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Climate Innovation Grant

The application portal for the 2025 Climate Innovation Grant is now closed.

We want to support groundbreaking, innovative and low-emissions projects.

We offer funding through the Climate Innovation Grant to various organizations in Edmonton and Calgary for low-carbon solutions. With this grant, you can take your emission-reducing project from idea to reality.

From technology demonstration to collective impact and policy advancement, we support various projects that inspire innovation and create tangible community benefits. We want to support and strengthen those working on groundbreaking solutions to the climate emergency.

Contact our Program Specialists before submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) to discuss project fit. Book a 30-minute call with Stefanie or Adil.

2025 Program Guidlines

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.

1
Calgary
$500,000 is available for projects that benefit Calgary.
2
Edmonton
$500,000 is available for projects that benefit Edmonton.

Are you eligible?

Projects are eligible for funding if they fit into these organizations and align with a Challenge Statement in one of our four Focus Areas.

The following organizations are eligible to apply for the Climate Innovation Grant Program:

Nonprofit and Qualified Canadian Donees (charitable) organizations can apply for projects based in Calgary or Edmonton.
The Cities of Edmonton and Calgary.

PLEASE NOTE: one-off solar energy projects and technology installations are ineligible without a clearly defined scale-up strategy.

For more information on applicant and initiative eligibility, please see the Frequently Asked Questions section.

Organizations can submit multiple projects at the Expression of Interest stage, but only one full application will be accepted per City and grant round.

Focus Area Challenge Statements

Overarching or Foundational

Building Better and Retrofitting Wiser

Moving on Mobility

Decarbonization and Renewable Energy

Program Timeline

January-February: Expression of Interest Stage

February: Expression of Interest Screening

March - April: Expression of Interest Feedback

April - May: Full Applications

May - July: Decision-Making

July: Award

August - September: Feedback

Resources for Applicants

Book a call with Adil for Calgary-based projects
View Resource
Book a call with Stefanie for Edmonton-based projects
View Resource
2025 Program Guidelines
View Resource
Expression of Interest questions
View Resource
Application Scorecard
View Resource
Helpful Videos (focus areas/challenge statements/application process)
View Resource

What our grantees are saying...

“We need to better understand the materials and technologies we are utilizing in the housing economy to reduce our footprint. We will research the potential emissions savings from building new homes using 3D printed concrete technology vs. traditional methods and materials. The project also has significant co-benefits as we demonstrate this technology in a Veterans Village in the neighbourhood of Evansdale to provide economical, efficient pocket homes in an infill neighborhood that can help our veterans transition to permanent housing and live in harmony within our neighbourhoods again.”
Yasushi Ohki, Executive Director, Green Violin Development Company
“The Climate Innovation Grant from Alberta Ecotrust provides us with seed funding that allows the Institute to start engagement of private and public sector partners, collaboratively design the demonstration project in a manner that is equitable and allows various stakeholders to gain valuable lessons, as well as share the learnings widely through Calgary and beyond. Enabling EV charging in apartments allows more Albertans to literally bring home the important energy transition that is happening around the world.”
Binnu Jeyakumar, Director, Clean Energy, Pembina Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can I contact with questions?

How do I apply?

When should I start my project?

What organizations are not eligible?

Are First Nations and Métis communities eligible to apply?

What projects are not eligible for funding?

What costs are not eligible for funding?

Can I apply for a project that would be one-off in nature, such as for an energy retrofit project for a nonprofit building?

What is the decision-making process?

How did Alberta Ecotrust create the Climate Innovation Fund Grant Program?

Projects we've funded

See all grant project success stories

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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more

This grant program is co-funded by:

Related projects

Explore a showcase of projects that we've funded.

View all projects

EcoCharge MacEwan
MacEwan University
2024
Generic Low Embodied Carbon (GLEC) Missing Middle MURB design
Passive House Alberta Foundation
2024
Supporting all-season active travel in Calgary
Youth En Route
2024
Enhanced energy efficiency and reduced construction cost
Governors of the University of Alberta
2024