Open Call: Fostering Climate Justice for an Inclusive Future (Canada)

The Catherine Donnelly Foundation Climate Justice Grants support Canadian charities and nonprofits working to advance climate justice, Indigenous leadership, and a transition to a post-carbon future. The program prioritizes underserved communities, including Indigenous, racialized, and low-income groups, and funds initiatives that address systemic causes of climate change. Eligible applicants must be registered Canadian charities or nonprofits aligned with the Foundation’s values.

What is the Climate Justice Funding Program?

The Climate Justice Funding Program by the Catherine Donnelly Foundation supports initiatives that aim to build a resilient, equitable, and post-carbon future.

Key Definition: Climate Justice

Climate justice refers to addressing climate change in a way that:

• Recognizes unequal impacts on vulnerable communities

• Promotes fairness, equity, and human rights

• Includes marginalized voices in decision-making

This program emphasizes systemic change, not just environmental action.

Core Focus Areas

1. Inclusive Climate Justice Movement

• Support diverse leadership in climate action

• Amplify voices of underserved communities

• Promote equity and representation

2. Transition to a Post-Carbon Future

• Reduce dependence on fossil fuels

• Encourage sustainable economic systems

• Promote renewable energy and green transitions

3. Addressing Root Causes of Climate Change

• Tackle structural inequalities

• Reform policies and systems contributing to climate issues

4. Indigenous-Led Climate Action

• Prioritize projects led by Indigenous communities

• Respect Indigenous knowledge and governance systems

• Uphold United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)

5. Environmental and Community Health

• Protect land, water, and ecosystems

• Strengthen community resilience and well-being

Key Approaches Supported

The Foundation funds a wide range of strategies, including:

• Community-led knowledge and practices

• Civic engagement and grassroots organizing

• Law and policy reform

• Climate finance and economic transformation

• Ecosystem restoration and biodiversity protection

• Strategic communications and storytelling

• Collaboration with labour and social movements

Priority Communities

Special focus is given to:

• Indigenous communities (First Nation, Inuit, Métis)

• Racialized populations

• Low-income communities

• Youth-led initiatives

• Unhoused and marginalized groups

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

Organizations must meet the following criteria:

• Registered Canadian charities or not-for-profit organizations

• Aligned with the Foundation’s climate justice values

• Working in underserved or high-need communities

• Capable of delivering scalable or replicable impact

Preferred Characteristics

• Strong community engagement

• Inclusion of marginalized voices

• Collaborative partnerships with similar organizations

Why This Funding Matters

Addressing Inequality

Climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. This program directly targets these inequities.

Supporting Indigenous Leadership

Indigenous knowledge systems are essential for sustainable environmental stewardship and long-term resilience.

Driving Systemic Change

The focus is on root causes, ensuring long-term impact rather than short-term solutions.

Building Collective Power

Encourages collaboration across sectors to strengthen climate action movements.

How the Program Works

What Types of Projects Are Funded?

Projects that:

• Demonstrate public demand for climate action

• Mobilize communities

• Create empowering narratives for a post-carbon future

• Build long-term, scalable solutions

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Assess Alignment

• Ensure your mission aligns with climate justice principles

• Confirm focus on underserved or marginalized communities

Step 2: Develop a Strong Proposal

Include:

• Clear problem statement (climate + social impact)

• Community-centered approach

• Defined outcomes and impact metrics

Step 3: Integrate Equity and Inclusion

• Highlight involvement of priority communities

• Demonstrate inclusive leadership and participation

Step 4: Build Partnerships

• Collaborate with like-minded organizations

• Strengthen proposal impact through partnerships

Step 5: Prepare Documentation

• Proof of charitable or nonprofit status

• Organizational background

• Budget and implementation plan

Step 6: Submit Application

• Follow official Foundation guidelines

• Ensure clarity, completeness, and compliance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring equity and inclusion principles

• Weak connection to climate justice

• Lack of Indigenous engagement where relevant

• Vague or unrealistic project plans

• Limited community involvement

Tips for a Strong Application

• Center community voices and leadership

• Demonstrate long-term impact and scalability

• Align clearly with climate justice and equity goals

• Provide evidence of past success or experience

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for this funding?

Registered Canadian charities and not-for-profit organizations aligned with climate justice values.

2. What is meant by “climate justice”?

An approach that combines climate action with social equity, focusing on vulnerable communities.

3. Are Indigenous-led projects prioritized?

Yes, Indigenous-led initiatives are strongly prioritized.

4. What types of projects are funded?

Projects related to community engagement, policy reform, ecosystem health, and climate advocacy.

5. Is collaboration required?

Not mandatory, but partnerships are strongly encouraged.

6. What makes a proposal competitive?

Clear alignment with equity, strong community engagement, and scalable impact.

7. Does the Foundation support small organizations?

Yes, especially those working in underserved communities.

Conclusion

The Catherine Donnelly Foundation Climate Justice Grants provide critical support for organizations addressing both environmental and social challenges. By prioritizing equity, Indigenous leadership, and systemic change, the program helps build a sustainable and just post-carbon future. Organizations that center community voices, demonstrate impact, and align with climate justice principles are best positioned to succeed.