Adopting community energy systems helps municipalities meet local energy needs while building a more resilient future. By integrating renewable and low-carbon energy sources—like district energy, solar or heat recovery—communities can boost energy efficiency, strengthen local economies, create jobs and protect residents from rising energy costs and climate-related disruptions.

Through GMF, municipalities of all sizes can access funding for business case studies, feasibility studies and capital projects. Our support helps communities explore and implement the solutions that work best for them—replacing high-emission systems with reliable, affordable and sustainable alternatives that benefit everyone.  

 

What we fund

  • Recovered or renewable thermal energy in new or existing facilities.
  • District heating and cooling capital projects for new or existing buildings.
  • 100% renewable electricity generation capital projects.
  • Business cases that help municipalities identify the right technologies, while considering best practices, the local context, potential partners, GHG reductions, and financial rates of return.
  • Feasibility studies that further identify and design the ideal community energy system while maximizing community benefits.
  • Capital projects that demonstrate significant social and environmental benefits, as well as a strong businesses case.
  • Studies that identify opportunity areas for community energy solutions within a municipality and help to create the enabling environment for implementation.

Benefits

  • Reduce municipal operating costs.
  • Improved community resilience to price shocks and service interruptions.
  • Create local jobs and grow your local economy.
  • Keep energy dollars in the community.
  • Reduce municipal operating costs.
  • Reuse of energy that is otherwise wasted. 

What we do not fund

  • Biomass combustion systems are eligible to be used only as a backup fuel source. The biomass combustion must be integrated into a broader low-carbon district energy system.
  • Waste-to-energy systems. Please see our Organic Waste-to-Energy offer.
  • Rooftop Solar PV systems for one building only.
  • Fuel switching to natural gas from other sources of energy is not eligible, nor efficiency measures affecting natural gas systems.

Available funding

We support projects at various stages of development through grants and loans. Funding amounts are based on total eligible costs. Further details on eligible costs are provided on individual funding pages.

Business case: Community Energy Systems

Assess viable community energy projects and their business models

Read more

Study: Community Energy Systems

Outline the design of a proposed community energy system

Read more

Capital project: Community Energy Systems

Construct, commission and rapidly deploy a community energy system

Read more

Have a project that goes above and beyond?

GMF’s Net-Zero Transformation offer funds the development and demonstration of new solutions to support the municipal transition to net-zero. We provide funding for plans, studies, pilots and capital projects for a wide range of innovative and replicable initiatives that have significant GHG reduction benefits.

Learn more

Featured Resources

Our free learning resources build your knowledge in developing sustainable projects and accelerate your community’s transition to a resilient, net-zero future.

Webinar recording: An introduction to district energy

Learn how a centralized heating and cooling system can help your municipality reduce GHG emissions and save money.

Read more

Case study: Building sustainable communities with district energy

Learn how the City of New Westminster is planning to transform wastewater into green energy.

Read more

Have questions about Community Energy Systems?

Contact our Outreach team who can answer any questions you have relating to this funding opportunity.

Climate and sustainability funding for municipalities

Upgrade infrastructure, meet your local climate objectives, and contribute to a net-zero Canada by 2050.

government-of-canada-logo

Delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, GMF manages approximately $2.4B in programs funded by the Government of Canada.

Funding Snapshot

Maximum Award:
  • Combined grant and loan for up to 80% of eligible costs.
  • Combined grant and loan up to a maximum of $10 million.
  • Grant up to 20%** of total loan amount.

Note: The grant contribution is determined as a function of the loan and cannot be separated.

 

Open To:

The following organizations are eligible for GMF 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-governmental organizations
    • not-for-profit organizations
    • research institutes (e.g., universities)
  • 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.

 

Expected Output:

A capital project that implements one or more phases of a selected GHG reduction pathway.

 

Application Deadline:

Applications are accepted year-round, though this offer may close when all funding has been allocated.

 

Eligible Costs:

See list of eligible costs


NOTE:
If your project involves a building conversion or addition, your project might be considered a new building OR a retrofit and would require further consideration by GMF. Please contact GMF for clarification: gmfinfo@fcm.ca

** Municipalities with exceptional projects may qualify for a higher loan and grant amount. Contact us to find out if your municipality is eligible.

Contact us to learn more

Improving the performance of municipal buildings helps lower operating and maintenance costs, reduce emissions, and free up budget for essential services like housing, transit and infrastructure. This funding supports municipalities in taking action—whether on a single building or across a portfolio—to achieve sustainability and long-term energy-savings. 

What we fund

We offer combined loan and grant funding to support municipalities in implementing one or more phases of a selected GHG reduction pathway. Eligible projects may focus on a single building or a portfolio of municipal buildings. 

Your capital project should consist of one or more phases in a sequence of retrofit measures (pathway) to reduce emissions from your municipal building by at least 50 percent within 10 years and achieve best practice energy targets within 20 years. Applications are encouraged to demonstrate a pathway that reduces the most amount of GHGs in the near term (ie., in the next 10 years), through the pursuit of a deep energy retrofit and fuel-switch.

You are strongly encouraged to consider a portfolio of municipal buildings and consider parallel interventions in those buildings.

An application is also recommended to follow all elements identified in the GHG reduction pathway retrofit feasibility study guidance document.

This offer funds retrofits of municipal buildings and new builds of municipal and municipally-owned community buildings. See our Community Buildings Retrofit initiative for more details on retrofitting other community buildings.

What is a municipal building?

A municipal building is a workplace that is:

  • Owned by a municipal government.
  • Primarily used by administrative or service staff to carry out their duties to the public.
  • Not necessarily accessible to the public, but may have a public interface.

What is a community building?

A community building is an enclosed public place or an enclosed workplace that is:

  • Primarily used to deliver athletic, recreational, cultural and community programs or services to the local community.
  • Widely accessible to everyone, offering services that enhance the health and well-being, skills development and economic development of individuals and communities.

What your project needs to achieve

All projects that meet the criteria on this page are eligible. Please note that we consider several factors in making a funding decision. We strive to fund the most innovative and impactful initiatives, so not all eligible projects will be approved for funding.

Retrofits are eligible if they consist of one or more phases of a GMF-funded GHG reduction pathway retrofit feasibility study, if they meet the best practice energy targets defined in this offer respective of climate zone or if they consist of one or more phases supported by equivalent feasibility work.

Further information regarding the offer can be found in the Sustainable Municipal Buildings application guide

 Best practice energy targets: EUI and TEDI requirements 

For the retrofit of municipal buildings, applicants should strive to meet best practice energy targets over a 20 year timeline, through a series of retrofit pathway steps. These proposed targets are based on: 

  • Energy Use Intensity (EUI): Performance requirement for building energy consumed per year, per unit floor area. Normally measured in kWh/m2/y.
  • Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI): Performance requirement for building heating demand per year, per unit floor area. Normally measured in kWh/m2/y. 

Targets are to be established based on climate zone and building typology. 

 

Typology 1: Office and office-like buildings including libraries and town halls 

Energy Use Intensity (EUI) targets 

EUI targets are established for office and office-like building types by climate zone as shown in the table below. 

Climate zone EUI target (kWh/m2/y)
4100
5100
6100
7 & 8.0078 x HDD18 + 78

Table 1: EUI targets for office and office-like buildings by climate zone.

