Open Call for Climate Action Fund 2026 (Canada)

Deadline: 30-Oct-2026

The Town of Caledon’s Climate Action Fund provides grants of up to $8,000 for local projects addressing climate change mitigation, adaptation, or community education. Eligible community groups, charities, schools, Indigenous groups, and other local applicants can seek support for projects aligned with the Resilient Caledon Climate Change Action Plan.

About the Climate Action Fund

The Climate Action Fund is an annual grant initiative administered by the Town of Caledon. It empowers local organizations, schools, groups, and residents to take practical action on climate change within the community. Projects must contribute to at least one of the following priorities: - Reducing greenhouse gas emissions. - Improving resilience to climate-related impacts. - Educating and engaging the community on climate action. Purpose of the Fund

The Climate Action Fund aims to:

- Support locally led climate solutions. - Reduce community greenhouse gas emissions. - Strengthen resilience to extreme weather and other climate impacts. - Increase public understanding of climate change. - Encourage community participation in climate action. - Support youth and school-led environmental initiatives. - Promote collaboration among residents and organizations. - Advance the Resilient Caledon Climate Change Action Plan. - Create measurable and lasting environmental benefits. Funding Information

Eligible applicants can request:

- Maximum grant: $8,000.

- Geographic focus: Town of Caledon.

- Funding frequency: Annual grant initiative.

The requested amount should be proportionate to the proposed activities, number of beneficiaries, environmental outcomes, and implementation period. Applicants should consult the official guidelines for information about minimum requests, matching contributions, eligible costs, and project-completion requirements. Key Funding Areas Projects should focus on climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, community education, or a combination of these areas. Climate Change Mitigation Climate change mitigation involves reducing or preventing greenhouse gas emissions. Eligible mitigation activities may include: - Community energy-efficiency projects. - Waste-reduction initiatives. - Composting programs. - Sustainable transportation activities. - Active transportation projects. - Low-carbon community events. - Tree planting and ecosystem restoration. - Community gardens. - Local food initiatives. - Renewable-energy education. - Projects that reduce consumption or encourage reuse. - Initiatives promoting energy conservation. Applicants should explain how their proposed activities will reduce emissions or encourage low-carbon behaviour. Climate Change Adaptation Climate change adaptation involves preparing for and responding to current or expected climate impacts.

Relevant projects may address:

- Extreme heat. - Flooding. - Severe storms. - Drought. - Wildfire smoke. - Water conservation. - Soil degradation. - Biodiversity loss. - Impacts on vulnerable residents. - Community emergency preparedness.

Potential activities may include:

- Native plant and pollinator gardens. - Rain gardens. - Community shade projects. - Flood-awareness initiatives. - Water-conservation projects. - Climate-resilient landscaping. - Emergency-preparedness education. - Local biodiversity restoration. - Community resilience planning. Applicants should clearly identify the climate risk and explain how the project will increase resilience. Community Climate Education Education projects should increase public understanding and encourage meaningful climate action.

Activities may include:

- Public workshops. - School climate programs. - Youth environmental leadership. - Community awareness campaigns. - Climate-focused events. - Educational materials. - Demonstration projects. - Training on energy conservation. - Waste-reduction education. - Climate adaptation workshops. - Indigenous environmental knowledge-sharing. - Citizen-science activities. Education projects should identify the intended audience, key messages, learning outcomes, and actions participants will be encouraged to take. Alignment with Resilient Caledon All proposed projects should align with the Resilient Caledon Climate Change Action Plan. Applicants should clearly connect their project to relevant local climate priorities, such as: - Lowering greenhouse gas emissions. - Preparing for climate hazards. - Protecting local ecosystems. - Increasing community awareness. - Supporting sustainable transportation. - Reducing waste. - Improving energy efficiency. - Building community resilience. - Encouraging equitable climate action. A strong application will explain this connection directly rather than simply describing the project as environmentally beneficial. Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

- Non-profit organizations. - Registered charities. - Neighbourhood associations. - Unincorporated community-based groups. - Faith or church groups proposing non-religious activities. - Indigenous groups. - Eligible schools and school groups. - Publicly funded school boards. - Individuals or students working through an eligible applicant. Applicants must meet the Town of Caledon’s location, partnership, and project requirements.

Eligibility for Schools and School Groups

Schools and school groups may apply if they: - Have a Caledon address. - Belong to a publicly funded school board. - Propose a project benefiting a Caledon school or community. Publicly funded school boards may also apply for projects implemented in Caledon schools. School projects should demonstrate educational value, student engagement, and a clear climate outcome.

Eligibility for Individuals and Students

Individuals and students may participate if they have a documented collaborative agreement with an eligible applicant. The eligible partner may be responsible for: - Submitting or supporting the application. - Receiving grant funds. - Managing project expenses. - Provid