One grant program, one shared purpose: $2 million for environmental and climate solutions across Alberta
Alberta Ecotrust is making it simpler for organizations to access grant funding by bringing its three existing grants together under one program, the Alberta Ecotrust Grant Program. Beginning Dec. 1, 2026, charities and non-profit organizations can apply for higher funding amounts through one annual intake and a streamlined application process.
The Alberta Ecotrust Grant Program will provide about $2 million annually to projects across Alberta that advance climate resilience and emissions reduction, nature-based solutions and conservation, and the circular economy. Funding will be available through two streams:
Project Stream: funding of up to $150,000 per project. This stream combines the former Climate Innovation and Environmental Impact grants.
Capacity Building Stream: funding of up to $10,000 per project. This stream continues the capacity-building support previously offered through the Springboard Grant.
“After 35 years of grantmaking in Alberta, we've learned that good ideas need different kinds of support at different points," said Rod Ruff, CEO and President of Alberta Ecotrust Foundation. "Our impact isn't about any single project. It's about how everything we fund adds up across the province. One program with one shared purpose lets us treat our grants like a portfolio, so what we fund across climate, nature and the circular economy adds up to real progress toward an Alberta where people and nature thrive.”
Why change the grant programs?
Since 1991, we have worked alongside community partners to support projects that address environmental and climate challenges in Alberta. We have supported nearly 1,000 projects and provided millions of dollars in grants. As the sector's needs and environmental priorities have changed, so has our approach to granting.
The new structure gives us a better view of our overall granting and how our funding can respond to the sector's needs. It also means organizations have one clear starting point when looking for Alberta Ecotrust funding.
What is staying the same?
Although the program structure is changing, our commitment to supporting impactful work and our approach to supporting applicants remain the same.
As with the previous grants, applicants in the Project Stream will continue to move through a two-stage application process, beginning with an expression of interest followed by a full application for selected projects. The Capacity Building Stream will remain a one-stage application process. Applicants will continue to receive one-on-one support throughout the granting process.
Eligibility criteria and focus areas have not changed. Charities and non-profit organizations working on projects in Alberta that align with our three focus areas can apply for funding:
Climate resilience and emissions reduction
Nature-based solutions and conservation
Circular economy
What is next?
The first intake for expressions of interest will run from Dec. 1, 2026 to Jan. 11, 2027, with successful applications announced in May 2027. The next intake will take place in fall 2027.
Interested applicants can visit the program website and contact the Alberta Ecotrust grants team at grants@albertaecotrust.com with any questions.
Applicants can also book a call with a member of the grants team to discuss their project:
Stay updated on our grant program
Receive key information about our funding via the monthly Alberta Ecotrust newsletter.
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