 

Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI) targets 

TEDI targets are established for office and office-like building types by climate zone as shown in the table below.

Climate zoneTEDI target (kWh/m2/yr)
430
532
634
736
840

Table 2: TEDI targets for office and office-like buildings by climate zone.

Contact us if you need assistance determining your climate zone.

Important: See list of additional mandatory requirements for all building typologies listed below.

 

Typology 2: Non-office buildings such as indoor ice rinks, pools, fitness centres, indoor soccer fields and public works buildings 

The EUI and TEDI targets must be calculated by your energy modeling consultant as described below. 

Your proposed building must be modeled in accordance with the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) 2020. In addition, an NECB 2020 baseline version of your building must be modeled. Your NECB 2020 proposed building must meet the EUI and TEDI requirements as follows: 

  • EUI requirement: Your proposed building’s EUI must be 25% lower than your NECB 2020 baseline energy model.
  • TEDI requirement: Your proposed building’s TEDI must be equal to or better than the NECB 2020 baseline building TEDI. 

Important: See list of additional mandatory requirements for all building typologies listed below. 

 

Typology 3: A mix of typologies 1 and 2 

  • If 75% or more of your building’s floor area is typology 1, treat the entire building as typology 1, not typology 3.
  • If 75% or more of your building’s floor area is typology 2, treat the entire building as typology 2, not typology 3.
  • If your building contains a mix of typologies 1 and 2, where neither exceeds 75% floor area, a weighted-average EUI and TEDI must be calculated. Consult our TEDI and EUI guidance document tipsheet for more information (coming soon) or contact us

 

Important: See list of additional mandatory requirements for all building typologies listed below. 

 

Additional mandatory requirements: 

  1. Renewable energy, such as from solar panels, does not count towards the energy targets. When calculating EUI, do not deduct renewable energy production from the building’s energy use.
  2. Thermal bridging must be taken into account in the EUI and TEDI targets.
  3. If your building contains a parkade, the parkade energy use must be included in the EUI and TEDI targets, however the parkade floor area must be excluded from the EUI and TEDI calculations.
  4. The reference (baseline) and proposed energy models must be modeled in accordance with NECB 2020. Other versions of NECB (such as NECB 2015, NECB 2017) are not acceptable.
  5. The building must achieve zero operational GHGs (no natural gas or other fossil fuel combustion), with the exception of emergency back-up systems (grid electricity emissions are excluded). 
Retrofit pathways

Your capital project should see you implement one or more phases of your selected GHG reduction pathway. Eligible projects may focus on single building or a portfolio of municipal buildings. 

What is a retrofit pathway?

A sequence of GHG reduction measures that allow municipal buildings to achieve significant emissions reduction in phases over time.

Example of a pathway to retrofit that strategizes the replacement of equipment when it reaches the end of its useful life:

Phase 1 – Introductory energy conservation  

Timeline: 0-10 years 

Passive strategies, minor envelope improvements and energy demand conservation measures.

Phase 2 - Partial fuel-switch to achieve 50% reduction in GHGs from baseline

Timeline: No longer than 10 years  

Capital equipment replacement and fuel-switching while maintaining backup fossil-fuel systems. Possible addition of renewable energy.

Phase 3 - Deep energy retrofit and full fuel-switch  

Timeline: 10-20 years

Complete conversion to non-fossil fuel energy sources and alignment with EUI and TEDI targets.

For additional information please see GHG reduction pathway retrofit feasibility study guidance document.

 

Equity considerations

GMF recognizes that many urgent social issues are interrelated, and that climate action and sustainability initiatives need to be designed to ensure fair distribution of benefits and burdens, across all segments of a community and across generations. Projects will be assessed on their potential to result in improved socio-economic outcomes and a more equitable distribution of benefits and burdens among the community, for present and future generations. While projects can be eligible without incorporating these considerations, preference is given to projects that:

  • Integrate principles of anti-racism, equity, inclusion and reconciliation.
  • Apply inclusive community engagement practices.
  • Implement social procurement.
  • Generate significant socio-economic benefits, such as increased accessibility, improved outdoor spaces and inclusive employment and apprenticeship.

As you develop your project approach, consider the following questions:

  1. How can you design an engagement approach that would enable you to consider the diverse needs, experiences and voices of all stakeholders and rights holders in this project?
  2. Which equity-deserving groups might benefit the most, and/or be burdened, directly or indirectly, by this project? How are these groups positively or negatively impacted?
  3. Are there opportunities to address or mitigate negative impacts?
  4. Are there opportunities to rectify existing or potential biases, discrimination or exclusionary practices in your project planning, design, funding and implementation?
  5. How can you maximize the socio-economic benefits that your project generates?
  6. How can you leverage your procurement practices to generate more positive social, economic and environmental outcomes within your community and region?
Multi-solving

GMF seeks to fund the very best examples of municipal initiatives that achieve a multitude of benefits for the environment, communities and local economies. Higher application evaluation scores are given to projects that demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:

  • potable water conservation
  • sustainable materials management
  • biodiversity
  • socio-economic benefits
  • meaningful engagement and collaboration with rights holders and stakeholders


Application process

Phase 1: Pre-application submission

You must submit a pre-application form through FCM’s funding portal. To do this, create a client profile and follow the steps in FCM’s funding portal to submit your pre-application form.

Phase 2: Eligibility determination

A GMF outreach officer or advisor will review your pre-application form. They will determine whether your organization and initiative are eligible to proceed to the next stage of the application process. You will receive a response within 15 business days of the date we receive your pre-application form.

Phase 3: Full application submission

If your organization and initiative are determined to be eligible to proceed to the next stage, your GMF outreach officer or advisor will inform you that the full application form is available through FCM’s funding portal. They will also provide you with an Excel project workbook template to complete and submit with the full application form.

It is important to note that even if a project is deemed eligible to move forward with a full application, it does not guarantee full application eligibility or that the project will be approved for funding.

As you complete the application form, contact your GMF outreach officer or advisor if you have any questions. Once you’ve filled out the application form and project workbook and attached the required supporting documents, submit it to GMF through the FCM funding portal.

Phase 4: GMF project officer review

Once the full application form is submitted a GMF project officer will be assigned to your file and will review your application for accuracy and completeness and will work with you to resolve any remaining questions.

Phase 5: Peer review and internal review

An external expert peer review panel evaluates all capital and study applications. There will also be an internal analysis to provide a funding recommendation to GMF’s managing director, the GMF Council and FCM’s Board of Directors.

Phase 6: FCM funding decision

For studies, funding decisions are determined by GMF’s managing director. The average time for a funding decision is three to five months after your full application form submission.

For capital projects, FCM’s Board of Directors approves the funding recommendation made by the GMF Council. The average time for a funding decision is four to six months after your full application form submission.


 

How to apply

  1. Download and review the application guide. 
  2. Reach out to a GMF representative to discuss your project at gmfinfo@fcm.ca or 1-877-417-0550. 
  3. Review the list of prerequisites and supporting documents in appendix D of the application guide. 
  4. Review the eligible and ineligible costs:
  5. Ensure you have a detailed project budget in place and are securing other funding sources for your project. 
  6. Visit the FCM funding portal to create your profile and request a PIN to access the system. Already have an FCM funding portal profile? Skip to Step 7.  
  7. Complete the pre-application form available on the platform.  

