Is your co-op taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Do you have a project that would benefit from federal funding?
The Government of Canada recently announced an intake of applications for the Low Carbon Economy Challenge Fund, a $450 million opportunity to support projects that “deploy proven, low-carbon technologies resulting in material greenhouse gas emissions reductions across sectors”.
Projects must result in GHG emissions reductions in 2030 and must align with Canada’s goals for net-zero emissions by 2050. Applications will be accepted from October 3, 2023, to January 12, 2024, with decisions communicated in summer 2024 and projects to be conducted until March 31, 2028.
Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada has confirmed with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) officials that co-operatives are eligible to seek this funding in support of their climate efforts.
The allowable cost share varies on the basis of a co-operative’s status as a for-profit or not-for-profit; opportunities range from 25% to 75% in maximum federal contributions to a project’s costs depending on your co-operative’s structure and demographics.
To identify whether your co-operative is eligible to participate and at which level of financial support, please click here for ECCC’s self-screening tool.
ECCC will also offer a webinar in late October 2023 where program information will be presented and a Q&A session will be available to ask your questions of Fund administrators; stay tuned to the Challenge Fund website for date/details and to register.
For support or questions as you navigate this process, please contact Diamond Isinger, Director of Advocacy at disinger@canada.coop.