The Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) is a Government of Canada program that receives money from fines, penalties, court orders and voluntary payments for environmental violations. Since 1995, more than $240 million has been invested in over 560 projects benefiting ecosystems and communities across Canada.

The Fund invests in projects falling within four funding categories:

• Restoration
• Environmental quality improvement
• Research and development
• Education and awareness

Nationwide Funding ($614,655 available):

• Stream 1 – Research and Development: Projects advancing research related to (1) improving knowledge of substances found in consumer products that may impact the environment in Canada; and/or (2) identifying methods for reducing environmental risk of harmful substances found in consumer products. Priority may be given to projects focusing on cosmetics/personal care products. Minimum funding request: $50,000 from ECCC.
• Stream 2 – Education and Awareness: Projects increasing education and awareness related to (1) raising awareness of environmental impact of substances found in consumer products in Canada; and/or (2) promoting good practices to mitigate environmental impact of substances found in consumer products. Priority may be given to projects focusing on cosmetics/personal care products. Minimum funding request: $250,000 from ECCC.

Application Requirements:

Applicants must specify in their application which available fund they are applying for, the location (province/territory) where the project will be undertaken, and how their project meets the Fund Use Requirements. All proposed project activities must be eligible for funding and satisfy the Fund Use Requirements as outlined in the EDF Applicant Guide.

Important Notes:

Availability of funding at any given time varies according to the number of court awards and voluntary contributions directed to the EDF. Applicants should log into GCEMS to review the funding opportunity and EDF Applicant Guide, which contains in-depth eligibility criteria and tips to strengthen applications.