Quebec municipalities

FCM has an agreement with Quebec's ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation (MAMH) that allows the ministry to review applications to GMF before they are submitted to FCM. Quebec municipalities applying for funding from GMF must follow the process below to submit their application to MAMH.

Once you have completed all the steps in the ‘How to apply’ section above, submit your application by following the steps below. Note that the content of the links is available in French only.

  • Save your application form using the appropriate file name.
    • Save the application form to your local device with the following filename: FMV_ "your municipality's name"_ "date" (YYMMDD). For example: FMV_TownofABC_180228.pdf
  • Log in to the Portail gouvernemental des affaires municipales et régionales. using your username and password.
    • To submit your form click on “File Transfer”.
    • In the “Recipient” drop-down list, select the applicable program.
    • Upload your files and select “Transfer” once your request is complete.
  • Receive confirmation from MAMH.
    • MAMH assesses the applications to ensure that the projects submitted do not conflict with Quebec's government policies and directives. Once the assessment has been completed, MAMH informs the applicant of their decision and sends compliant applications to GMF for review.
    • MAMH requires up to 15 working days to review the application and forward it to GMF.
  • Receive approval from GMF.
    • GMF will inform the applicant once they receive the application from MAMH and review the submission. If the application is approved for funding, an agreement between FCM and the applicant is prepared.

Need help to see if this is the right funding for you?

Contact our Outreach team who can answer any questions you have relating to this funding opportunity.

See all Sustainable Municipal Buildings funding

Reduce GHG emissions and save on energy costs with net-zero new builds and deep energy retrofits

Funding Snapshot

Maximum Award:
  • Combined grant and loan for up to 80% of eligible costs.
  • Combined grant and loan up to a maximum of $10 million.
  • Grant up to 15%** of total loan amount.
  • Additional 5% grant available if the project involves the remediation of a brownfield site.

Note: The grant contribution is determined as a function of the loan and cannot be separated.

 

Open To:

The following organizations are eligible for GMF 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-governmental organizations
    • not-for-profit organizations
    • research institutes (e.g., universities)
  • 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.

 

Expected Output:

A capital project that constructs a new, low-carbon municipally owned building.

 

Application Deadline:

Applications are accepted year-round, though this offer may close when all funding has been allocated.

 

Eligible Costs:

See list of eligible costs


NOTE:
If your project involves a building conversion or addition, your project might be considered a new building OR a retrofit and would require further consideration by GMF. Please contact GMF for clarification: gmfinfo@fcm.ca

** Municipalities with exceptional projects may qualify for a higher loan and grant amount. Contact us to find out if your municipality is eligible.

Contact us to learn more

Notes

Funding is subject to availability. We reserve the right to make changes to eligibility criteria and the types of projects funded through this offer.  

We’re continuously working to ensure our annual funding amounts go as far as possible for Canadian municipalities. Due to high demand, the likelihood of funding approval is lower in this Capital project: Construction of new sustainable municipal and community buildings offer compared to other GMF offers.

Please contact the Outreach team at gmfinfo@fcm.ca if you have a new build project in mind and are at the pre-application stage.
 


 

What we fund

We offer combined loan and grant funding to support new building construction projects for sustainable municipally owned buildings. This funding helps Canadian cities and communities of all sizes undertake sustainability projects that reduce emissions, accelerate energy savings and keep energy dollars in the community.

New constructions of municipal buildings should meet best practice energy targets defined in this offer and achieve zero operational GHGs, with the exception of emergency back-up energy (grid electricity emissions are excluded).

Projects are also encouraged to incorporate additional environmental benefits (i.e., potable water conservation, sustainable materials management, biodiversity considerations).


What your project needs to achieve

All projects that meet the criteria on this page are eligible. Please note that we consider several factors in making a funding decision. We strive to fund the most innovative and impactful initiatives, so not all eligible projects will be approved for funding.

This project should build on a completed feasibility study that has assessed the technical and financial feasibility of the proposed project, as well as the environmental, social, and economic impacts.

Further information regarding the offer can be found in the Sustainable Municipal Buildings application guide.

New information below. Please review before submitting a funding application.

 Best practice energy targets: EUI and TEDI requirements

For the new construction of sustainable municipal buildings, applicants should strive to meet best practice energy targets. These proposed targets are based on: 

  • Energy Use Intensity (EUI): Performance requirement for building energy consumed per year, per unit floor area. Normally measured in kWh/m2/y.
  • Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI): Performance requirement for building heating demand per year, per unit floor area. Normally measured in kWh/m2/y.

Targets are to be established based on climate zone and building typology. 

Consult our short guide for more information on how to calculate EUI and TEDI targets for new buildings based on building typology, including key definitions and examples.

 

Typology 1: Office and office-like buildings including libraries and town halls 

Energy Use Intensity (EUI) targets 

EUI targets are established for office and office-like building types by climate zone as shown in the table below. 

Climate zone EUI target (kWh/m2/y)
4100
5100
6100
7 & 8.0078 x HDD18 + 78

Table 1: EUI targets for office and office-like buildings by climate zone.

 

Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI) targets 

TEDI targets are established for office and office-like building types by climate zone as shown in the table below.

Climate zoneTEDI target (kWh/m2/yr)
430
532
634
736
840

Table 2: TEDI targets for office and office-like buildings by climate zone.

Contact us if you need assistance determining your climate zone.

Important: See list of additional mandatory requirements for all building typologies listed below.

 

Typology 2: Non-office buildings such as indoor ice rinks, pools, fitness centres, indoor soccer fields and public works buildings 

The EUI and TEDI targets must be calculated by your energy modeling consultant as described below. 

Your proposed building must be modeled in accordance with the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) 2020. In addition, an NECB 2020 baseline version of your building must be modeled. Your NECB 2020 proposed building must meet the EUI and TEDI requirements as follows: 

  • EUI requirement: Your proposed building’s EUI must be 25% lower than your NECB 2020 baseline energy model.
  • TEDI requirement: Your proposed building’s TEDI must be equal to or better than the NECB 2020 baseline building TEDI. 

Important: See list of additional mandatory requirements for all building typologies listed below. 

 

Typology 3: A mix of typologies 1 and 2 

  • If 75% or more of your building’s floor area is typology 1, treat the entire building as typology 1, not typology 3.
  • If 75% or more of your building’s floor area is typology 2, treat the entire building as typology 2, not typology 3.
  • If your building contains a mix of typologies 1 and 2, where neither exceeds 75% floor area, a weighted-average EUI and TEDI must be calculated. Consult our TEDI and EUI guidance document tipsheet for more information (coming soon) or contact us

 

Important: See list of additional mandatory requirements for all building typologies listed below. 

 

Additional mandatory requirements: 

  1. Renewable energy, such as from solar panels, does not count towards the energy targets. When calculating EUI, do not deduct renewable energy production from the building’s energy use.
  2. Thermal bridging must be taken into account in the EUI and TEDI targets.
  3. If your building contains a parkade, the parkade energy use must be included in the EUI and TEDI targets, however the parkade floor area must be excluded from the EUI and TEDI calculations.
  4. The reference (baseline) and proposed energy models must be modeled in accordance with NECB 2020. Other versions of NECB (such as NECB 2015, NECB 2017) are not acceptable.
  5. The building must achieve zero operational GHGs (no natural gas or other fossil fuel combustion), with the exception of emergency back-up systems (grid electricity emissions are excluded). 

