengthen environmental resilience across the Columbia Basin.
The programme focuses on:
- Ecosystem restoration and enhancement
- Climate change adaptation and resilience
- Biodiversity protection and recovery
- Large-scale landscape improvement
- Collaboration with Indigenous and community partners
Key Focus Areas
The program supports projects in:
- Terrestrial ecosystem restoration
- Aquatic ecosystem restoration
- Wetland enhancement
- Habitat connectivity improvement
- Climate resilience strategies
- Regional ecological priority actions
Projects must deliver measurable and long-term environmental benefits.
Eligible Activities
Funded projects may include:
- On-the-ground restoration actions
- Landscape-scale ecological enhancement
- Habitat rehabilitation and recovery
- Indigenous knowledge integration
- Technical expert collaboration
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Climate adaptation interventions
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered non-profit organisations
- First Nations
- Local governments within the Columbia Basin Trust region
Additional Eligibility
Organizations outside the Basin may apply if they:
- Partner with Basin-based organisations
- Demonstrate clear ecological benefits to the region
Project Requirements
Projects must:
- Take place on eligible land types, including:
- Crown land
- Conservation land
- First Nations land
- Local government land
- Community forests
- Be implementation-ready or near implementation stage
- Align with regional ecological priorities and plans
- Include Indigenous and stakeholder engagement
Funding Details
- Maximum funding contribution: 75% of total project costs
- Minimum co-funding requirement: 25%
- Maximum funding per project: up to $750,000
- Project duration: up to 5 years
Eligible Costs
Funding may support:
- Restoration and enhancement activities
- Field implementation and labour
- Monitoring and evaluation systems
- Indigenous and community engagement
- Technical expertise and collaboration
Ineligible Costs
The programme does not fund:
- Core operational or administrative expenses
- Routine organisational costs
- Projects focused only on research, planning, or education
- Activities without direct ecological implementation outcomes
Program Goals
The Ecosystem Enhancement Program aims to:
- Strengthen ecological resilience across the Basin
- Improve long-term environmental sustainability
- Support climate adaptation in ecosystems
- Promote collaboration among Indigenous Peoples, governments, and communities
- Align restoration work with regional priorities and scientific knowledge
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Identify a large-scale ecological challenge or opportunity
- Develop a restoration or enhancement project plan
- Ensure Indigenous and stakeholder collaboration
- Confirm land access and project feasibility
- Secure at least 25% co-funding
- Align with regional ecological strategies
Strong applications demonstrate:
- Clear landscape-scale environmental impact
- Strong Indigenous and community partnership
- Readiness for implementation
- Measurable ecological outcomes
- Long-term sustainability
Tips for Applicants
To improve your application:
- Focus on large-scale, long-term ecological impact
- Integrate Indigenous knowledge and leadership
- Ensure strong co-funding commitments
- Provide detailed monitoring and evaluation plans
- Demonstrate alignment with regional ecological priorities
- Show strong technical and operational capacity
Avoid proposals that are purely research-based, small-scale, or lack implementation readiness.
FAQ
Who can apply?
Registered non-profits, First Nations, and local governments in the Columbia Basin Trust region can apply. External organisations may apply in partnership with Basin-based groups.
What is the maximum funding available?
Up to 75% of project costs, with a maximum of $750,000 per project.
How long can projects last?
Projects can run for up to five years.
What types of projects are supported?
Landscape-scale ecosystem restoration and enhancement projects across terrestrial, aquatic, and wetland systems.
Is co-funding required?
Yes. Applicants must provide at least 25% of total project costs from other sources.
Are planning-only projects eligible?
No. Projects must include on-the-ground implementation activities.
Conclusion
The Columbia Basin Trust Ecosystem Enhancement Program supports large-scale, collaborative restoration initiatives that improve ecological resilience across the Basin. By funding Indigenous-led and community-driven ecosystem projects, the program aims to deliver long-term environmental benefits and strengthen climate adaptation across diverse landscapes.
For more information, visit Columbia Basin Trust.