City of Nanaimo accepting applications for environmental project grants

City of Nanaimo accepting applications for environmental project grants

Published 5:30 am Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Organizations, groups and individuals looking to take on environmental projects in Nanaimo could be eligible for funding from the city.

The city is inviting applications for two types of environmental action grants: the Community Watershed Restoration Grant – for restoration and habitat protection projects near a river, lake or wetland – and the Community Environmental Sustainability Project Grant, which supports a wide variety of sustainability projects.

The city started accepting applications for the grants Friday, Jan. 30.

The Community Watershed Restoration grant provides up to $20,000 to community organizations, environmental non-profits and individual residents who carry out projects focused on urban stream and riparian restoration and natural environment protection.

The Community Environmental Sustainability Project grant is aimed at small and creative environmental projects, not already covered by existing city grants, that improve the environmental health of natural systems, enhance residents’ connections to nature, provide educational values, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and/or prepare the community for climate change impacts. This grant offers $20,000 annually – up to $5,000 per application – for local environmental nonprofits, stewardship groups, school groups, religious organizations and participants in the Acting for Climate Together program.

Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Culture and Sustainability staff will host an information session Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 5 p.m. Those interested in attending must RSVP at [email protected] before Feb. 10.

Deadline for submitting applications is 4 p.m., March 9.

Applications and more details regarding both grant opportunities are available on the City’s website at www.nanaimo.ca/your-government/grants.

“Protecting Nanaimo’s environment is a team sport, and community volunteers are the stars of the team, Nanaimo mayor Leonard Krog, said in a press release. “Like any good team, the players need equipment and support to win. Through these grants, the city can help ensure community volunteers have the resources they need to succeed as we collectively act to protect and restore our shared environment.”