Conservation and Climate Fund - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Conservation and Climate Fund?

The purpose of the Conservation and Climate Fund (hereinafter, "the Fund") is to support projects occurring in Manitoba that incorporate actions to address and adapt to climate change and protect the environment in alignment with the priorities and implementation of the Manitoba Climate and Green Plan.

Projects will deliver on one or more of the following areas: (a) Reduce greenhouse gas emissions; (b) Address the effects of a changing climate, including measures to adapt to and enhance resiliency in a changing climate; (c) Promote sustainable development while ensuring natural resources are managed in a manner that ensures availability for future generations. The Fund supports time-bound projects and not does provide on-going operating or maintenance support to an organization. The project must be implemented in Manitoba.

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Where can full and current information including terms and conditions and how to apply on the Conservation and Climate Fund be found?

For full and current information refer to the Fund Guide of the Conservation and Climate Fund and the online interactive application as posted at Manitoba Grants Online.

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What is the 2023/2024 application intake period for the Conservation and Climate Fund?

There is a specific application intake period with a closing date which is one of the eligibility requirements of the Conservation and Climate Fund. For detailed information please see posted information on the Conservation and Climate Fund at Manitoba Grants Online

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How does a potential applicant submit an application and where can an application form be found?

Apply and submit an online application as posted under the Conservation and Climate Fund at Manitoba Grants Online.

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What are the eligibility terms and conditions of the Conservation and Climate Fund?

There are several sections in the Fund Guide which identify the eligibility terms and requirements. In summary these sections include: Section 2: Applicant Eligibility; Section 3: Project Eligibility; Section 4: Cost Eligibility; and other requirements such that an application is received during the declared intake period. See additional FAQ's here for more information on these eligibility areas and for full and current information refer to the Fund Guide of the Conservation and Climate Fund as posted at Manitoba Grants Online.

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What are the applicant eligibility requirements under the Conservation and Climate Fund?

An eligible applicant must be one of the following:

  • Incorporated non-profit organization
  • Academic or educational institution
  • Manitoba Municipality
  • Northern Affairs or Indigenous Community in Manitoba
  • Businesses, including Social Enterprise Businesses

Organizations must be active and have established operations within Manitoba for at least one year before applying. Businesses must be registered with the Province of Manitoba.

Ineligible applicants include Individuals, Crown Corporations, Federal Government, Provincial Government, and Watershed Districts.

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What are the project eligibility requirements of the Conservation and Climate Fund?

Eligible projects must demonstrate fulfillment of incorporating climate change and adaptation considerations into project activities, goals and outcomes through:

  • Fit within one or more of the three Categories of the Fund:
    Climate and Green Technology, Water and Nature and Resilient Landscape
  • Fit within one or more of the Sub-Categories of the Fund with a minimal of one Sub-Category for each declared Category.

For more information on project eligibility requirements refer to the Conservation and Climate Fund Guide as posted at Manitoba Grants Online.

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Where can I find information on the Categories and Sub-Categories of the Conservation and Climate Fund?

For full and current information on the Categories and Sub-Categories see the Fund Guide and the online interactive application as posted under the Conservation and Climate Fund at Manitoba Grants Online.

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What are ineligible projects under the Conservation and Climate Fund?

Ineligible Projects include:

  • For-profit private business projects or programs.
  • Municipal core services and programs as well as infrastructure capital funding that are the responsibility of the municipal, provincial or federal body.
    (For example, fire and ambulance services, municipal drinking water and wastewater/drainage infrastructure, municipal waste, and municipal services covered by the provincial operating fund).
  • Core operations, projects, or programs that receive regular, budgeted provincial or federal support or are part of ongoing programs.
    (For example, medical and health care facilities, school and day care facilities; linked to the delivery of health and social services).
  • On-going programs and activities or projects which are already planned and/or funded provincially or through Provincial Crown Corporations. For example:
    • Energy efficiency projects such as lighting, insulation, window, building envelope upgrades or electricity generation projects tied to the grid. (Please engage with Efficiency Manitoba);
    • Municipal operating services and capital priorities covered by existing Manitoba operating grants and capital funding to municipalities, with the exception of pilot projects. (Please engage Municipal Finance and Advisory Services; Manitoba Strategic Municipal Investment Fund; Building Sustainable Communities Program; and Manitoba Strategic Infrastructure Secretariat);
    • Trail projects. (Please engage Trails Manitoba);
    • Wild Species & Habitat projects. (Please engage the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund; and the Conservation Trust)
    • Watershed and Wetland projects. (Please engage the Conservation, GROW and Wetlands GROW Trusts.)
  • Activities required by law and/or mandated by a level of government.
    (For example, a restoration that is already required by regulation)
  • Projects in relation to the enforcement of or compliance with legislation, regulations, or with by-laws in effect

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What is an ineligible for-profit private business project or program?

An ineligible for-profit private business project or program will demonstrate or indicate that profit could be earned for the benefit of the business and/or its owner(s).

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Can I apply as a business applicant and submit a case on how my project fulfills the not-for-profit project requirement?

Yes, potential business applicants are invited to apply. Within the online interactive application, a business applicant will find a section where they are offered the opportunity to provide a brief description on how the application is a not-for-profit business project or program. For example such as a beta, pilot or an early adoption project where profitability is not expected. See the online application posted under the Conservation and Climate Fund at Manitoba Grants Online.

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Will my project and applicant name be published or publicly disclosed?

A Grant Recipient(s)' names and project description may be published on the Government of Manitoba website, in a news release, or through other forms of communication.

