Grants
OCAF funds innovative projects that move Ottawa closer to an equitable carbon-neutral future.
Focused Grantmaking for Greater Impact
Over the years, OCAF has supported a wide range of climate initiatives across Ottawa. As our work has evolved, we are currently focusing our grantmaking on initiatives that directly advance our priority areas:
- Climate and Affordable Housing
- Fill It First
- Local Energy Resilience
This targeted approach allows us to deepen impact, strengthen outcomes, and invest where we can make the greatest contribution to Ottawa’s climate goals.
Climate & Affordable Housing
Fill it First – adding units to existing homes and lots to limit sprawl
Local Energy Resilience
Current Grant Opportunities
Our current grant opportunities are strategically defined to advance OCAF’s priority impact areas. Specific time-limited open calls for proposals, where we invite applications in response to specific funding objectives will be featured here when available.
To qualify for funding, projects must:
Align with OCAF’s mission to support climate action that builds strong, resilient, inclusive communities
Maximize climate impact by reducing GHGs at scale and/or are likely to lead to tangible initiatives to reduce GHGs relatively quickly.
Generate Community benefits by increasing quality of life and/or economic benefits for community members.
Historically-marginalized and equity-deserving individuals and communities in Ottawa contribute to development of, and benefit from implementation of low-carbon solutions.
Leverage the resources of others, financial and otherwise
Include credible and viable planning and budgeting
Frequently Asked Questions
Please email us using the form below, and include a profile of your organization and a brief description (150 words max) of your proposed project. We will get back to you to discuss further or invite you to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
OCAF does not have specific deadlines for grant applications. We accept EOIs year-round. However, we are not currently accepting grant proposals for 2025.
Qualified recipients include registered charities, Canadian municipalities, and registered academic institutions. We can also fund registered non-profit organizations and for-profit entities if they are working in partnership with a charitable and/or non-profit organization that acts as lead proponent for the project.
Ineligible expenses include:
- Core operations
- Fundraising events or campaigns
- Partisan political or religious activities
- Individuals
- Sponsorships
- Deficit reduction
- Equipment purchases for administrative purposes
OCAF only rarely funds stand-alone activities in the following categories, although they can be included as part of a larger project:
- Education campaigns or materials (social media or other)
- Hard costs for retrofits (this is not an incentive program to purchase mechanical components)
- Convening events (a summit or conference)
- Advocacy
Are you working to advance our priority areas?
