Community Energy Systems Funding
Providing funding to construct, commission and rapidly deploy a community energy system
Who
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has launched an initiative called the The Green Municipal Fund (GMF) which aims to help Canadian communities build a sustainable, resilient and prosperous future.
One of the specific funding opportunities the GMF is providing is Capital Project: Community Energy Systems which aims to provide funding for communities to construct a 100% renewable community energy system. The following organizations are eligible for this funding:
- Canadian municipal governments (e.g., towns, cities, regions, districts, and local boards).
- Municipal partners which include:
- private sector entities
- municipally-owned corporations
- regional, provincial, or territorial organizations delivering municipal services
- non-government organizations
- not-for-profit organizations
- research institutes
- An Indigenous community is an eligible lead applicant if they are partnering with a Canadian municipal government on an eligible project, or if they have a shared service agreement with a Canadian municipal government related to municipal infrastructure, climate change or adaptation.
What
The GMF offers combined loan and grant funding to support municipalities and their partners in constructing, commissioning and rapidly deploying a successful implementation of a low-carbon community energy system.
Eligible renewable energy systems include district energy systems (like district heating), solar panels, geothermal heat pumps, wind turbines, heat recovery and more. Investing in a clean energy transition can help your community boost energy efficiency, strengthen local economies, create jobs, protect residents from rising energy costs and reduce the risk of widespread power outages during extreme weather events.
The project should deploy a system that mitigates GHG emissions, creates social benefits and provides solid financial payback within a targeted timeframe of three years after application approval and should be integrated into your municipality’s asset management register/plan or municipal budget.
The following steps should be completed in order to apply:
- Download and review the application guide.
- Reach out to a GMF representative to discuss your project
- Review the list of prerequisites and supporting documents
- Review the eligible and ineligible costs
- Ensure a detailed project budget is in place
- Visit the FCM funding portal
Links to the relevant PDFs and pages can be found in the Helpful Links section on this page.
When
Applications are accepted year round, though the offer may close when funding has been allocated
Helpful Links
The following are important links for the Capital Project: Community Energy Systems:
Available Funding & Incentive Programs Include:
SGI Provincial Traffic Safety Fund
Specific to Saskatchewan, SGI is providing funding opportunities for communities around Saskatchewan to help make our roadways a safer place
Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in collaboration with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), is looking to incentivize corporations in the adoption of clean technology solutions, including solar lighting solutions.
Trail Catalyst Fund
The Trail Catalyst Fund is a single gateway for applicants to access a wide range of available funds. Groups or organizations that own or manage a section of the Trans Canada Trail are eligible for the Trail Catalyst Fund. This may also be extended to organizations within the broader trail sector for projects related to tree planting, youth employment subsidy, and trail work in Indigenous communities.