Consult our short guide for more information on how to calculate EUI and TEDI targets for new buildings based on building typology, including key definitions and examples.

Resilience

Projects must meet minimum requirements related to climate resilience:

  • Capital projects that include new infrastructure assets must be built outside the current 100-year floodplain of the most recent floodplain map, unless evidence can be provided of protection to safeguard the asset.
  • Projects with new infrastructure assets valued over $2 million must conduct a Climate Risk Assessment (i.e., Infrastructure Canada Climate lens, ISO 14091, PIEVC High Level Screening Guide or equivalent) and address risks identified. A Climate Risk Assessment must be included in study workplans (where relevant) and is submitted as part of the pre-application for relevant capital projects.
Equity considerations

GMF recognizes that many urgent social issues are interrelated, and that climate action and sustainability initiatives need to be designed to ensure fair distribution of benefits and burdens, across all segments of a community and across generations. Projects will be assessed on their potential to result in improved socio-economic outcomes and a more equitable distribution of benefits and burdens among the community, for present and future generations. While projects can be eligible without incorporating these considerations, preference is given to projects that:

  • Integrate principles of anti-racism, equity, inclusion and reconciliation.
  • Apply inclusive community engagement practices.
  • Implement social procurement.
  • Generate significant socio-economic benefits, such as increased accessibility, improved outdoor spaces, and inclusive employment and apprenticeship.

As you develop your project approach, consider the following questions:

  1. How can you design an engagement approach that would enable you to consider the diverse needs, experiences and voices of all stakeholders and rights holders in this project?
  2. Which equity-deserving groups might benefit the most, and/or be burdened, directly or indirectly, by this project? How are these groups positively or negatively impacted?
  3. Are there opportunities to address or mitigate negative impacts?
  4. Are there opportunities to rectify existing or potential biases, discrimination or exclusionary practices in your project planning, design, funding and implementation?
  5. How can you maximize the socio-economic benefits that your project generates?
  6. How can you leverage your procurement practices to generate more positive social, economic and environmental outcomes within your community and region?
Multi-solving

GMF seeks to fund the very best examples of municipal initiatives that achieve a multitude of benefits for the environment, communities and local economies. Higher application evaluation scores are given to projects that demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:

  • potable water conservation
  • sustainable materials management
  • biodiversity
  • socio-economic benefits
  • meaningful engagement and collaboration with rights holders and stakeholders


Application process

Phase 1: Pre-application submission

You must submit a pre-application form through FCM’s funding portal. To do this, create a client profile and follow the steps in FCM’s funding portal to submit your pre-application form.

Phase 2: Eligibility determination

A GMF outreach officer or advisor will review your pre-application form. They will determine whether your organization and initiative are eligible to proceed to the next stage of the application process. You will receive a response within 15 business days of the date we receive your pre-application form.

Phase 3: Full application submission

If your organization and initiative are determined to be eligible to proceed to the next stage, your GMF outreach officer or advisor will inform you that the full application form is available through FCM’s funding portal. They will also provide you with an Excel project workbook template to complete and submit with the full application form.

It is important to note that even if a project is deemed eligible to move forward with a full application, it does not guarantee full application eligibility or that the project will be approved for funding.

As you complete the application form, contact your GMF outreach officer or advisor if you have any questions. Once you’ve filled out the application form and project workbook and attached the required supporting documents, submit it to GMF through the FCM funding portal.

Phase 4: GMF project officer review

Once the full application form is submitted a GMF project officer will be assigned to your file and will review your application for accuracy and completeness and will work with you to resolve any remaining questions.

Phase 5: Peer review and internal review

An external expert peer review panel evaluates all capital and study applications. There will also be an internal analysis to provide a funding recommendation to GMF’s managing director, the GMF Council and FCM’s Board of Directors.

Phase 6: FCM funding decision

For studies, funding decisions are determined by GMF’s managing director. The average time for a funding decision is three to five months after your full application form submission.

For capital projects, FCM’s Board of Directors approves the funding recommendation made by the GMF Council. The average time for a funding decision is four to six months after your full application form submission.


 

How to apply

  1. Download and review the application guide. 
  2. Reach out to a GMF representative to discuss your project at gmfinfo@fcm.ca or 1-877-417-0550. 
  3. Review the list of prerequisites and supporting documents in appendix D of the application guide. 
  4. Review the eligible and ineligible costs:
  5. Ensure you have a detailed project budget in place and are securing other funding sources for your project. 
  6. Visit the FCM funding portal to create your profile and request a PIN to access the system. Already have an FCM funding portal profile? Skip to Step 7.  
  7. Complete the pre-application form available on the platform.  

Quebec municipalities

FCM has an agreement with Quebec's ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation (MAMH) that allows the ministry to review applications to GMF before they are submitted to FCM. Quebec municipalities applying for funding from GMF must follow the process below to submit their application to MAMH.

Once you have completed all the steps in the ‘How to apply’ section above, submit your application by following the steps below. Note that the content of the links is available in French only.

  • Save your application form using the appropriate file name.
    • Save the application form to your local device with the following filename: FMV_ "your municipality's name"_ "date" (YYMMDD). For example: FMV_TownofABC_180228.pdf
  • Log in to the Portail gouvernemental des affaires municipales et régionales. using your username and password.
    • To submit your form click on “File Transfer”.
    • In the “Recipient” drop-down list, select the applicable program.
    • Upload your files and select “Transfer” once your request is complete.
  • Receive confirmation from MAMH.
    • MAMH assesses the applications to ensure that the projects submitted do not conflict with Quebec's government policies and directives. Once the assessment has been completed, MAMH informs the applicant of their decision and sends compliant applications to GMF for review.
    • MAMH requires up to 15 working days to review the application and forward it to GMF.
  • Receive approval from GMF.
    • GMF will inform the applicant once they receive the application from MAMH and review the submission. If the application is approved for funding, an agreement between FCM and the applicant is prepared.

Need help to see if this is the right funding for you?

Contact our Outreach team who can answer any questions you have relating to this funding opportunity.

See all Sustainable Municipal Buildings funding

Reduce GHG emissions and save on energy costs with net-zero new builds and deep energy retrofits

Notice

We have had substantial interest from municipalities for the Study: Retrofit pathway for municipal buildings offer and are processing a high volume of applications.

GMF has stopped accepting new applications for this offer. We are pausing new applications to manage the high volume of applications currently in our queue.

Existing applications in our queue will continue to be processed. 

Funding Snapshot

Maximum Award:

Grant for up to 50%* of eligible costs.
Up to a maximum of $65,000 for a single building, up to $200,000 for multiple buildings.

 

Open To:

The following organizations are eligible for GMF 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-governmental organizations
    • not-for-profit organizations
    • research institutes (e.g., universities)
  • 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.

 

Expected Output:

A detailed study that identifies a pathway to reduce GHG emissions in municipal buildings over time.

 

Application Deadline:

Applications are accepted year-round, though this offer may close when all funding has been allocated.

