Including public transit, community transit, active transportation, and electric vehicles.
*Updated programs* at the Green Municipal Fund
Department - Organization: Infrastructure Canada/Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Description: GMF is more than just a funding source—they are a full-service partner in your climate action progress. Grants and loans for all stages. Stackable with other funding sources. Dedicated staff to help you apply. Free resources to help build business cases and improve project outcomes. Grants from $100-500k for up to 50% of eligible costs, combined grant and loan to a maximum of $10M for up to 80% of eligible costs.
- Sustainable Municipal Buildings: Funding for high-efficiency new construction of municipal and community buildings, and retrofits of municipal buildings.
- Community Energy Systems: Support for the adoption of renewable energy solutions that meet community needs and are aligned with a net-zero future.
- Municipal Fleet Electrification: Funding for the electrification of municipal and transit fleets to help municipalities achieve net-zero transportation emissions.
- Organic Waste to Energy: Support communities with established waste diversion programs to generate renewable energy from organic waste streams or landfill gas.
- Local Net-Zero Transformation: Funding for innovative projects that have significant GHG reduction benefits and are not eligible under other GMF funding offers.
Deadline: Continuous
Contact: gmfinfo@fcm.ca or book a meeting with an advisor.
Permanent Public Transit Funding: Rural Transit Solutions Fund
Department - Organization: Infrastructure Canada
Description: This fund supports locally-driven transit solutions for rural and remote communities, with flexibility for different local transit system innovations from fixed routes to on-demand services to ride-shares.
Deadline: Planning and Design Projects stream continuous intake.
Contact: RTSF-FSTCR@infc.gc.ca
Electrify Nova Scotia MHZEV Rebate Program
Department - Organization: EVAssist Nova Scotia
Description: Offered through the Province of Nova Scotia, the Electrify Nova Scotia Medium and Heavy-duty Electric Vehicle Program provides rebates for the purchase or lease of qualifying MHZEVs on or after April 1st, 2024.
Deadline: Rebates are provided on a first-come, first-served basis and will remain available until the program budget is exhausted or the program is terminated.
Contact: 1-877-522-1110, electrify@cleanfoundation.ca
Active Communities Fund
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Description: The fund supports community-wide initiatives to encourage less structured physical activity and movement. The fund aims to encourage physical activity and movement through policies, social initiatives or physical environments. Projects should target community members who are less active, or who have fewer opportunities for physical activity.
Example(s): A plan to design & implement a safe, walkable connector pathway between Glace Bay High School and the nearby shopping plaza.
Deadline: June 15th, 2024 for requests above $10,000. December 1st, 2024 for other applications.
Contact: It is strongly recommended you contact Elisabeth Bailey, Physical Activity Consultant, to discuss eligibility and project details. You can reach Elisabeth at elisabeth.bailey@novascotia.ca or 902-930-1020.
Website: Active Communities Fund
Green Freight
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: The program will help fleets reduce their fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from on-road freight through fleet energy assessments, fleet retrofits, engine repowers, best-practice implementation and the purchase of low-carbon vehicles. There are two streams, municipal governments are listed as eligible applicants on both streams. Stream 1 of the program provides grant funding up to a maximum of $250,000 per Applicant. Stream 2 contributes up to 50% of total project costs, up to a maximum of $5 million per project.
Deadline: Stream 1 is a continuous intake
Contact: freightassessment-evaluationdeflotte@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Permanent Public Transit Funding: Zero Emission Transit Fund
Department - Organization: Infrastructure Canada
Description: The fund is to support the electrification of public transit, support the purchase of 5,000 zero-emission buses and build supporting infrastructure, including charging infrastructure and facility upgrades. There is a planning stream and a capital stream.
Example(s): Eligible projects include studies, modelling and feasibility analysis that will support the development of future larger-scale capital projects. Eligible capital projects include buses, charging and refuelling infrastructure, and other ancillary infrastructure needs.
Deadline: Capital and planning streams are both open.
Contact: zetf-ftcze@infc.gc.ca
Community Transportation Assistance Program
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Public Works
Description: The program provides an operating grant to community transit operators in rural NS. To find out how your municipality can become eligible, please contact Gregory Sewell.
Deadline: There is no annual application for this program, once a community transit operator is approved for funding under this program they continuously receive funding as long as they meet their reporting requirements.
Contact: Gregory.Sewell@novascotia.ca
Mitacs Municipal Support
Department - Organization: Mitacs
Description: Mitacs connects municipalities of all sizes with post-secondary researchers for innovative projects ensuring Canadians develop the best public policies to create vibrant and healthy communities. Mitacs is a national, not-for-profit organization that designs and delivers research internships, placing highly educated graduate students and postdocs into the public and private sectors. Bringing a qualified intern on board, whether it’s a college student, a university student, a grad or a postdoc, is a smart strategy, allowing you to tap into their knowledge and know-how while keeping your budget in check. It’s also a great way to boost your organization’s productivity and create a valuable work opportunity for students who are passionate about the challenges you face.
- Non-repayable funding from $6,000 to multi-million.
- A custom-built research and innovation team to roadmap your project.
- Scalable, multidisciplinary projects in all areas.
