Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Toronto will award grants of up to $20,000 to Indigenous communities for projects and initiatives that address the climate emergency and protect the environment.
Applications will be processed in two batches. The first deadline is July 15 and the final deadline for the 2023 grants is Sept. 15. More information about the Indigenous Climate Action grants and how to nominate someone for the application review committee is available on the city’s website.
“With these grants, we’re ensuring that Indigenous residents have access to funding to develop projects that reflect their needs and values,” said Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie. “We’re committed to Indigenous climate action and learning from Indigenous residents how to develop better relationships with the land and waters where Toronto stands.”
In addition to the grants, Capacity-building Grants for Indigenous-led Collectives and Grassroots Groups offer up to $20,000 to support the Indigenous community in initiating new projects and enhancing or improving existing programs. The final application deadline for the 2023 grants is Sept. 21.
Indigenous community members, Indigenous-led grassroots groups with community projects and non-profit initiatives/organizations are encouraged to apply. Non-Indigenous non-profits must have an Indigenous project lead, an Indigenous council to guide the project and the project must serve the Indigenous community.
The grants will support projects and initiatives that reflect the needs and interests of Indigenous communities, including those that:
- Increase opportunities for hands-on learning, especially in getting back to the land, promoting green initiatives and supporting grassroots collectives with Indigenous job creation
- Develop Indigenous place-making projects that promote food security, the growing of traditional medicines and/or ecological biodiversity
- Advance social equity, including gender equity and 2SLGBTQ+ initiatives
- Support the health of Lake Ontario/the Great Lakes or riverine systems and encourage swimmable, drinkable and fishable freshwater systems for future generations
An Indigenous-led committee will lead the application review process. The City welcomes interested Indigenous community members to nominate themselves or others to join the committee.
Through its Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants, the city also offers grants of up to $7,500 to support community-based climate action by all Toronto residents, including Indigenous communities. Applications are open until Sept. 15. More information about the Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants is available on the city’s website.