 

Eligible Costs:

See list of eligible costs


NOTE:
If your project involves a building conversion or addition, your project might be considered a new building OR a retrofit and would require further consideration by GMF. Please contact GMF for clarification: gmfinfo@fcm.ca

* The following applicants may qualify for a grant of up to 80 percent of eligible project costs:

  • municipalities (or their partners) with a population of 10,000 or under;
  • regional governments or groups of municipalities where the average population of the member municipalities is 10,000 or under;
  • eligible Indigenous communities; and,
  • northern communities

Northern and eligible Indigenous communities that are applying to GMF for the first time may qualify for a grant of up to 100 percent of eligible costs. 

Contact us to learn more

The North is defined as the three territories and the northern extent of seven provinces. This includes portions of the following provinces defined by Statistics Canada codes: Newfoundland and Labrador (10), Québec (24), Ontario (35), Manitoba (46), Saskatchewan (47), Alberta (48) and British Columbia (59).

What we fund

We fund feasibility studies that assess in detail the approaches needed to retrofit existing municipal buildings for an impactful multi-year pathway toward zero-operational GHGs. This offer is applicable to any existing municipal building.

Your study should identify a sequence of retrofit measures to reduce emissions from your municipal building by at least 50 percent within 10 years and achieve best practice energy targets within 20 years. Studies should consider your unique objectives and constraints (eg., building use, capital budgets, equipment renewal cycles, etc.) and explore multiple optimization scenarios.

Your study should also demonstrate and validate the project’s environmental, social and economic benefits, in line with GMF’s thresholds for capital projects.

The study should also account for the following:

  • Meeting best practice energy targets, respective of climate zone, in accordance with best practice.
  • If fossil fuels are in use, complete a partial fuel switch in 10 years, targeting a 50 percent GHG reduction, and an alignment with new build standards by 20 years.
  • Reduction of indoor potable water consumption by 20 percent or greater.
  • An equity assessment by answering, at minimum, the following questions:
    • Which equity-deserving groups might benefit the most from the project and/or be burdened, directly or indirectly, by the project or decision? How are these groups positively or negatively impacted by the project or decision?
    • What strategies can be used to address barriers or mitigate negative impacts?
    • What data sources, reports or mapping resources can help illuminate equity issues in your local context?
  • All elements identified in the GHG reduction pathway retrofit feasibility study guidance document.

A successful retrofit pathway will allow you to achieve net-zero GHGs and a high-efficiency building. GHG emissions associated with electrical grids are not required to be offset. You are strongly encouraged to consider a portfolio of municipal buildings and consider parallel interventions in those buildings.  

This offer funds retrofits of municipal buildings and new builds of municipal and municipally-owned community buildings. See our Community Buildings Retrofit initiative for more details on retrofitting other community buildings.

What is a municipal building?

A municipal building is a workplace that is:

  • Owned by a municipal government.
  • Primarily used by administrative or service staff to carry out their duties to the public.
  • Not necessarily accessible to the public, but may have a public interface.

What is a community building?

A community building is an enclosed public place or an enclosed workplace that is:

  • Primarily used to deliver athletic, recreational, cultural and community programs or services to the local community.
  • Widely accessible to everyone, offering services that enhance the health and well-being, skills development and economic development of individuals and communities.

What your project needs to achieve

All projects that meet the criteria on this page are eligible. Please note that we consider several factors in making a funding decision. We strive to fund the most innovative and impactful initiatives, so not all eligible projects will be approved for funding.

Further information regarding the offer can be found in the Sustainable Municipal Buildings application guide.

 Best practice energy targets: EUI and TEDI requirements 

For the retrofit of municipal buildings, applicants should strive to meet best practice energy targets over a 20 year timeline, through a series of retrofit pathway steps. These proposed targets are based on: 

  • Energy Use Intensity (EUI): Performance requirement for building energy consumed per year, per unit floor area. Normally measured in kWh/m2/y.
  • Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI): Performance requirement for building heating demand per year, per unit floor area. Normally measured in kWh/m2/y.

Targets are to be established based on climate zone and building typology. 

 

Typology 1: Office and office-like buildings including libraries and town halls 

Energy Use Intensity (EUI) targets 

EUI targets are established for office and office-like building types by climate zone as shown in the table below. 

Climate zone EUI target (kWh/m2/y)
4100
5100
6100
7 & 8.0078 x HDD18 + 78

Table 1: EUI targets for office and office-like buildings by climate zone.

 

Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI) targets 

TEDI targets are established for office and office-like building types by climate zone as shown in the table below.

Climate zoneTEDI target (kWh/m2/yr)
430
532
634
736
840

Table 2: TEDI targets for office and office-like buildings by climate zone.

Contact us if you need assistance determining your climate zone.

Important: See list of additional mandatory requirements for all building typologies listed below.

 

Typology 2: Non-office buildings such as indoor ice rinks, pools, fitness centres, indoor soccer fields and public works buildings 

The EUI and TEDI targets must be calculated by your energy modeling consultant as described below. 

Your proposed building must be modeled in accordance with the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) 2020. In addition, an NECB 2020 baseline version of your building must be modeled. Your NECB 2020 proposed building must meet the EUI and TEDI requirements as follows: 

  • EUI requirement: Your proposed building’s EUI must be 25% lower than your NECB 2020 baseline energy model.
  • TEDI requirement: Your proposed building’s TEDI must be equal to or better than the NECB 2020 baseline building TEDI. 

Important: See list of additional mandatory requirements for all building typologies listed below. 

 

Typology 3: A mix of typologies 1 and 2 

  • If 75% or more of your building’s floor area is typology 1, treat the entire building as typology 1, not typology 3.
  • If 75% or more of your building’s floor area is typology 2, treat the entire building as typology 2, not typology 3.
  • If your building contains a mix of typologies 1 and 2, where neither exceeds 75% floor area, a weighted-average EUI and TEDI must be calculated. Consult our TEDI and EUI guidance document tipsheet for more information (coming soon) or contact us

 

Important: See list of additional mandatory requirements for all building typologies listed below. 

 

Additional mandatory requirements: 

  1. Renewable energy, such as from solar panels, does not count towards the energy targets. When calculating EUI, do not deduct renewable energy production from the building’s energy use.
  2. Thermal bridging must be taken into account in the EUI and TEDI targets.
  3. If your building contains a parkade, the parkade energy use must be included in the EUI and TEDI targets, however the parkade floor area must be excluded from the EUI and TEDI calculations.
  4. The reference (baseline) and proposed energy models must be modeled in accordance with NECB 2020. Other versions of NECB (such as NECB 2015, NECB 2017) are not acceptable.
  5. The building must achieve zero operational GHGs (no natural gas or other fossil fuel combustion), with the exception of emergency back-up systems (grid electricity emissions are excluded). 
Retrofit pathways

Your study must identify at least one retrofit pathway. It is encouraged that the pathway be selected through a comparison of at least two retrofit pathway scenarios:

  • A minimum performance scenario.
  • A more aggressive decarbonization scenario, which looks at deep energy retrofits to deliver a similar life cycle cost result over the study period as the “minimum performance” scenario but maximizes cumulative GHG reductions over the same period.

The identified pathway may choose a set of harmonized measures between a minimum performance and aggressive scenario.

What is a retrofit pathway?

A sequence of GHG reduction measures that allow municipal buildings to achieve significant emissions reduction in phases over time.

