The purpose of the Community Watershed Restoration Grant is to support community environmental restoration projects focusing on urban stream and riparian restoration enhancement, natural environment protection, and climate change adaptation solutions. Eligible community organizations, environmental non-profits, or individual residents that aim to carry out watershed restoration projects focusing on urban stream and riparian restoration enhancement, natural environment protection, and/or climate change adaptation solutions are encouraged to apply for funding.
A total of $20,000 ($11,907 remaining for 2023 intake 2) in funding is available. Individual applications for up to $11,907 in funding will be accepted; however, funding of less than $11,907 may also be split between more than one successful applicant. Funding may be used to provide financial support for restoration planning and design studies, material purchase, invasive plants disposal, equipment rental, and labour.
The second 2023 grant intake is now open. Applications will be accepted until 4pm March 27, 2023. Application forms are available here. Successful applications will be announced and grants awarded in May.
Guidelines and Criteria
The grant guidelines and criteria can be found here. Grant guidelines and criteria provide valuable information for grant applicants regarding the intent of the grant, who is eligible to apply, how much funding is available, and how the applications will be evaluated.
Frequently Asked Questions
My organization is located outside the City of Nanaimo boundaries. Are we eligible?
Organizations and individuals applying for funding must be proposing a project that primarily serves Nanaimo residents.
Do I need to own the property my proposed project will be on?
Where the proposed project is on land not owned by the applicant, landowner permission is required. This includes property owned by the City of Nanaimo and other levels of government. Individual applicants (not part of a non-profit society or neighbourhood group) must own the property on which the project is proposed.
I am applying for a development application that will require environmental restoration, can I apply for a grant to support this work?
Proposed development projects that require environmental restoration as a condition of development approval are not eligible for grant funding.
Do I need to have all environmental approvals in place before I apply for the grant?
No, grant funding may be used for project planning and design studies completed by a qualified professional including but not limited to environmental assessments, restoration plans, site plan or surveys, landscape plans, slope/erosion stabilization study, and/or an archeological assessment. As these studies may be needed to obtain necessary approvals, environmental approval is not required before applying for the grant. All necessary environmental approvals must be obtained prior to any construction or planting work.
Further Questions?
We're happy to help! Having trouble accessing the forms linked above? Questions or concerns? Contact us directly at 250-755-4491 or sustainability@nanaimo.ca