Green Kickstarter Fund

The Green Kickstarter Fund is geared toward non-profit housing providers and tenant associations. It aims to create sustainable communities with benefits such as improved health, community well-being, reduced energy costs, and cleaner air and water.

Application period

The second call for green projects for the Green Kickstarter Fund received 31 completed proposals by the June 16, 2023 deadline. Out of these, 18 projects were selected to receive funding of up to $10,000 each.

Through these projects, the Community Housing Transformation Centre is committing a total of $150,000 to implement innovative green initiatives in Community Housing projects across Canada.

Download the list of selected projects in PDF here.

Watch the launch webinar to get more details

Objective

• Strengthen the sector’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Funding

The funding range may vary by project because of evolving specific conditions and needs. The maximum funding available is $10,000 across Canada, but up to $15,000 for projects located in one of the Territories.

Eligibility Criteria

The Fund is open to non-profit housing organizations and tenant associations. The Centre will accept submissions from organizations and housing providers of all sizes. However, priority will be given to organizations that would not have the operational funds to implement their projects without the Centre’s assistance.

Note: Housing co-ops cannot apply for funding under this program, but can apply to CHF Canada’s Greener Co-op Microgrants program.

For more information on the evaluation criteria, refer to the Green Kickstarter Fund application package.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Green Kickstarter Fund

Application Process and Logistics

Who can apply to the Green Kickstarter Fund?

The Fund is open to non-profit housing organizations and tenant associations.

The Centre will accept applications from organizations and housing providers of all sizes. However, priority will be given to organizations that would not have the operational funds to implement their projects without the Centre’s assistance.

If you represent a co-op, you are not eligible for this Fund. Instead, we invite you to apply to the Greener Co-op Microgrants program, funded in part by the Centre. To learn more about this program, visit the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada website.

Who will review our application?

Your application will be reviewed by one of the Centre’s program managers. The Centre will base its funding decision on the evaluation of submissions and the distribution of funds to date.

How will we know if we have been awarded the grant?

We will send you an email informing you of whether or not you have been awarded the grant or if we need additional information to process your application. If you have not heard from us, that means your application is still being processed or reviewed.

Is there someone we can talk to about our project and our grant application?

Yes, the Centre’s program managers are here to guide you through the application process and help you define your project. Contact us by phone at 1 (833) 360-3967 or by email at info@centre.support. In fact, it’s in your best advantage to contact us before you even start filling out your application!

Territories

What do we mean by “Territories”?

The Territories include the following three territories: Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Why is the grant higher ($15,000) for projects that take place in one of the territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories or Nunavut)?

Everyday items, such as groceries, gasoline and other goods, are much more expensive in the North due to shipping costs and transportation logistics. To be more equitable, the Centre has chosen to provide a slightly higher grant to applicants in the three territories.

If our project is approved…

Will we be required to submit a report detailing how we used the funds?

Yes, you are required to submit a brief report at the end of the project.

Will we have to acknowledge the Centre in project documents?

Yes. However, how you acknowledge the Centre within the context of your project is up to you. You may do so through any combination of the following:

• • Electronically: through websites, newsletters, bulletins, blogs or social media
  • Print: through advertisements, brochures, posters, newsletters, annual reports, press releases, signage or correspondence
  • Publicly: at community gatherings or celebrations, or at exhibits or presentations

Logos and suggested messages will be provided.

Tips for a successful application

While grant writing is not an exact science, these simple steps may improve your organization’s chances of receiving funding:

• • Be concise
  • Provide context
  • Use SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely)
  • Contact us before you start, by writing at info@centre.support or by calling us at 1-833-360-3967