Example of a pathway to retrofit that strategizes the replacement of equipment when it reaches the end of its useful life:

Phase 1 – Introductory energy conservation  

Timeline: 0-10 years 

Passive strategies, minor envelope improvements, and energy demand conservation measures.

Phase 2 - Partial fuel-switch to achieve 50% reduction in GHGs from baseline

Timeline: No longer than 10 years  

Capital equipment replacement and fuel-switching while maintaining backup fossil-fuel systems. Possible addition of renewable energy.

Phase 3 - Deep energy retrofit and full fuel-switch  

Timeline: 10-20 years

Complete conversion to non-fossil fuel energy sources and alignment with EUI and TEDI targets. 

For additional information please see GHG reduction pathway retrofit feasibility study guidance document. 

Optional: Embodied carbon analysis

It is recommended (not required) for applicants to consider embodied carbon in their project. An embodied carbon analysis can be included within the scope of the feasibility study and should conduct a whole building cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment.

If you choose to conduct this analysis, it is recommended to develop a baseline for your building and materials and compare the results to a proposed model. Upon completion of the study, you should be able to confidently measure your project’s embodied carbon in GHG emissions.

It is highly recommended that an appropriate professional conduct this work, not limited to a professional engineer or architect.

Equity considerations

GMF recognizes that many urgent social issues are interrelated, and that climate action and sustainability initiatives need to be designed to ensure fair distribution of benefits and burdens, across all segments of a community and across generations. Projects will be assessed on their potential to result in improved socio-economic outcomes and a more equitable distribution of benefits and burdens among the community, for present and future generations. While projects can be eligible without incorporating these considerations, preference is given to projects that:

  • Integrate principles of anti-racism, equity, inclusion and reconciliation.
  • Apply inclusive community engagement practices.
  • Implement social procurement.
  • Generate significant socio-economic benefits, such as increased accessibility, improved outdoor spaces, and inclusive employment and apprenticeship.

As you develop your project approach, consider the following questions:

  1. How can you design an engagement approach that would enable you to consider the diverse needs, experiences and voices of all stakeholders and rights holders in this project?
  2. Which equity-deserving groups might benefit the most, and/or be burdened, directly or indirectly, by this project? How are these groups positively or negatively impacted?
  3. Are there opportunities to address or mitigate negative impacts?
  4. Are there opportunities to rectify existing or potential biases, discrimination or exclusionary practices in your project planning, design, funding and implementation?
  5. How can you maximize the socio-economic benefits that your project generates?
  6. How can you leverage your procurement practices to generate more positive social, economic and environmental outcomes within your community and region?
Multi-solving

GMF seeks to fund the very best examples of municipal initiatives that achieve a multitude of benefits for the environment, communities and local economies. Higher application evaluation scores are given to projects that demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:

  • potable water conservation
  • sustainable materials management
  • biodiversity
  • socio-economic benefits
  • meaningful engagement and collaboration with rights holders and stakeholders

Application process

Phase 1: Pre-application submission

You must submit a pre-application form through FCM’s funding portal. To do this, create a client profile and follow the steps in FCM’s funding portal to submit your pre-application form.

Phase 2: Eligibility determination

A GMF outreach officer or advisor will review your pre-application form. They will determine whether your organization and initiative are eligible to proceed to the next stage of the application process. You will receive a response within 15 business days of the date we receive your pre-application form.

Phase 3: Full application submission

If your organization and initiative are determined to be eligible to proceed to the next stage, your GMF outreach officer or advisor will inform you that the full application form is available through FCM’s funding portal. They will also provide you with an Excel project workbook template to complete and submit with the full application form.

It is important to note that even if a project is deemed eligible to move forward with a full application, it does not guarantee full application eligibility or that the project will be approved for funding.

As you complete the application form, contact your GMF outreach officer or advisor if you have any questions. Once you’ve filled out the application form and project workbook and attached the required supporting documents, submit it to GMF through the FCM funding portal.

Phase 4: GMF project officer review

Once the full application form is submitted a GMF project officer will be assigned to your file and will review your application for accuracy and completeness and will work with you to resolve any remaining questions.

Phase 5: Peer review and internal review

An external expert peer review panel evaluates all capital and study applications. There will also be an internal analysis to provide a funding recommendation to GMF’s managing director, the GMF Council and FCM’s Board of Directors.

Phase 6: FCM funding decision

For studies, funding decisions are determined by GMF’s managing director. The average time for a funding decision is three to five months after your full application form submission.

For capital projects, FCM’s Board of Directors approves the funding recommendation made by the GMF Council. The average time for a funding decision is four to six months after your full application form submission.


 

How to apply

  1. Download and review the application guide. 
  2. Reach out to a GMF representative to discuss your project at gmfinfo@fcm.ca or 1-877-417-0550. 
  3. Review the list of prerequisites and supporting documents in appendix D of the application guide. 
  4. Review the eligible and ineligible costs:
  5. Ensure you have a detailed project budget in place and are securing other funding sources for your project. 
  6. Visit the FCM funding portal to create your profile and request a PIN to access the system. Already have an FCM funding portal profile? Skip to Step 7.  
  7. Complete the pre-application form available on the platform.  

Quebec municipalities

FCM has an agreement with Quebec's ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation (MAMH) that allows the ministry to review applications to GMF before they are submitted to FCM. Quebec municipalities applying for funding from GMF must follow the process below to submit their application to MAMH.

Once you have completed all the steps in the ‘How to apply’ section above, submit your application by following the steps below. Note that the content of the links is available in French only.

  • Save your application form using the appropriate file name.
    • Save the application form to your local device with the following filename: FMV_ "your municipality's name"_ "date" (YYMMDD). For example: FMV_TownofABC_180228.pdf
  • Log in to the Portail gouvernemental des affaires municipales et régionales. using your username and password.
    • To submit your form click on “File Transfer”.
    • In the “Recipient” drop-down list, select the applicable program.
    • Upload your files and select “Transfer” once your request is complete.
  • Receive confirmation from MAMH.
    • MAMH assesses the applications to ensure that the projects submitted do not conflict with Quebec's government policies and directives. Once the assessment has been completed, MAMH informs the applicant of their decision and sends compliant applications to GMF for review.
    • MAMH requires up to 15 working days to review the application and forward it to GMF.
  • Receive approval from GMF.
    • GMF will inform the applicant once they receive the application from MAMH and review the submission. If the application is approved for funding, an agreement between FCM and the applicant is prepared.

Need help to see if this is the right funding for you?

Contact our Outreach team who can answer any questions you have relating to this funding opportunity.

See all Sustainable Municipal Buildings funding

Reduce GHG emissions and save on energy costs with net-zero new builds and deep energy retrofits

Notice

We have had substantial interest from municipalities for the Study: New construction of municipal and community buildings offer and are processing a high volume of applications.

GMF has stopped accepting new applications for this offer. We are pausing new applications to manage the high volume of applications currently in our queue.

Existing applications in our queue will continue to be processed. 

Funding Snapshot

Maximum Award:

Grant for up to 50%* of eligible costs.
Up to a maximum of $200,000.

 

Open To:

The following are eligible for this GMF 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-governmental organizations
    • not-for-profit organizations
    • research institutes (e.g., universities)
  • An Indigenous community is an eligible lead applicant if they are partnering with a Canadian municipal government on a project, or if they have a shared service agreement with a Canadian municipal government related to municipal infrastructure, climate change or adaptation.

