Climate Change

Climate Change is sponsored by Peter Gilgan Foundation. Private foundation grant program supporting projects in technological innovation, greener built environments, nature‑based solutions, and communities and climate resilience, including climate change adaptation initiatives.[4]

Climate Change - Peter Gilgan Foundation Solving climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time. But it is also a powerful opportunity to accelerate innovation, strengthen economies, and improve the well-being of communities in Canada. Our climate strategy is grounded in the understanding that reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is essential to addressing climate change at its source.

We prioritize initiatives that can deliver tangible, measurable reductions, and scale these reductions across systems, sectors, and communities. While mitigation remains the primary focus, we are also interested in efforts to support climate resilience, especially in tandem with mitigation, to build a climate-secure future.

Low-Emission & Renewable Technologies We support initiatives that: Deliver renewable energy solutions and other low-carbon technology Develop, incubate, implement, and scale technologies which reduce emissions, especially from high-emitting industries We support initiatives that: Decarbonize Canada’s agriculture and forestry sectors through implementation of regenerative agriculture techniques and sustainable forestry practices Invest in land and ecosystem interventions that drive significant, measurable climate impact We support initiatives that enable: Adopt and scale the use of low-carbon construction practices, including development of green building technologies and materials Implement retrofits and energy efficiency measures for the existing built environment Develop the green workforce, specifically training green building skills Community & Climate Resilience We support initiatives focused on: Align with key objectives of Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy , increasing adaptive capacity of communities We support initiatives that: Drive adoption of practices and initiatives which reduce emissions from the hospital sector In fiscal 2025, our Climate Change grant program distributed $4M to advance climate change mitigation, resilience, and adaptation through: 8 grants supporting technological innovation and energy conservation 8 grants advancing a greener built environment 11 grants for nature-based solutions in climate change 10 grants supporting communities and climate resilience To be eligible to apply for funding, your organization must: Employ at least one paid staff member Have completed a tax return or financial audit for the previous fiscal year Wait at least 12 months after an unsuccessful Expression of Interest or Full Application before reapplying We do not accept applications for individuals, scholarships, capital campaigns, endowments, fundraising events, emergency relief efforts, government services, grantmaking intermediaries, or any activity outside of Canada.

The Peter Gilgan Foundation accepts applications for three types of grants: Project grants – Typically awarded for a single year, act as the primary entry point for first-time applicants and support specific programs or activities Capacity-building grants – May be available to repeat grantees, helping organizations strengthen their internal skills, resources, or systems General operating grants – May be available to repeat grantees whose mission and primary programs align with our strategy, to help cover core operating costs The process begins with a short Expression of Interest (EOI) submitted through our online portal .

If invited to proceed, you will be asked to complete a Full Application. There are no deadlines for the Climate Change program. W accept EOIs on a rolling basis.

All applications are considered equally regardless of what time of year they’re submitted. What Makes a Strong Application Clear, realistic plans – Project budgets, timelines, and outcomes should be well-defined, achievable, and transparent. Demonstrated climate impact – Activities should contribute to climate change mitigation, adaptation, resilience, or combination of.

Articulated context – The challenge at hand and how the activities are part of the solution should be clearly outlined. Measurable, meaningful outcomes – While we recognize that impact is not always linear, goals, outcomes, or indicators of progress should be defined and reportable. What is your average funding size?

Our climate change grants typically range between $30,000 – $150,000 per year. If you have a bigger project that meets our funding priorities, submit an Expression of Interest and if our committee is interested in learning more, we will be in touch. My organization is a current grant recipient, when can I re-apply?

You can submit a new Expression of Interest through our online application porta l once you have provided the Final Report for your current grant. How do I estimate the GHG emissions reduction potential of our project? If you already have a sense of the direct or scalable emissions reduction potential of your project, please feel free to provide the assumptions and calculations in your Expression of Interest.

Otherwise, our in-house climate change experts calculate each project’s emissions reduction potential following our GHG Measurement Strategy . We base our analysis on the project activity details you provide in your application form, combined with in-house research on local contexts and opportunities. As part of our analysis, we may reach out to you to clarify assumptions or to request further details to support our calculations.

Our project delivers on more than one priority. Which funding stream should I apply for? Pick the priority that you think is best aligned, and feel free to explain the co-benefits in your application.

P lease note that our Climate Change grant program only funds work delivered in Canada. If this program is a fit for your work, you can begin your application here. Learn how we invest in bold, outcomes-oriented initiatives across our priority areas.

Explore the innovators and community leaders driving sustainable, equitable climate solutions.