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Community Environmental Grants

Program Update (2025): 

South Nation Conservation’s (SNC) popular Community Environmental Grants Program has traditionally encouraged and supported community events across the Conservation Authority’s Eastern Ontario watershed jurisdiction that promote recreational use of our rivers, protect the environment, or celebrate our natural heritage. 

Since 2015, SNC has awarded over $50,000 through its Grant Program to community groups and non-profit organizations, helping to host various fundraisers, river races, community clean-ups, environmental fairs, and fishing derbies.

Grant Amounts

Applicants may apply for one of two fixed amounts:

  • $250 – For small-scale projects or events
  • $500 – For larger or more resource-intensive activities

Note: Applications must be received before the scheduled activity.
Funding will not be approved retroactively.

To help local community groups and non-profit organizations receive a Community Environmental Grant, SNC has amended the Program’s guidelines and eligibility criteria once again for this year to help with the following community environmental stewardship initiatives:

1. Environmental Education & Outreach

Events or initiatives that raise awareness of environmental issues, promote environmental responsibility, or encourage learning through community participation.

Examples include:

  • School workshops or eco-fairs
  • Nature talks or demonstrations
  • Youth engagement programs
  • Environmental art projects or displays
 

2. Outdoor Recreation & Stewardship

Public activities that promote responsible enjoyment of the natural environment and encourage hands-on conservation action.

Examples include:

  • Canoe or kayak excursions
  • Community clean-ups (e.g., parks, trails, rivers)
  • Fishing derbies or shoreline events
  • Outdoor nature activity days

3. Agri-Environmental Projects

Initiatives that promote sustainable agricultural practices or showcase environmental leadership in the farming community.

Examples include:

  • Soil health education
  • Pollinator habitat creation
  • Demonstration plots
  • Farm tours with an environmental focus
 

4. Natural Heritage & Cultural History

Projects that highlight, celebrate, or preserve the natural or environmental history of the region.

Examples include:

  • Interpretive signage
  • Heritage walks or tours
  • Displays about local ecosystems or watershed history
 

5. Community Greening Projects (Tree Planting or Gardens)

Projects that enhance public spaces through native plantings or food-growing initiatives.

Examples include:

  • Native tree or shrub plantings
  • Pollinator or edible gardens
  • Beautification of school or park spaces
  • Urban shade or buffer planting projects

Adding trees or community gardens are safe environmental enhancement projects that the whole community can both learn and benefit from, and we’re happy to support these projects! Whether it be at a park, community building, library, or fire hall.

Applications are accepted year-round and are reviewed by SNC Staff. 

Access the guidelines and application form here. 

Applicants are encouraged to reach out to before applying to make sure that proposed projects are eligible.

Note: Activities taking place outside of the SNC jurisdiction are not eligible to receive funding through the Community Environmental Grants program. 

 

For more information or to submit an Application to the Community Environmental Grants Program:

South Nation Conservation
Attn: Communications & Outreach Department
38 Victoria St., P.O. Box 29, Finch, ON, K0C 1K0
Phone: 1-877-984-2948
Fax: (613) 984-2872

Email: ksmith@nation.on.ca