- Academic/research team to give you the specialized knowledge and skills that you need.
- Works with you to resolve the major challenges that Canadian municipalities face
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: Form on the webpage
Website: Mitacs Municipal Support
Closed Funding, Next Intake TBD:
Permanent Public Transit Funding: Active Transportation Fund
Department - Organization: Infrastructure Canada
Description: The fund invests in projects that build new and expanded networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails and pedestrian bridges, in addition to supporting active transportation planning and stakeholder engagement activities.
Deadline: The first intake closed on March 31st, 2022. The next intake is in 2026.
Contact: ATF-FTA@infc.gc.ca
Accessible Transportation Assistance Program
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Public Works
Description: The program is a capital grant for municipally operated accessible services. To find out how your municipality can become eligible, please contact Gregory Sewell. Applications are mailed directly to the applicants.
Example(s): Transit Cape Breton - Handi-Trans Service
Deadline: Closed April 2023, next intake TBD.
Contact: Gregory.Sewell@novascotia.ca
Nova Scotia Transit Research Incentive Program
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Public Works
Description: For municipalities that provide a fixed route service. The Nova Scotia Transit Research Incentive Program provides funding to develop or enhance transit in underserved areas. Applications are mailed to the recipients. Funding is available for 1 project per year per organization.
Deadline: Closed April, 2023. Next intake TBD.
Contact: Gregory.Sewell@novascotia.ca
Public Transit Assistance Program Funding
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Public Works
Description: The Public Transit Assistance Program is a capital grant for municipalities that provide a fixed route service. Applications are mailed directly to the applicants.
Deadline: Closed April, 2023. Next intake TBD.
Contact: Gregory.Sewell@novascotia.ca
Low Carbon Communities
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Natural Resources and Renewables
Description: The program helps communities develop and advance innovative solutions in building 75% of total project eligible costs efficiency, clean electricity, and clean transportation. The Low Carbon Communities program supports community-led, innovative solutions to create long-lasting greenhouse gas reductions. The funding helps communities complete the preparatory work required to implement their projects. 75% of total project eligible costs up to $75,000.
Example(s): Electric fleet and charging infrastructure planning in Kings County.
Deadline: Closed June 29th, 2023. Next intake TBD.
Contact: lowcarboncommunities@novascotia.ca
Website: Low Carbon Communities
Zero Emission Trucking Program
Department - Organization: Transport Canada
Description: The program will support municipalities to develop, modernize, and align the necessary guidelines, codes, standards and regulations to accelerate the safe deployment of zero-emission trucking in Canada. Up to $1 million per project, up to 75%.
Deadline: Closed October 3rd, 2023. Next intake TBD.
Contact: ZETProgram-ProgrammeCZE@tc.gc.ca
Website: Zero Emission Trucking Program
Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: Supports projects that aim to increase awareness, knowledge and public confidence in zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) and public charging and refuelling infrastructure.
Example(s): Edmonton Electric Vehicle Trade Show
Deadline: Closed September, 2023. Next intake TBD.
Enhanced Road Safety Transfer Payment Program
Department - Organization: Transport Canada
Description: The program provides funding to support initiatives that contribute to a safe and secure transportation system. The ERSTPP aims to reduce road-related collisions, injuries, and fatalities, and encourage harmonization with provincial and territorial road safety initiatives through funding projects that help create nationally consistent tools that address road safety challenges.
Example(s):
- education and training, building enforcement capacity
- collection of uniform, complete, timely road safety-related information and data
- research activities to develop public policy development, revise non-federal safety regulations, etc.
- development and improvement of current technology to promote a safer road transportation system
- outreach activities, communication, cooperation, and collaboration among road safety stakeholders
Deadline: Closed February 8, 2024.
Contact: TC.ERSTPP-PAPTSR.TC@TC.GC.CA
Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: To install EV charging systems in public places, on-street, at workplaces and multi-unit residential buildings, as well as infrastructure for ZEV fleets
Example(s): Killam Properties – Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Alberta – 438 electric vehicle chargers under construction ($731, 783).
Deadline: Closed
Connect2
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Description: Funding is available for active transportation projects that improve connectivity within and between communities and have the potential to reduce emissions and increase physical activity. Funding can be used for community planning, feasibility studies, learning by doing, public engagement sessions, program promotion and demonstration projects. There are three streams. 1) Capacity Building and Community Engagement, Connect2 provides grants of up to 75% to a maximum of $50,000 per project in this category. 2) Shared Mobility & Bicycle Fleets, Connect2 provides grants of up to $75,000 per project in this category. 3) Active Transportation Infrastructure and Design, Connect2 provides grants of up to 75% to a maximum of $50,000 per project in this category.
Deadline:
Expression of Interest Deadline: Closed January 22, 2024.
Application Deadline: Closed March 4, 2024.
Contact: connect2@novascotia.ca
Website: Connect2
If you can't find a grant that suits your municipality's needs, please reach out. Similarly, if your municipality is applying to any of the listed opportunities, I am readily available to provide assistance throughout the application process.
Lucy MacLeod,
Fund Navigator
lmacleod@nsfm.ca