 

Expected Output:

A feasibility study that assesses in detail the approaches needed to implement a new construction of an energy efficient community or municipal building.

 

Application Deadline:

Applications are accepted year-round, though this offer may close when all funding has been allocated.

 

Eligible Costs:

See list of eligible costs


NOTE:
If your project involves a building conversion or addition, your project might be considered a new building OR a retrofit and would require further consideration by GMF. Please contact GMF for clarification: gmfinfo@fcm.ca

* The following applicants may qualify for a grant of up to 80 percent of eligible project costs:

  • municipalities (or their partners) with a population of 10,000 or under;
  • regional governments or groups of municipalities where the average population of the member municipalities is 10,000 or under;
  • eligible Indigenous communities; and,
  • northern communities

Northern and eligible Indigenous communities that are applying to GMF for the first time may qualify for a grant of up to 100 percent of eligible costs. 

Contact us to learn more

The North is defined as the three territories and the northern extent of seven provinces. This includes portions of the following provinces defined by Statistics Canada codes: Newfoundland and Labrador (10), Québec (24), Ontario (35), Manitoba (46), Saskatchewan (47), Alberta (48) and British Columbia (59).

What we fund

We fund feasibility studies that assess in detail the approaches needed to implement a new construction of an energy efficient community or municipal building. This funding helps Canadian cities and communities of all sizes undertake sustainability projects that reduce emissions, accelerate energy savings and keep energy dollars in the community.

Your feasibility study should demonstrate and validate the project’s environmental, social and economic benefits, in line with GMF’s thresholds for capital projects.

The study must also account for the following:

  • Meeting best practice energy targets, respective of climate zone.
  • Zero operational GHGs (emergency back-up energy excepted, grid electricity emissions excluded).
  • Reduction of indoor potable water consumption by 20 percent or greater.
  • Climate risk assessment (required for projects studying new infrastructure valued over $2 million; optional for other projects).
  • An equity assessment by answering, at minimum, the following questions:
    • Which equity-deserving groups might benefit the most from the project, and/or be burdened, directly or indirectly, by the project or decision? How are these groups positively or negatively impacted by the project or decision?
    • What strategies can be used to address barriers or mitigate negative impacts?
    • What data sources, reports, or mapping resources can help illuminate equity issues in your local context?

What your project needs to achieve

All projects that meet the criteria on this page are eligible. Please note that we consider several factors in making a funding decision. We strive to fund the most innovative and impactful initiatives, so not all eligible projects will be approved for funding.

Further information regarding the offer can be found in the Sustainable Municipal Buildings application guide.

New information below. Please review before submitting a funding application.

 Best practice energy targets: EUI and TEDI requirements 

For the new construction of sustainable municipal buildings, applicants should strive to meet best practice energy targets. These proposed targets are based on: 

  • Energy Use Intensity (EUI): Performance requirement for building energy consumed per year, per unit floor area. Normally measured in kWh/m2/y.
  • Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI): Performance requirement for building heating demand per year, per unit floor area. Normally measured in kWh/m2/y.

Targets are to be established based on climate zone and building typology. 

Consult our short guide for more information on how to calculate EUI and TEDI targets for new buildings based on building typology, including key definitions and examples.

 

Typology 1: Office and office-like buildings including libraries and town halls 

Energy Use Intensity (EUI) targets 

EUI targets are established for office and office-like building types by climate zone as shown in the table below. 

Climate zone EUI target (kWh/m2/y)
4100
5100
6100
7 & 8.0078 x HDD18 + 78

Table 1: EUI targets for office and office-like buildings by climate zone.

 

Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI) targets 

TEDI targets are established for office and office-like building types by climate zone as shown in the table below.

Climate zoneTEDI target (kWh/m2/yr)
430
532
634
736
840

Table 2: TEDI targets for office and office-like buildings by climate zone.

Contact us if you need assistance determining your climate zone.

Important: See list of additional mandatory requirements for all building typologies listed below.

 

Typology 2: Non-office buildings such as indoor ice rinks, pools, fitness centres, indoor soccer fields and public works buildings 

The EUI and TEDI targets must be calculated by your energy modeling consultant as described below. 

Your proposed building must be modeled in accordance with the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) 2020. In addition, an NECB 2020 baseline version of your building must be modeled. Your NECB 2020 proposed building must meet the EUI and TEDI requirements as follows: 

  • EUI requirement: Your proposed building’s EUI must be 25% lower than your NECB 2020 baseline energy model.
  • TEDI requirement: Your proposed building’s TEDI must be equal to or better than the NECB 2020 baseline building TEDI. 

Important: See list of additional mandatory requirements for all building typologies listed below. 

 

Typology 3: A mix of typologies 1 and 2 

  • If 75% or more of your building’s floor area is typology 1, treat the entire building as typology 1, not typology 3.
  • If 75% or more of your building’s floor area is typology 2, treat the entire building as typology 2, not typology 3.
  • If your building contains a mix of typologies 1 and 2, where neither exceeds 75% floor area, a weighted-average EUI and TEDI must be calculated. Consult our TEDI and EUI guidance document tipsheet for more information (coming soon) or contact us

 

Important: See list of additional mandatory requirements for all building typologies listed below. 

 

Additional mandatory requirements: 

  1. Renewable energy, such as from solar panels, does not count towards the energy targets. When calculating EUI, do not deduct renewable energy production from the building’s energy use.
  2. Thermal bridging must be taken into account in the EUI and TEDI targets.
  3. If your building contains a parkade, the parkade energy use must be included in the EUI and TEDI targets, however the parkade floor area must be excluded from the EUI and TEDI calculations.
  4. The reference (baseline) and proposed energy models must be modeled in accordance with NECB 2020. Other versions of NECB (such as NECB 2015, NECB 2017) are not acceptable.
  5. The building must achieve zero operational GHGs (no natural gas or other fossil fuel combustion), with the exception of emergency back-up systems (grid electricity emissions are excluded). 

Consult our short guide for more information on how to calculate EUI and TEDI targets for new buildings based on building typology, including key definitions and examples.

Optional: Embodied carbon analysis

It is recommended (not required) for applicants to consider embodied carbon in their project. An embodied carbon analysis can be included within the scope of the feasibility study and should conduct a whole building cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment.

If you choose to conduct this analysis, it is recommended to develop a baseline for your building and materials, and compare the results to a proposed model. Upon completion of the study, you should be able to confidently measure your project’s embodied carbon in GHG emissions.

It is highly recommended that an appropriate professional conduct this work, not limited to a professional engineer or architect. 

Resilience

Projects must meet minimum requirements related to climate resilience:

  • Capital projects that include new infrastructure assets must be built outside the current 100-year floodplain of the most recent floodplain map, unless evidence can be provided of protection to safeguard the asset.
  • Projects with new infrastructure assets valued over $2 million must conduct a Climate Risk Assessment (i.e., Infrastructure Canada Climate lens, ISO 14091, PIEVC High Level Screening Guide or equivalent) and address risks identified. A Climate Risk Assessment must be included in study workplans (where relevant) and is submitted as part of the pre-application for relevant capital projects.
Equity considerations

GMF recognizes that many urgent social issues are interrelated, and that climate action and sustainability initiatives need to be designed to ensure fair distribution of benefits and burdens, across all segments of a community and across generations. Projects will be assessed on their potential to result in improved socio-economic outcomes and a more equitable distribution of benefits and burdens among the community, for present and future generations. While projects can be eligible without incorporating these considerations, preference is given to projects that:

  • Integrate principles of anti-racism, equity, inclusion and reconciliation.
  • Apply inclusive community engagement practices.
  • Implement social procurement.
  • Generate significant socio-economic benefits, such as increased accessibility, improved outdoor spaces, and inclusive employment and apprenticeship.

