Applications open for Small-scale Ecosystem Grants (Canada)

The Small-scale Ecosystem Grants programme supports practical environmental restoration projects that improve ecological health and native biodiversity across the Columbia Basin.

The programme focuses on:

• Ecosystem restoration and conservation
• Native biodiversity protection
• Climate resilience and adaptation
• Habitat improvement and recovery
• Long-term ecological monitoring

Projects must deliver measurable ecological outcomes through hands-on restoration work.

Key Focus Areas

Funded projects may address:

• Fish habitat restoration
• Riparian area rehabilitation
• Wetland conservation and restoration
• Forest ecosystem restoration
• Grassland restoration
• Species of conservation concern protection
• Climate change adaptation and mitigation
• Ecological resilience improvement

Eligible Activities

Projects are expected to include:

• On-the-ground restoration work
• Habitat enhancement activities
• Effectiveness monitoring
• Pre- and post-restoration assessment
• Indigenous and community engagement
• Climate-informed restoration practices
• Regional ecological priority actions

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered non-profit organisations
• Local governments
• First Nations 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:

• Be completed within 2 years or less
• Take place on eligible lands, including:
  • Crown land
  • Local government land
  • First Nations land
  • Conservation land
• Show strong planning and project readiness
• Include permitting and approvals where required

Funding Details

• Maximum funding: up to 80% of total project costs
• Minimum applicant contribution: at least 20%
• Typical maximum grant: $80,000 (excluding wage subsidies)
• Wage support: up to 50% of eligible wage costs for one new job experience

Eligible Costs

Funding may support:

• Restoration materials and equipment
• Fieldwork and implementation costs
• Monitoring and evaluation activities
• Indigenous and community engagement
• Limited wage and MERCs support (for one job experience)

Ineligible Activities

The programme does not fund:

• Education-only or research-only projects
• Routine operations or maintenance
• Political or advocacy activities
• Projects on private, commercial, BC Hydro, Fortis, or public park lands
• Projects duplicating government or industry responsibilities
• Projects negatively impacting existing land users or tenure holders

How to Apply

Applicants should:

1. Identify a clear ecological restoration need
2. Ensure the project is implementation-ready
3. Confirm land eligibility and permissions
4. Secure at least 20% co-funding
5. Engage with Indigenous and local partners where appropriate
6. Contact the programme team before formal submission

Strong applications demonstrate:

• Clear ecological benefits
• Measurable restoration outcomes
• Strong project planning and readiness
• Monitoring and evaluation strategy
• Community and Indigenous collaboration

Tips for Applicants

To strengthen your application:

• Focus on measurable ecological improvements
• Include robust monitoring plans
• Demonstrate readiness (permits, permissions, partnerships)
• Ensure strong co-funding commitments
• Align with regional conservation priorities
• Incorporate Indigenous knowledge where appropriate

Avoid proposals that are primarily research-based, advocacy-focused, or lack on-the-ground restoration activities.

FAQ

Who can apply?

Registered non-profits, local governments, and First Nations in the Columbia Basin can apply. External organisations may apply in partnership with Basin-based groups.

What is the funding limit?

Up to $80,000 per project (excluding wage subsidy support), covering up to 80% of total costs.

How long can projects run?

Projects must be completed within two years or less.

What types of projects are supported?

Habitat restoration, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem resilience projects are supported.

Is co-funding required?

Yes. Applicants must secure at least 20% of total project costs from other sources.

Are monitoring activities required?

Yes. All projects must include ecological monitoring and evaluation.

Conclusion

The Columbia Basin Trust Small-scale Ecosystem Grants programme supports hands-on ecological restoration projects that improve biodiversity, strengthen habitats, and build climate resilience. By prioritising practical, measurable conservation work with strong community and Indigenous involvement, the programme helps protect and restore ecosystems across the Columbia Basin region.