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Pilot: Net-Zero Transformation

Funding for small-scale pilot projects that test innovative greenhouse gas reduction solutions in real-world conditions to assess viability, effectiveness and scalability.

  • Provider
    Federation of Canadian Municipalities – Green Municipal Fund (GMF)
  • Active

Pilot: Net-Zero Transformation

Funding for small-scale pilot projects that test innovative greenhouse gas reduction solutions in real-world conditions to assess viability, effectiveness and scalability.

  • Provider
    Federation of Canadian Municipalities – Green Municipal Fund (GMF)
  • Active
  • DETAILS
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Categories
  • Environment, water and climate change
  • Planning and development
Description

The Pilot: Net-Zero Transformation program funds municipalities to test innovative GHG reduction solutions through small-scale, preliminary trials. These pilots are limited in scope, duration and resource commitment, designed to assess how well proposed concepts work in practice and identify potential challenges before full-scale implementation.

Pilot projects can involve comparing several options, testing new materials or processes within larger projects, or applying novel approaches not yet tested in Canada or specific market segments. Projects must lead to quantifiable GHG reductions and demonstrate innovation through new technologies, business models, or transformative applications of existing solutions.

Key application requirements:

  • Explain why the solution needs testing before full-scale implementation
  • Clearly identify hypotheses or assumptions being tested
  • Outline data collection and analysis methods to assess pilot success
  • Define decision criteria for proceeding to full-scale implementation
  • Articulate what full-scale implementation would look like
  • Explain how lessons learned will be applied and shared with others

Innovation criteria: Must demonstrate development/application of new knowledge, policy, practice, business model, or advanced technology; OR new/emerging application of existing technology representing substantive change to current operations.

Additional requirements: Climate resilience compliance, equity considerations and strong replication potential preferred.

Resources
  • Funder's website
    • Pilot: Net-Zero Transformation
    • Releted Programs:
      • Capital Project: Net-Zero Transformation
      • Study: Net-Zero Transformation
      • Plan: Net-Zero Transformation
  • Contact
    • Email: gmfinfo@fcm.ca
    • Phone: 1-877-417-0550
    • Book a meeting with a GMF advisor
Important Dates
  • Application deadline
    Applications are accepted year-round
Eligible Applicants
  • Municipalities
  • First Nations
  • Non-profit Organizations
  • Research Organization
  • Municipal-owned Organizations
Funding Details
  • Estimated amount per fund
    Maximum of $500,000
  • Funding Notes
    • Up to 50% of eligible costs
    • Up to 80% for municipalities with population ≤10,000 and Indigenous communities
    • Up to 100% for first-time eligible Indigenous applicants
How to Apply
  • Fund Guidelines
    • Available here
  • Online Application
    • Create a client profile in the FCM Funding Portal
    • Submit pre-application form with supporting documents
    • GMF outreach officer review for eligibility
    • Submit full application if deemed eligible

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Disclaimer

We make every effort to ensure the program details in this guide are accurate. In the event of a discrepancy between this guide and the funder’s official website, the information on the program website will take precedence.

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