Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants

Who is Eligible

• Resident-led groups, consisting of at least 3 group members
• Community groups (e.g. youth groups, service clubs, parent councils, etc.)
• Priority given to:
  • Groups led by Black, Indigenous and equity-deserving people
  • Projects in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas or Emerging Neighbourhoods. Find your neighbourhood.

Who is Not Eligible

• Individuals
• Non-profit organizations
• Businesses (including BIAs)
• Religious organizations without clear separation of community services
• Political parties
• Grant-making organizations
• Industry or trade associations
• Organizations mandated by other levels of government (schools, universities, hospitals)
• Landlord/tenant or condo corporations

Projects

• Must reduce emissions and/or include climate change education
• Start after January 2027
• Must be completed by December 2027
• All groups will be matched with a local community organization who will serve as their trustee (see more information below)
• Funded groups must:
  • Sign the Declaration of Compliance of Anti-Harassment/Discrimination City Policy
  • Review and acknowledge the City of Toronto Guide to Political Activities for City Funded Groups, and sign a corresponding document to acknowledge the policy

Activities in Public Spaces

Please consider the following when preparing your application:

• To book space in a community centre or library it is recommended that eight weeks’ notice is provided. Visit the links below to see available locations.
  • Toronto Public Library Community Rooms
  • Community and Recreation Centres

• If your proposal involves organizing an event in a park you may need to secure a permit from Parks and Recreation based on the following criteria:
  • Bookings are required for all gatherings with more than 25 people
  • Applicants may qualify for the No-Fee Community Activations
  • For more information, visit Booking Fees for Social Gatherings.
  • If your event includes: the sale or service of alcohol, serving food to the public, amplified sound (speakers, megaphone), structures or other more complicated elements, a Special Event Booking may be required.
• If your proposal involves establishing a community garden, or facilitating activities within a community garden, please ensure that the community garden has been established through the City’s Community Gardens Program.

Projects funded through the Neighbourhood Climate Action Grant program are diverse and range in their focus and activities. Projects may fall within one or more of the following categories; this list is meant to demonstrate the kinds of possible projects. Projects are not limited to the categories and examples below.

The funding requested cannot exceed $7,500. Funding can only be used for the direct delivery of the proposed project. Please refer to this list when both creating an application and spending your grant funding. If you are unsure if an expense is eligible, please contact NCAG@toronto.ca.

We encourage the hiring of Indigenous, Black and equity-deserving staff, consultants, labourers, interpreters and translators, and encourage supporting Indigenous, Black and equity-deserving businesses for eligible purchases.

Download the NCAG Budget Template for more information.

Steps to Apply

1. Form a resident-led group
2. Develop a new or enhanced project
3. Attend an info session (view recording) or consult city staff for feedback
4. Prepare application in response to application questions (see Application Questions)
5. Procure all necessary documentation (i.e. proof of permission, letters of support, complete project budget, proof of in-kind support, etc.)
6. Submit application via the Application Portal*.

Accessibility support is available (alternate formats, interpreters, off-hour meetings). Please contact NCAG@toronto.ca for more information.

*Applicants have had an average success rate of 38 per cent.

Review of Applications

Applications will be screened for eligibility by City of Toronto staff. Applications that are determined to be eligible will be further assessed by a Resident Advisory Committee made up of local community and climate action leaders. Final recommendations for funding will be approved by the Executive Director of the Environment, Climate and Forestry Division.

Project Delivery and Reporting

All grant recipients are expected to submit reports to determine the impact of the project and funding. All reports will be submitted online unless an alternative format is requested.

• Midpoint Progress Report: A report will be requested from your group in the middle of the calendar year to provide an update on project progress and communicate outstanding activities.
• Final Report: A report is due one month after project activities have concluded. As part of this report groups will be asked to submit a Financial Report, using the template provided and any other media (photos, articles, flyers, etc.).

A trustee is an incorporated not-for-profit organization and/or registered charity with audited financial statements, financial systems and an organizational structure that enables it to become a “legal home” of a project. A trustee will hold funds and distribute grant funds according to the approved group’s budget, assume liability for project activities, provide administrative support, and will be required to provide insurance and capacity building supports to successful applicants. Grant recipients will be matched with a trustee organization based on their proposed project location.

*Neighbourhood Improvement Area (NIA)

**Emerging Neighbourhood (EN)