Call for Applications for Study: Net-Zero Transformation (Canada)

The Green Municipal Fund is accepting applications for feasibility studies that help Canadian communities evaluate innovative solutions with strong greenhouse gas reduction potential. The programme provides grants of up to CAD 200,000, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs, to assess technical, financial, environmental, social, and implementation feasibility for projects that support net-zero transformation.

Overview of the Programme

The Green Municipal Fund Feasibility Studies programme supports communities seeking to explore innovative pathways toward net-zero emissions and long-term climate resilience.

The funding helps municipalities and eligible partners assess whether proposed climate solutions are practical, financially viable, environmentally beneficial, and ready for implementation. Studies are expected to provide evidence-based recommendations that support informed decision-making and future investments.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Support net-zero transformation
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Strengthen municipal climate action
• Improve climate resilience
• Advance sustainable infrastructure planning
• Evaluate innovative climate solutions
• Support inclusive and equitable planning
• Improve long-term environmental sustainability
• Enable evidence-based investment decisions

Priority Focus Areas

The programme supports feasibility studies related to:

• Net-zero transformation
• Greenhouse gas reduction
• Climate risk assessment
• Equity assessment
• Sustainable infrastructure
• Environmental impact analysis
• Social impact evaluation
• Technical feasibility assessment
• Financial feasibility analysis
• Regulatory review
• Community resilience
• Stakeholder engagement
• Municipal climate planning
• Implementation planning
• Inclusive climate solutions

What Are Feasibility Studies?

Feasibility studies are detailed assessments used to determine whether a proposed project, technology, policy, or solution is practical and suitable for implementation.

These studies help organizations:

• Understand project viability
• Identify benefits and risks
• Evaluate implementation requirements
• Assess financial implications
• Analyze environmental impacts
• Determine technical readiness
• Support strategic decision-making

The goal is to provide a clear recommendation on whether a project should proceed and how it can be successfully implemented.

Eligible Activities

Funding may support a wide range of assessment and planning activities.

Eligible activities include:

• Market assessments
• User and demand analysis
• Technical feasibility evaluations
• Financial analysis
  • Cost estimates
  • Budget projections
  • Return on investment assessments
• Legal reviews
• Regulatory assessments
• Organizational capacity evaluations
• Environmental impact studies
• Social impact assessments
• Detailed project planning
• Stakeholder engagement activities
• Implementation strategy development

Greenhouse Gas Assessment Requirements

A key requirement of the programme is evaluating greenhouse gas impacts.

Applicants must:

• Assess anticipated greenhouse gas reductions
• Analyze emissions-related impacts of the proposed solution
• Demonstrate the project’s contribution to long-term climate goals
• Provide evidence supporting emissions reduction potential

The study should clearly explain how the proposed solution contributes to net-zero objectives.

Climate Risk Assessment Requirements

Climate risk assessments may be required for certain projects.

Applicants must conduct a climate risk assessment when:

• Infrastructure assets being considered are valued above CAD 2 million

The assessment should evaluate:

• Climate-related vulnerabilities
• Potential risks
• Adaptation requirements
• Long-term resilience considerations

Equity and Inclusion Requirements

The programme places significant emphasis on equitable climate planning.

Applicants must assess:

• Which equity-deserving groups may benefit
• Which groups may experience barriers or negative impacts
• Potential unintended consequences
• Opportunities to improve inclusion

Studies should also identify strategies to:

• Reduce barriers
• Improve accessibility
• Mitigate negative impacts
• Enhance equitable participation

Applicants are encouraged to use:

• Local demographic data
• Community reports
• Mapping tools
• Equity-related research
• Public engagement findings

Expected Study Outcomes

Funded studies should provide:

• Evidence-based findings
• Clear implementation recommendations
• Risk assessments
• Financial considerations
• Environmental impact analysis
• Equity considerations
• Climate resilience insights
• Actionable next steps

The final study should help decision-makers determine whether and how a project should move forward.

Funding Details

Grant Amount

• Maximum grant: CAD 200,000

Cost Sharing

• Funding covers up to 50% of eligible project costs

Applicants must provide the remaining project funding through their own resources or partner contributions.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible Lead Applicants

• Canadian municipal governments
  • Cities
  • Towns
  • Districts
  • Regions
  • Local boards

Eligible Municipal Partners

Projects may involve:

• Private sector organizations
• Municipally owned corporations
• Regional service organizations
• Provincial service organizations
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Universities
• Research institutes

Indigenous Community Eligibility

Indigenous communities may apply as lead applicants if they:

• Partner with a Canadian municipal government, or
• Operate under a shared service agreement related to:
  • Municipal infrastructure
  • Climate change
  • Climate adaptation

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must fall into one of the following categories:

• Canadian municipal governments
• Eligible Indigenous communities meeting partnership requirements

Partners may include:

• Academic institutions
• Non-profit organizations
• Private sector entities
• Regional and provincial service providers

Why This Programme Matters

Many climate solutions require significant investment and long-term commitment. Feasibility studies help communities understand whether proposed projects are technically achievable, financially sustainable, environmentally beneficial, and socially equitable before committing substantial resources.

The programme supports:

• Better climate planning
• Reduced project risk
• More informed investment decisions
• Stronger community resilience
• Inclusive decision-making
• Accelerated progress toward net-zero goals

How the Programme Works

Step 1: Identify a Climate Solution

• Select a project, technology, policy, or infrastructure concept with greenhouse gas reduction potential.

Step 2: Design the Feasibility Study

• Define objectives
• Identify key questions
• Establish evaluation criteria

Step 3: Conduct Required Assessments

• Technical analysis
• Financial review
• Environmental evaluation
• Equity assessment
• Climate risk assessment (where required)

Step 4: Engage Stakeholders

• Consult community members
• Engage partners
• Gather relevant data and feedback

Step 5: Develop Recommendations

• Identify risks and opportunities
• Recommend implementation pathways
• Outline next steps

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the purpose of this funding programme?
  • To support feasibility studies that evaluate innovative solutions capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing net-zero goals.
• How much funding is available?
  • Applicants may receive:
    • Up to CAD 200,000
    • Up to 50% of eligible project costs
• Who can apply?
  • Eligible applicants include:
    • Canadian municipal governments
    • Eligible Indigenous communities meeting partnership requirements
• What types of activities can be funded?
  • Examples include:
    • Technical studies
    • Financial analysis
    • Market assessments
    • Climate risk assessments
    • Environmental impact evaluations
    • Stakeholder engagement
• Is a greenhouse gas assessment required?
  • Yes.
    • Applicants must evaluate greenhouse gas impacts and reduction potential associated with the proposed solution.
• When is a climate risk assessment required?
  • A climate risk assessment is required when:
    • Infrastructure assets under consideration are valued above CAD 2 million.
• Must applicants address equity and inclusion?
  • Yes.
    • Studies must assess impacts on equity-deserving groups and identify strategies to reduce barriers and improve inclusive outcomes.

Conclusion

The Green Municipal Fund Feasibility Studies programme helps Canadian communities evaluate innovative climate solutions before implementation. By supporting technical, financial, environmental, climate risk, and equity assessments, the programme enables municipalities and partners to make informed decisions that contribute to net-zero transformation, sustainable infrastructure development, and long-term community resilience.