Grants
We’re a grantmaker for strategic and catalytic initiatives and an advocate for equitable change.
OCAF grants have funded a wide mix of projects.
From renewable energy and energy efficiency development to energy poverty and climate equity initiatives, all based on rigorous selection criteria that call for the greatest impact on carbon emissions and local climate resilience. We carefully evaluate each project’s feasibility, environmental impact, local benefits and community engagement.
Our funding priorities include:
- Efficient, net-zero buildings
- Sustainable transportation
- Liveable, low-carbon, resilient neighbourhoods
- Connecting climate action and economic prosperity
- Equitable climate action
Identify promising low-carbon solutions in Ottawa and help them scale
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
- Core operations
- Fundraising events or campaigns
- Partisan political or religious activities
- Individuals
- Sponsorships
- Deficit reduction
- Equipment purchases for administrative purposes
- 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