We want your groundbreaking, innovative, and low-emissions projects.
We know that Calgary and Edmonton need support to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
That is why we offer funding to a variety of organizations for local low-carbon solutions, so you can take your remarkable emission reducing project from idea to reality.
From technology demonstration, to collective impact, and policy advancement, we support a variety of projects that inspire innovation and create tangible benefits in our communities.
Most importantly, we want to support and strengthen those working on groundbreaking solutions to the climate emergency.
Plus, we only support solutions that can be scaled up, and have the potential to make a meaningful difference for the long haul.
Apply for funding in one of our four focus areas:
1. Building Better or Retrofitting Wiser
2. Moving on Mobility
3. Decarbonization and Renewable Energy
4. Overarching or Foundational
All program criteria are available on this page, or you can download the a PDF of Climate Innovation Grant Program Guidelines.
Video: Climate Innovation Grant Program Overview
Focus Areas
Projects are eligible for funding if they align with a Challenge Statement in one of our four focus areas.
- 1
Overarching or Foundational
Improving the accessibility of financing and/or incentive programs for emissions reductions for underserved sectors/markets, small to medium sized enterprises and/or low/middle income households.
Strategies, including on the ground projects, designed to articulate and address regulatory and/or process barriers associated with shared, multi-building mechanical systems and micro district energy, or renewable energy systems with shared ownership.
- 2
Building Better and Retrofitting Wiser
Deployment of projects on the ground in the residential and/or commercial sector that show how to scale whole building net zero/emissions neutral retrofits.
Capacity building for the building sector to address skills or knowledge gaps when undertaking net zero/emissions neutral design, construction, and renovations (commercial and/or residential).
- 3
Moving on Mobility
Improving accessibility of charging infrastructure and low/no emissions vehicle procurement for underserved sectors/markets, small to medium sized enterprises and/or low/middle income households and neighbourhoods.
Elevating active transportation as the preferred option by deploying innovative tactics related to the planning, design and redevelopment of existing communities.
- 4
Decarbonization and Renewable Energy
Accelerating low emissions hydrogen solutions in the building sector (space heating) or in the transportation sector (hydrogen vehicles).
Geothermal and/or heat pump (air or ground source) deployment programs, strategies, projects with a focus on increasing industry capacity and/or improving access to underserved sectors/markets, small to medium sized enterprises and/or low/middle income households.
Negative emissions/carbon sequestration strategies that can be attributed to the cities’ community emissions inventories including (but not limited to) nature based solutions.
Get up to $100,000
We support a diverse range of activities in both Calgary and Edmonton. You can request up to $100,000 in funding. Plus you may be eligible for bonus funding made available by Smart Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure Association. See the project requirements for more details.
- 1
Calgary
$425,000 is available for projects that benefit Calgary.
- 2
Edmonton
$552,500 is available for projects that benefit Edmonton.
Project Requirements and Selection Criteria
Are you eligible?
Organizations are able to submit more than one project at the Expression of Interest stage, but only one full application will be accepted per City, per grant round.
You are eligible to apply for the Climate Innovation Grant Program if you are:
A nonprofit or Qualified Canadian Donees (charitable) organizations with a project based in Calgary or Edmonton.
An adjacent community to Calgary and Edmonton, with regional projects that have activities occurring in those cities and also meet the project selection criteria.
Please contact our grants team directly to discuss project and organization eligibility if you are unsure if you can apply.
Program Timeline
Expressions of interest now are closed for 2022. Successful applicants will be notified if invited to complete the rest of the application process.
- 1
March 23 - April 22: Submit your Expression of Interest
We strongly encourage you to schedule a call with our program team to discuss your project prior to submitting an Expression of Interest.
During the call staff will:
Get to know your organization and project objectives.
Work directly with you to ensure your project fits within the Climate Innovation funding focus areas.
Connect you with additional resources and partners, if applicable.
Build a relationship with you and help you improve the quality of your application.
Book a 30 minute call with Stefanie for Edmonton-based projects or book a call with Jessica for Calgary-based projects.
Then, submit your Expression of Interest through the application portal.
- 2
April 25 - 29: Screening Expressions of Interest
Our team will screen all Expressions of Interest using the Application Scorecard. A short list of applicants will be invited to submit full proposals. But, direct feedback will be offered to unsuccessful applicants.
- 3
May 4 - June 10: Submit your Full Application
Our team will work closely with applicants to assist in technical and financial due diligence, providing feedback and direction from the Expression of Interest stage.
- 4
July - August: Decision Making
Grant Review Committee makes funding decisions.
- 5
September - October: Feedback
All unsuccessful applicants will be offered feedback from our team regarding the decision and their project.
Want to talk it through?
Meet Jessica
Jessica Lajoie is one of our Program Specialists, and is here to help you with your application. Book a call with Jessica for Calgary-based projects.
Meet Stefanie
Stefanie Drozda is one of our Program Specialists, and is here to help you with your application. Book a call with Stefanie for Edmonton-based projects.
Resources for Applicants
Contact our grant team if you have further questions: grants@albertaecotrust.com or by calling 403-209-2245, or 1-800-465-2147 (outside of Calgary).
Book a call with Jessica for Calgary-based projects.
View ResourceBook a call with Stefanie for Edmonton-based projects.
View ResourceReview the Program Guidelines
Download FileDownload the Expression of Interest questions.
Download FileReview the Application Scorecard.
Download File
About the Climate Innovation Fund
This program is funded through the Climate Innovation Fund which aims to accelerate urban climate solutions in Calgary and Edmonton.
What our grantees are saying...
Projects we've funded
Policy Tools for Low-Energy and Emission Buildings
Community Energy Association is exploring regulatory and incentive structures the City of Edmonton can use to reduce emissions in new construction.
3D Printed Homes to Reduce GHG Emissions
Green Violin’s is aiming to use low carbon in their 3D Concrete Printed House technology to bring affordable and efficient homes to Edmonton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources for Grantees
Contact our grant team if you have further questions: grants@albertaecotrust.com or by calling 403-209-2245, or 1-800-465-2147 (outside of Calgary).
Alberta Ecotrust Logo Guidelines
Download FileAlberta Ecotrust Primary Logo
Download FileElectronic Fund Transfer form for Grantees
Download File
Projects we've funded
See our showcase of projects that we have funded.
View all projects
Join our mailing list
Keep up to date with our latest news and updates by subscribing to our regular newsletter.