CFAs: Sleeman Better Water Fund (Canada)

Deadline: 19-Oct-2026

The Sleeman Better Water Fund is inviting registered Canadian charities to apply for grants supporting projects that promote responsible water use, water conservation, and access to clean water. The fund supports charitable organizations working to address water-related challenges and strengthen environmental stewardship in their communities. Projects must be based in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, or Quebec and align with specified United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Eligible organizations can request up to $40,000 per application, with multiple grants potentially awarded to support projects across different geographic areas.

About the Sleeman Better Water Fund

The Sleeman Better Water Fund is administered by the Guelph Community Foundation on behalf of Sleeman Breweries.

The fund supports projects that advance:

- Responsible water use. - Water conservation. - Clean water accessibility. - Environmental stewardship. - Community responses to water-related challenges. The programme has a particular focus on projects in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. What Does the Fund Support? The Sleeman Better Water Fund is designed to help charitable organizations address pressing water-related challenges. Projects should contribute to responsible management and protection of water resources or improve access to clean water.

Priority areas include:

- Responsible water use. - Water conservation. - Clean water accessibility. - Environmental stewardship. How Much Funding Is Available? Applicants can request a maximum of $40,000 per application. Multiple grants may be awarded as part of the programme to achieve broad geographic reach. The available funding is intended to support projects that demonstrate a clear connection to the fund’s water and environmental objectives. When Are Awardees Announced? Awardees are publicly announced each year on World Water Day, which takes place on March 22. The annual announcement highlights organizations and projects receiving support through the Sleeman Better Water Fund. Who Can Apply? The fund is open to registered Canadian charities that operate in: - British Columbia. - Alberta. - Ontario. - Quebec. Applicants must meet the charitable organization and geographic requirements. What Are the Project Eligibility Requirements? Proposed projects must align with at least one of the specified United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and their identified targets.

Eligible projects must align with:

- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

- SDG 13: Climate Action, Target 13.3

- SDG 15: Life on Land, Targets 15.1 and 15.a

Preference is given to projects that support SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 6 is the fund’s preferred area of focus. Projects addressing clean water and sanitation can receive preference because they directly align with the fund’s central objective of advancing responsible water use, conservation, and clean water accessibility.

SDG 13: Climate Action

Projects may also align with SDG 13, Target 13.3, which is one of the specified SDG targets recognized by the fund. Applicants should demonstrate how their project connects with the relevant climate action objective.

SDG 15: Life on Land

Projects can also align with SDG 15: Life on Land, specifically Targets 15.1 and 15.a. These targets provide another pathway for projects addressing water-related environmental stewardship and the protection of land-based ecosystems. Geographic Focus The Sleeman Better Water Fund has a particular focus on four Canadian provinces: - British Columbia. - Alberta. - Ontario. - Quebec. Registered Canadian charities operating in these provinces can apply for support for eligible water-related projects. Why the Sleeman Better Water Fund Matters Water-related challenges can affect communities, ecosystems, and long-term environmental sustainability. The Sleeman Better Water Fund provides charitable organizations with an opportunity to develop and implement projects that address these challenges while promoting responsible water use and environmental stewardship. By supporting multiple projects, the fund also aims to achieve broad geographic reach across its areas of focus. Key Facts About the Sleeman Better Water Fund

- Fund: Sleeman Better Water Fund

- Administered by: Guelph Community Foundation

- On behalf of: Sleeman Breweries

- Maximum request: $40,000 per application

- Eligible applicants: Registered Canadian charities

- Eligible provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec

- Focus: Responsible water use, water conservation, and clean water accessibility

- Additional focus: Environmental stewardship and water-related challenges

- Multiple grants: May be awarded to achieve broad geographic reach

- Award announcement: World Water Day, March 22

- Required SDG alignment: SDG 6, SDG 13 Target 13.3, or SDG 15 Targets 15.1 and 15.a

- Preferred SDG: SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

Frequently Asked Questions About the Sleeman Better Water Fund What is the Sleeman Better Water Fund? The Sleeman Better Water Fund provides grants to registered Canadian charities for projects supporting responsible water use, conservation, and clean water accessibility. Who administers the Sleeman Better Water Fund? The fund is administered by the Guelph Community Foundation on behalf of Sleeman Breweries. How much funding can an organization request? Eligible applicants can request up to $40,000 per application. Who can apply for the fund? Registered Canadian charities operating in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, or Quebec can apply. Which provinces are eligible? Projects and applicants must be based in or operate within British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, or Quebec, according to the fund’s geographic eligibility requirements. What types of projects are supported? The fund supports projects advancing responsible water use, water conservation, and clean water accessibility, as well as projects