Deadline: 12-Jul-23
The Columbia Basin Trust is inviting applications for the Ecosystem Enhancement Program which aim to maintain and improve ecological health and native biodiversity in a variety of ecosystems by supporting landscape-scale ecosystem restoration and enhancement projects across the Basin.
Projects funded via the Program will have a meaningful and measurable impact in supporting and strengthening ecosystem health in the Basin.
Funding Information
- Up to 75% per cent of total project costs can be requested from the Trust. The maximum amount of Trust funding for any one project is $750,000 with a maximum duration of five years for multi-year projects.
- The application should clearly demonstrate that at least 25% per cent of total project costs will be received from sources other than the Trust.
Types of Projects
- The Program supports landscape-scale projects that restore and/or enhance a variety of ecotypes, including terrestrial, aquatic and wetlands. The Program focuses on projects that:
- Implement on-the-ground actions (rather than strictly research, education or planning) to support ecological health at a landscape-level;
- Yield meaningful and measurable benefits for ecological health and biodiversity;
- Reflect input received from Indigenous communities, community/non-profit groups and technical experts;
- Are ready or almost ready to implement (e.g. project workplans and prescriptions are complete or close to complete);
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible applicants include registered non-profits, Indigenous Communities and local governments in the Columbia Basin Trust region.
- Applicants operating outside the Basin must partner with community-based organizations operating within the region and must show that the project benefits the Basin.
- Ecosystem Enhancement Program is a two-stage application process. First, an online Expression of Interest (EOI) must be submitted. Second, if the project is selected to move forward, a full application must be developed for submission. Support and guidance from Trust staff or a program advisor will be provided to develop the final application.
Program Guide
- Help address ecological priorities and emerging issues;
- Incorporate the perspectives of Indigenous Peoples in the Basin;
- Incorporate climate change mitigation and/or adaptation considerations;
- Are seeking or have other sources of funding secured; and
- Do not displace or duplicate government efforts or industry responsibility.
Ineligible
- What types of projects are not eligible? Projects are not eligible if they:
- Have the potential to duplicate or displace government or industry responsibility. This includes any restoration related to habitat fragmentation or other negative ecosystem impacts that have occurred because of identifiable industrial or commercial development or access (e.g. road development, hydroelectric reservoir drawdown zones, etc.)
- Projects that primarily benefit the applicant itself or the members of a -membershipbased organization.
- Projects that take place on personally or commercially held private land, BC Hydro or Fortis land, Provincial/Federal Parks.
- Are focused on environmental education or research.
- Take place outside the Basin.
- Undertake activities of political parties, advocacy or lobby groups or of organizations that are exclusive or discriminative in nature.
For more information, visit Columbia Basin Trust.