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Can a potential applicant have an envisioned project or an application assessed in advance of an intake closing date for an eligibility decision?

No, assessment decisions are not performed by the Conservation and Climate Fund in advance of an intake closing date.

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What are eligible project costs?

Any costs directly related to developing and executing the project over the Government of Manitoba's fiscal year (ends March 31) are eligible, excluding those identified under ineligible costs. For example, staffing/salary costs directly related to the proposed project are eligible. For Ineligible Costs see the Fund Guide as posted under the Conservation and Climate Fund at Manitoba Grants Online.

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Where can provincial funding be explored on a for-profit private business project or program?

Potential funding of for-profit projects could be explored for provincial grants at Manitoba Grants Online or at www.manitoba.ca

Also see the Manitoba Innovation Growth Program where details can be found at https://www.gov.mb.ca/jec/busdev/financial/igp/index.html

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Where can potential funding be explored for trail projects?

Trail projects are ineligible under the terms of the 2023/24 Conservation and Climate Fund. The Province of Manitoba has provided funds to support trail grant programming through Trails Manitoba which administers an application intake for trail projects. For trail projects please contact Trails Manitoba www.trailsmanitoba.ca

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Where can potential funding be explored for watershed and wetland projects?

Watershed and wetland projects are ineligible under the terms of the 2023/24 Conservation and Climate Fund. The Province of Manitoba has provided funds to support watershed programming through the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation which administers related trusts (e.g. Growing Outcomes in Watersheds) and an application intake. For watershed and wetland projects please contact Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation at https://mhhc.mb.ca/the-conservation-trust/

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Where can potential funding be explored for energy efficiency projects?

Energy efficiency related projects are ineligible under the terms of the 2023/24 Conservation and Climate Fund. For energy efficiency projects please contact the provincial crown corporation Manitoba Efficiency at https://efficiencymb.ca/

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Where can potential funding be explored for wild species and habitat projects?

Wild species and habitat projects are ineligible under the terms of the 2023/24 Conservation and Climate Fund (CCF). For wild species and habitat projects please see Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation at https://mhhc.mb.ca/our-programs/ and the Manitoba Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund at https://www.gov.mb.ca/nrnd/fish-wildlife/fish-and-wildlife-enhancement-fund/

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What is the maximum grant per applicant?

The maximum grant per applicant, as determined by the Fund, over the Government of Manitoba's fiscal year (ending March 31, 2024) is $150,000.

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When does the provincial grant need to be expended should my application be selected?

The proposed project must be fully completed by March 31, 2024. Reporting on the project typically follows at a later date as outlined in the Fund Guide which is posted under the Conservation and Climate Fund at Manitoba Grants Online.

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Is the stacking of assistance allowed?

The maximum level - or stacking limit - of total government assistance (federal, provincial and municipal assistance for the same eligible costs) will not exceed 100 per cent of eligible costs. In the event that total government assistance to a recipient exceeds the stacking limit, the Conservation and Climate Fund will adjust the level of funding so that the stacking limit is not exceeded and there is no duplication of funding.

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What is the maximum number of applications from an applicant?

A maximum of one (1) application may be submitted from an applicant during a specific application intake. A maximum of three separate and different projects may be listed in the application. See the online application form as posted under the Conservation and Climate Fund at Manitoba Grants Online.

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How is my submitted application assessed?

Eligible applications are assessed in relationship to Project Benefits; Project Viability; and Organizational Capacity and Funding. Applications will be assessed as received from the applicant. Submitting a complete application is a requirement for funding, but is not a guarantee of funding. For full and current details on assessment see the Fund Guide of the Conservation and Climate Fund as posted at Manitoba Grants Online.

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Is funding from other partners or funds/programs a requirement?

Partnership contributions from sources external to the Government of Manitoba are `not' a requirement under the Conservation and Climate Fund. However the assessment of an application positively recognizes external sources of funding (e.g. Federal Government or Private Donations) which may be applied as partnership contributions.

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Who will assess my submitted application?

A technical evaluation committee comprised of Manitoba Government staff and administered by the Climate and Green Plan Implementation Office will assess eligible applications. Applications may also be assessed in consultation with other government departments.

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What are the grant funding agreement terms and conditions?

Following application selection and approval, a Grant Funding Agreement between the Grant Recipient and the Manitoba government will be negotiated. The Grant Funding Agreement will outline the terms and conditions with the Grant Recipient. This shall include but not be limited to project tasks and deliverables; the eligible use of funds; maximum project funding limits, project start and end date; publication terms, if any; agreement cancellation; grant payment processing including interim payment terms, if any; and reporting terms which typically contain interim and final reporting requirements.

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How will I know the results of my submitted application?

All applicants will be notified in writing via email about the selection decision pertaining to their application.

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How can I be assured that my online application submission has been received by Manitoba?

You will know your application has been successfully submitted if a seven (7) digit confirmation ID notice has been provided after you click SUBMIT. It is recommended that you retain on file a copy of your confirmation ID.

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How do I submit my online application?

When completing the online application form, click `CONTINUE' to view a summary of the form before you submit. Should a section of the application form be incomplete or incorrect, this is flagged with a red colored "x" and needs to be resolved before a submission may occur.

Upon clicking SUBMIT you will then be asked to click "I'm not a robot" and, when completed, subsequently click PROCEED. At this point, a notice pops up on your computer screen which states "Thank you for your submission" and a seven (7) digit confirmation ID is provided to you. You then have the option to click EMAIL to send the confirmation ID via email. Only upon receipt of your confirmation ID has your application been received by Manitoba.

 

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