Call for Applications: Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants (Canada)

Deadline: 02-Oct-2026

The Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants provide funding for resident-led and community group projects that increase awareness, education, and engagement around climate action in Toronto. The programme supports neighbourhood initiatives that help communities understand and respond to climate change while advancing the City of Toronto’s broader TransformTO strategy. Funding can support projects, activities, and events that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, educate residents about climate change, and strengthen local climate action. Applicants can request up to $7,500 per project.

About the Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants

The Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants are designed to help Toronto residents and community organizations develop local initiatives that encourage climate action. The programme forms part of the City’s broader TransformTO strategy, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building a more sustainable city through community engagement, education, and local action. By providing funding directly to neighbourhood groups, the programme enables residents to develop projects that respond to local climate priorities and encourage wider community participation. What Projects Can the Grants Support? Funding is available for projects, activities, and events that contribute to climate action and awareness at the neighbourhood level.

Eligible initiatives may focus on:

- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions. - Educating the public about climate change. - Increasing awareness of climate action. - Encouraging residents to participate in climate-related activities. - Advancing the principles and priorities of TransformTO. - Building stronger community engagement around sustainability. - Supporting local responses to climate challenges. Projects should demonstrate a clear connection between the proposed activities and climate action or community climate awareness. How Much Funding Is Available? Applicants may request up to $7,500.00 per project. The funding is intended to help resident-led and community groups organize and deliver neighbourhood-level projects, activities, and events that support climate awareness and action. Applicants should develop a realistic budget that clearly connects requested funds with the activities and objectives of their proposed project. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to eligible resident-led groups and community groups in Toronto. Resident-led groups must have at least three members.

Eligible community groups can include:

- Youth groups. - Service clubs. - Parent councils. - Other eligible community-based groups. The programme is intended to support local groups that can engage residents and deliver climate-related activities within Toronto neighbourhoods. Priority Applicants and Projects While the programme is open to eligible groups, priority is given to certain applicants and projects.

Priority is given to:

- Groups led by Black people. - Groups led by Indigenous people. - Groups led by equity-deserving people. - Projects located in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas. - Projects located in Emerging Neighbourhoods within Toronto. This priority approach is intended to encourage broader and more equitable participation in local climate action. What Are Neighbourhood Improvement Areas? Neighbourhood Improvement Areas are communities identified for additional attention and investment based on local conditions and needs. Projects located in these areas receive priority under the Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants. Applicants should therefore consider the location and community context of their proposed project when preparing their application. Emerging Neighbourhoods Projects located in Emerging Neighbourhoods within Toronto are also prioritized. This provides an opportunity for community groups in these areas to develop locally relevant climate initiatives and engage residents in sustainability and climate action. Who Is Not Eligible to Apply? Several categories of applicants are excluded from the programme.

The following are not eligible:

- Individuals. - Non-profit organizations. - Businesses. - Religious organizations that do not clearly separate their community services. - Political parties. - Grant-making organizations. - Industry or trade associations. - Organizations mandated by other levels of government. - Landlord or tenant corporations. - Condominium corporations. Applicants should carefully review these restrictions before preparing a submission. Religious Organizations Religious organizations are not eligible where there is no clear separation between their religious activities and community services. Groups in this category should therefore be able to demonstrate a clear distinction between eligible community-focused activities and religious functions if applicable. What Makes a Strong Climate Action Project? A strong project should clearly demonstrate how it will contribute to climate awareness, engagement, or emissions reduction at the neighbourhood level.

Applicants should consider explaining:

- What local climate issue or need the project addresses. - How residents will participate. - How the project will increase climate awareness or engagement. - How the activities contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, where applicable. - How the project supports TransformTO principles and priorities. - Why the project is relevant to the neighbourhood. - How the requested funding will be used. Projects should be designed around meaningful community participation rather than simply providing information without opportunities for engagement. Community-Led Climate Action The programme places residents and community groups at the centre of neighbourhood climate action. Local groups can identify issues affecting their communities and develop activities that make climate action more accessible and relevant to residents. This community-led approach can help connect broader city climate objectives with practical neig