ACE Fund: Environmental Leadership Development (Canada)

Deadline: 31-Dec-2026

The Ann Coxworth Environmental Fund provides small grants for projects that strengthen environmental leadership and build community capacity in Saskatchewan. Approximately $1,300 is available annually, with individual grants averaging about $500 and applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

About the ACE Fund

The Ann Coxworth Environmental Fund, commonly known as the ACE Fund, supports grassroots environmental learning, leadership, and action in Saskatchewan. The fund was established to honour Ann Coxworth’s substantial volunteer contributions to Saskatchewan’s environmental movement. It was created through initial and matching donations from community members who shared her commitment to environmental leadership and sustainability. Purpose of the Fund

The ACE Fund aims to:

- Develop environmental leaders. - Build human capacity for environmental protection. - Support environmental education. - Encourage public participation. - Strengthen community-based environmental work. - Increase knowledge and practical skills. - Support rural environmental action. - Promote issues connected to the Saskatchewan Environmental Society. - Encourage participation in training and conferences. - Support demonstration and public-information activities. Funding Information

The fund provides:

- Approximate annual funding pool: $1,300.

- Average grant: Approximately $500.

- Application schedule: Ongoing.

- Geographic focus: Saskatchewan.

The amount awarded may vary according to the project, available annual funds, and assessment of the application. Applicants should request a realistic amount that reflects the small-grant nature of the program. Rolling Application Process Applications are accepted throughout the year rather than through a single annual deadline. However, available funding is limited. Applicants with time-sensitive activities should apply early, especially when seeking support for: - A scheduled conference. - A training course. - A seasonal project. - A public event. - A demonstration activity. - A rural environmental initiative with a fixed timeline. Applicants should allow enough time for assessment before making financial commitments. Connection to the Saskatchewan Environmental Society Supported projects must align with the issue-related work of the Saskatchewan Environmental Society, commonly known as SES.

Applicants should clearly explain:

- Which environmental issue the project addresses. - How it relates to SES priorities. - Why the activity is relevant to Saskatchewan. - What leadership or capacity it will develop. - Who will benefit. - What practical results are expected. General environmental interest without a clear connection to leadership, capacity, or SES priorities may be insufficient. Environmental Leadership Development Environmental leadership involves helping individuals or communities develop the knowledge, confidence, relationships, and practical skills needed to protect the environment. Leadership activities may help participants: - Understand environmental issues. - Communicate effectively. - Organize community action. - Facilitate public discussions. - Work with decision-makers. - Develop environmental projects. - Build partnerships. - Share knowledge. - Mentor others. - Sustain long-term involvement. Applicants should explain how the project will create or strengthen environmental leaders. Human Capacity Building Human capacity refers to the abilities, knowledge, experience, and networks that enable people to take effective environmental action.

Capacity-building may include:

- Technical training. - Community education. - Leadership development. - Public-speaking skills. - Volunteer coordination. - Project planning. - Environmental monitoring. - Advocacy skills. - Knowledge exchange. - Network development. - Development of practical tools. A strong proposal will identify what participants will be better able to do after the project. Eligible Activities

The ACE Fund may support:

- Attendance at environmental conferences. - Organization of environmental conferences. - Participation in training courses. - Organization of environmental training. - Environmental demonstration projects. - Environmental information projects. - Activities promoting key SES issues. - Rural environmental initiatives. - Other activities that strengthen environmental leadership and capacity. Applicants should review the official guidance before committing project expenses. Conference Participation Funding may help an eligible applicant attend a relevant environmental conference. Support may potentially contribute toward: - Registration fees. - Travel. - Accommodation. - Educational materials. - Other approved participation expenses.

Applicants should explain:

- Why the conference is relevant. - What they expect to learn. - How participation will strengthen their environmental work. - How knowledge will be shared afterward. - Why financial support is needed. Organizing Conferences or Events The fund may support small-scale conferences, forums, or gatherings that build environmental knowledge and leadership.

A proposal should describe:

- The event topic. - Intended participants. - Speakers or facilitators. - Expected learning outcomes. - Community need. - Environmental relevance. - Follow-up activities. - How the event aligns with SES priorities. Given the fund’s size, applicants should present focused and cost-effective activities. Training Courses Training may develop practical skills in areas such as: - Environmental leadership. - Climate action. - Energy conservation. - Biodiversity. - Waste reduction. - Sustainable communities. - Environmental communication. - Community organizing. - Public engagement. - Rural sustainability. Applicants should explain how the training will lead to continued environmental action. Environmental Demonstration Projects A demonstration project shows how an environmental practice or solution works in a real setting. Potential examples may incl