Founded by TD Bank Group in 1990, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) is a national charity that funds environmental projects across Canada. The Foundation supports a wide range of environmental initiatives, with a primary focus on environmental education and green space programs.
Eligible projects include schoolyard greening, park revitalization, community gardens, park programming, citizen science initiatives, outdoor classrooms, nature play, and tree planting projects. The Foundation prioritizes projects that engage communities, provide hands-on environmental learning opportunities, and address local environmental issues.
All applications for funding are reviewed by one of six Regional Advisory Boards made up of TD employees and environmental leaders from communities across each region. Applications are reviewed twice per year, with specific deadlines and notification schedules.
Eligible Project Types
The Foundation has specific application criteria for different project categories:
Community Garden Projects:
Must contain a focus on at least one environmental issue
Demonstrate community engagement (local schools, Indigenous groups, seniors, families)
Include educational or workshop components
Address accessibility for people with disabilities or limited mobility
Include maintenance plan and land use permission
Explain how crops will be used (for vegetable gardens)
Environmental Education Projects:
Focus on local environmental issues
Identify why public education is important
Include hands-on educational components or workshops for school projects
Demonstrate curriculum ties (for school projects)
Include confirmation of participation from schools (if presenting organization applies)
Provide follow-up with participants
Address relevance to local community
Outdoor Classroom and Nature Play Projects:
Demonstrate strong connection to environment
Provide environmental learning opportunities
Use natural materials for play elements (priority given)
Include community involvement in building
Provide dedicated space for learning activities
Include courses/workshops and teacher encouragement plan
Obtain school board approval if making changes to school grounds
Include summer maintenance plan for plantings
Address community access
Tree Planting and Greening Projects:
Focus on community volunteer engagement
Prioritize native species planting
Explain project location and need
Provide detailed plant list (native/non-native with rationale)
