Funding for Non-Profits in Canada: Climate, Environment & Food Security

Published on: September 21, 2025

Author: Team Navoriah

Non-profit organizations play a vital role in addressing Canada’s most pressing challenges—climate change, environmental protection, and food security. Fortunately, there are diverse funding opportunities available to support innovative projects.

Below, we outline major funding streams, eligibility, deadlines, and how funding for non-profits compares with for-profit organizations.

1. Federal Government Grants and Contributions

• EcoAction Community Fund (ECCC) – Supports local projects that improve air, water, and biodiversity. Eligibility: Canadian non-profits/charities. Deadlines: Annual intakes.

• Environmental Damages Fund (ECCC) – Restores ecosystems with community-led projects. Eligibility: Non-profits, Indigenous organizations, municipalities. Deadlines: Regional, throughout the year.

• Climate Action and Awareness Fund (ECCC) – Funds climate literacy, awareness, and youth engagement. Eligibility: Non-profits, charities, Indigenous orgs. Deadlines: Periodic calls.

• Local Food Infrastructure Fund (AAFC) – Strengthens food security (gardens, food banks, distribution). Eligibility: Non-profits, Indigenous groups. Deadline: September 19, 2025.

• Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (AAFC) – Supports food system resilience and sustainability. Eligibility: Non-profits, co-ops, producer associations. Status: Ongoing through provinces.

• Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program (Health Canada/ISC) – Funds Indigenous communities tackling health impacts of climate change. Deadline: South intake closes September 12, 2025; North intake ongoing.

• Green Municipal Fund (FCM) – Loans and grants for sustainable infrastructure. Eligibility: Municipalities + partnered non-profits. Status: Rolling.

  
  

2. Provincial and Territorial Programs

• Ontario Trillium Foundation: Grants for environment, food security, community resilience. Deadlines: Vary by stream.

• Alberta Ecotrust: Funds environmental non-profits. Deadline: Annual intake.

• BC Climate Action Programs: Support for adaptation and emissions reduction. Deadlines: Updated regularly.

  
  

3. Philanthropic Foundations

• McConnell Foundation: Year-round, systems-change funding.

• Weston Family Foundation: Annual calls in ecosystems and food security.

• Trottier Family Foundation: Clean energy, climate action.

• MakeWay Foundation: Environmental and Indigenous-led initiatives.

• Laidlaw Foundation: Youth engagement in climate and community.

  
  

4. Corporate and Private Sector Programs

• TD Friends of the Environment Foundation: Rolling, reviewed quarterly.

• RBC Tech for Nature: Annual proposals.

• Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security: Annual intake.

• Hydro/Energy Utilities: Local conservation or climate funds.

  
  

5. International and Global Opportunities

• IDRC (International Development Research Centre): Rolling calls in food security and climate.

• Global Affairs Canada: International development programs.

• UNDP Small Grants Programme / Green Climate Fund: Periodic global intakes.

How Funding for Non-Profits Differs from For-Profits

Aspect	Non-Profit Funding	For-Profit Funding
Purpose	Mission-driven, reinvested into programs	Profit-driven, generates financial return
Sources	Grants, foundations, CSR, donations	Investors, loans, revenues, gov’t loans
Eligibility	Registered non-profit/charity	Registered business with growth potential
Applications	Impact-focused proposals	ROI-focused business plans
Reporting	Outcomes & community impact	Financial returns & performance metrics

Key Takeaways

• Non-profits can access funding from federal, provincial, foundation, corporate, and global sources.

• Each program has unique eligibility and deadlines, but all prioritize measurable impact.

• Compared to for-profits, non-profits are funded to deliver social and environmental good rather than financial returns.

  
  

✍️ Pro Tip: At Navoriah, we track funding calls and guide organizations through the application process. If you’re planning an environmental, climate, or food security project, reach us at info@navoriah.com for tailored support.