The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) provides funding for large-scale infrastructure projects that reduce the risks and impacts of climate-related natural disasters. The program supports both new construction and the reinforcement or modification of existing public infrastructure, including natural infrastructure solutions.

DMAF helps communities prepare for and withstand disasters triggered by natural hazards such as floods, wildland fire, drought, earthquakes and extreme weather events. Projects are intended to protect essential services, safeguard public health and safety, and reduce long-term recovery and replacement costs.

Eligible project areas include:

• Structural infrastructure to prevent or mitigate risks from flooding, hurricanes, drought, wildfires and other natural hazards
• Natural infrastructure that uses natural assets (e.g., wetlands, shorelines, rain gardens, tree canopies) to provide adaptation and protection services
• Large-scale retrofits or reinforcements of existing infrastructure to address vulnerabilities from climate change and extreme weather

Key project requirements:

• Minimum total eligible project costs of $1 million
• Must address clearly identified natural hazard risks with evidence of likelihood, exposure, vulnerability and expected impacts
• Must demonstrate measurable risk reduction, strong return on investment (e.g., estimated losses avoided) and co-benefits such as environmental improvements or community resilience

The program was first launched in 2018 with $2 billion in funding and has since been expanded through federal budgets, bringing the total envelope to more than $3.8 billion. A minimum of $138 million is reserved specifically for Indigenous-led projects.