Grants to Support Municipal Net-Zero Initiatives (Canada)

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) offers the Net-Zero Transformation funding opportunity through its Green Municipal Fund (GMF). This initiative provides financial support for Canadian municipalities to implement innovative infrastructure projects with significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potential. Applications are accepted year-round until funds are fully allocated. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)

- Funding Type: Combined loan and grant

- Maximum Funding: Up to 80% of eligible costs, with a cap of CAD 10 million

- Grant Details: Up to 15% of the total loan amount; additional 5% for brownfield site remediation

- Eligible Applicants: Canadian municipal governments and partners, including private sector, NGOs, and Indigenous communities

- Eligible Locations: Canada

- Application Deadline: Continuous until funding is depleted

- Project Duration: Not specified

About the Opportunity

The Net-Zero Transformation funding opportunity supports the development of innovative municipal infrastructure projects aimed at achieving net-zero emissions. Projects should demonstrate significant GHG reduction potential, either directly through implementation or indirectly by setting enabling conditions for future reductions. Funding and Benefits

- Loan and Grant Combination: Covers up to 80% of eligible project costs, with a maximum of CAD 10 million.

- Grant Portion: Up to 15% of the loan amount, with an additional 5% for projects involving brownfield remediation.

- Financial Support: Encourages municipalities to construct infrastructure that significantly reduces GHG emissions.

Who Is Eligible?

- Eligible Entities:

- Canadian municipal governments (towns, cities, regions, districts)

- Municipal partners, including:

- Private sector entities - Municipally-owned corporations - Regional, provincial, or territorial organizations delivering municipal services - Non-governmental organizations - Not-for-profit organizations - Research institutes (e.g., universities) - Indigenous communities partnering with municipal governments Eligible Activities or Priority Areas

Projects must focus on:

- Significant GHG reduction through innovative infrastructure - Direct and quantifiable or indirectly supported reductions - Addressing a key challenge for many municipalities Why This Opportunity Matters This funding opportunity is crucial for municipalities aiming to contribute to Canada’s climate goals by fostering projects that reduce GHG emissions and enhance environmental sustainability. It supports the creation of resilient infrastructure that can be replicated across municipalities, promoting widespread climate action and innovation. How to Apply

- Pre-Application Submission:

- Submit a pre-application form through the FCM funding portal.

- Eligibility Determination:

- A GMF outreach officer reviews the pre-application to determine eligibility.

- Full Application Submission:

- Eligible applicants complete a full application with a project workbook.

- GMF Project Officer Review:

- A GMF project officer reviews the application for accuracy and completeness.

- Peer Review and Internal Review:

- An external peer review panel and internal analysis evaluate the application.

- FCM Funding Decision:

- Final decision made by the GMF Council and FCM’s Board of Directors. Next Steps Eligible applicants are encouraged to review the official Net-Zero Transformation application guide for detailed instructions and to begin the application process through the FCM funding portal. For further assistance, contact GMF at gmfinfo@fcm.ca or call 1-877-417-0550.