Apply Now: Priority Intervention Program – St. Lawrence River (Canada)

The St. Lawrence River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative – Priority Interventions Program (PIP) funds projects that restore and protect freshwater quality in priority areas of the St. Lawrence River and its tributaries. The program emphasizes Indigenous knowledge, habitat restoration, pollution reduction, and collaborative freshwater management, offering grants up to $250,000 per project for initiatives concluding by March 31, 2028.

Overview of the Program

The PIP is designed to support projects that contribute to healthy freshwater ecosystems in Canada. It targets priority freshwater areas in the St. Lawrence River system, including:

1. Freshwater areas important to Indigenous communities – integrating traditional knowledge into restoration and conservation.

2. Ottawa River Priority Area – addressing water quality and ecosystem health.

3. Cornwall to western Île d’Orléans priority area – reducing pollution and restoring aquatic habitats.

4. Collaborative management plan areas – implementing joint initiatives for ecosystem improvement.

Objectives and Focus Areas

• Restore and conserve aquatic and wetland environments.

• Reduce pollution from agricultural, urban, and industrial sources.

• Integrate Indigenous knowledge and strengthen community capacity for freshwater management.

• Conduct applied research to address information gaps and improve ecosystem management.

• Promote partnerships at local and regional levels to drive tangible outcomes.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Indigenous organizations and authorities.

• Non-profit organizations.

• University research institutions.

• For-profit organizations with fewer than 500 employees.

• Other qualified Canadian entities.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Projects must be based in Canada.

• Must target freshwater ecosystems, not brackish or saltwater environments.

• Projects cannot be legally required or already underway.

• Must demonstrate measurable results with a clear restoration or research outcome.

• Projects requiring lobbying, fundraising, or awareness campaigns without measurable environmental impact are ineligible.

Funding and Duration

• Maximum federal contribution: $250,000 per project.

• Projects may run for up to three fiscal years, concluding no later than March 31, 2028.

• Applicants must secure at least 25% of project funding from non-federal sources.

Priority Project Activities

Funded projects typically include:

• Restoration of rivers, wetlands, and aquatic habitats.

• Water quality improvement measures and pollution mitigation.

• Applied research to fill knowledge gaps in freshwater ecosystem management.

• Collaboration between local stakeholders, Indigenous communities, and authorities.

• Capacity building for Indigenous communities in ecosystem stewardship.

Ineligible Activities:

• Projects outside Canada.

• Projects focusing on brackish or saltwater ecosystems.

• Ongoing legal obligations or already underway projects.

• Beautification projects, conferences, awareness campaigns, or lobbying.

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility: Ensure your organization and project meet all federal and program requirements.

2. Develop a project proposal: Include objectives, methods, expected outcomes, timeline, budget, and collaboration plans.

3. Secure funding partners: Obtain at least 25% co-funding from non-federal sources.

4. Submit application: Follow program guidelines and deadlines provided by the administering agency.

5. Project implementation: Deliver outcomes as outlined, maintain reporting, and conclude by March 31, 2028.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Emphasize Indigenous participation and traditional knowledge.

• Clearly define measurable environmental outcomes.

• Demonstrate collaboration with local and regional partners.

• Provide a detailed budget showing federal and non-federal contributions.

• Avoid proposing activities that are already legally required or purely informational.

FAQ

1. Who can apply for the PIP program?
Indigenous organizations, non-profits, universities, small for-profit organizations (under 500 employees), and other Canadian entities.

2. What is the maximum funding per project?
Each project may receive up to $250,000 from the federal contribution.

3. How long can projects run?
Projects may run for up to three fiscal years, ending no later than March 31, 2028.

4. Are projects outside Canada eligible?
No, all projects must take place within Canada and target freshwater ecosystems.

5. Can the funds be used for conferences or lobbying?
No, ineligible activities include conferences, awareness campaigns, lobbying, and projects already underway or legally required.

6. Is co-funding required?
Yes, applicants must secure at least 25% of total project funding from non-federal sources.

7. What types of projects are prioritized?
Projects that restore freshwater and wetland habitats, reduce pollution, integrate Indigenous knowledge, and strengthen local or regional partnerships.

Conclusion

The St. Lawrence River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative – PIP provides critical funding to protect and restore freshwater ecosystems in Canada. By supporting restoration, research, and Indigenous-led initiatives, the program ensures sustainable freshwater management, improved water quality, and healthy aquatic ecosystems for communities across the St. Lawrence River system.