As you develop your project approach, consider the following questions:

  1. How can you design an engagement approach that would enable you to consider the diverse needs, experiences and voices of all stakeholders and rights holders in this project?
  2. Which equity-deserving groups might benefit the most and/or be burdened, directly or indirectly, by this project? How are these groups positively or negatively impacted?
  3. Are there opportunities to address or mitigate negative impacts?
  4. Are there opportunities to rectify existing or potential biases, discrimination or exclusionary practices in your project planning, design, funding and implementation?
  5. How can you maximize the socio-economic benefits that your project generates?
  6. How can you leverage your procurement practices to generate more positive social, economic and environmental outcomes within your community and region?
Multi-solving

GMF seeks to fund the very best examples of municipal initiatives that achieve a multitude of benefits for the environment, communities and local economies. Higher application evaluation scores are given to projects that demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:

  • potable water conservation
  • sustainable materials management
  • biodiversity
  • socio-economic benefits
  • meaningful engagement and collaboration with rights holders and stakeholders


Application process

Phase 1: Pre-application submission

You must submit a pre-application form through FCM’s funding portal. To do this, create a client profile and follow the steps in FCM’s funding portal to submit your pre-application form.

Phase 2: Eligibility determination

A GMF outreach officer or advisor will review your pre-application form. They will determine whether your organization and initiative are eligible to proceed to the next stage of the application process. You will receive a response within 15 business days of the date we receive your pre-application form.

Phase 3: Full application submission

If your organization and initiative are determined to be eligible to proceed to the next stage, your GMF outreach officer or advisor will inform you that the full application form is available through FCM’s funding portal. They will also provide you with an Excel project workbook template to complete and submit with the full application form.

It is important to note that even if a project is deemed eligible to move forward with a full application, it does not guarantee full application eligibility or that the project will be approved for funding.

As you complete the application form, contact your GMF outreach officer or advisor if you have any questions. Once you’ve filled out the application form and project workbook and attached the required supporting documents, submit it to GMF through the FCM funding portal.

Phase 4: GMF project officer review

Once the full application form is submitted a GMF project officer will be assigned to your file and will review your application for accuracy and completeness and will work with you to resolve any remaining questions.

Phase 5: Peer review and internal review

An external expert peer review panel evaluates all capital and study applications. There will also be an internal analysis to provide a funding recommendation to GMF’s managing director, the GMF Council and FCM’s Board of Directors.

Phase 6: FCM funding decision

For studies, funding decisions are determined by GMF’s managing director. The average time for a funding decision is three to five months after your full application form submission.

For capital projects, FCM’s Board of Directors approves the funding recommendation made by the GMF Council. The average time for a funding decision is four to six months after your full application form submission.


 

How to apply

  1. Download and review the application guide. 
  2. Reach out to a GMF representative to discuss your project at gmfinfo@fcm.ca or 1-877-417-0550. 
  3. Review the list of prerequisites and supporting documents in appendix D of the application guide. 
  4. Review the eligible and ineligible costs:
  5. Ensure you have a detailed project budget in place and are securing other funding sources for your project. 
  6. Visit the FCM funding portal to create your profile and request a PIN to access the system. Already have an FCM funding portal profile? Skip to Step 7.  
  7. Complete the pre-application form available on the platform.  

Quebec municipalities

FCM has an agreement with Quebec's ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation (MAMH) that allows the ministry to review applications to GMF before they are submitted to FCM. Quebec municipalities applying for funding from GMF must follow the process below to submit their application to MAMH.

Once you have completed all the steps in the ‘How to apply’ section above, submit your application by following the steps below. Note that the content of the links is available in French only.

  • Save your application form using the appropriate file name.
    • Save the application form to your local device with the following filename: FMV_ "your municipality's name"_ "date" (YYMMDD). For example: FMV_TownofABC_180228.pdf
  • Log in to the Portail gouvernemental des affaires municipales et régionales. using your username and password.
    • To submit your form click on “File Transfer”.
    • In the “Recipient” drop-down list, select the applicable program.
    • Upload your files and select “Transfer” once your request is complete.
  • Receive confirmation from MAMH.
    • MAMH assesses the applications to ensure that the projects submitted do not conflict with Quebec's government policies and directives. Once the assessment has been completed, MAMH informs the applicant of their decision and sends compliant applications to GMF for review.
    • MAMH requires up to 15 working days to review the application and forward it to GMF.
  • Receive approval from GMF.
    • GMF will inform the applicant once they receive the application from MAMH and review the submission. If the application is approved for funding, an agreement between FCM and the applicant is prepared.

Need help to see if this is the right funding for you?

Contact our Outreach team who can answer any questions you have relating to this funding opportunity.

See all Sustainable Municipal Buildings funding

Reduce GHG emissions and save on energy costs with net-zero new builds and deep energy retrofits

Funding Snapshot

Maximum Award:
  • Combined grant and loan for up to 80% of eligible costs
  • Combined grant and loan up to a maximum of $10 million
  • Grant up to 15%* of the loan amount
  • Additional 5% grant available if the project involves the remediation of a brownfield site.

Note: The grant contribution is determined as a function of the loan and cannot be separated

Open To:

The following organizations are eligible for GMF 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-governmental organizations
  • not-for-profit organizations
  • research institutes (e.g., universities)
  • 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.
Expected Output:

A capital project that allows Canadian municipalities and their partners to construct, commission and begin operation of an organic waste-to-energy system.

Application Deadline:

Applications are accepted year-round, though this offer may close when all funding has been allocated.

Eligible Costs:

** Municipalities with exceptional projects may qualify for a higher loan and grant amount. Contact us to find out if your municipality is eligible.

Contact us to learn more

What we fund

We offer combined loan and grant funding to support municipalities and their partners in constructing, commissioning and initiating operation of an organic waste-to-energy system. This funding helps Canadian cities and communities produce and utilize local sources of energy and generate additional valuable products such as digestate and fertilizers, ultimately resulting in a net GHG emission reduction.

What your project needs to achieve

All projects that meet the criteria on this page are eligible. Please note that we consider several factors in making a funding decision. We strive to fund the most impactful initiatives, so not all eligible projects will be approved for funding.

This project must build on a completed feasibility study that has assessed the technical and financial feasibility of the proposed project, as well as the environmental, social, and economic impacts.

Eligible applicants must also provide records of community support for the project including but not limited to records of approval from local government council, and initiation of the impact assessment process, where applicable.

Further information regarding the offer, including minimum requirements for feasibility studies, can be found in the Organic Waste-to-Energy application guide.

Requirements for all Organic Waste-to-Energy projects

All projects (business cases, feasibility studies, and capital projects) must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • The project generates energy from:
    • Upgrading or direct use of landfill gas; OR
    • Anaerobic digestion of local organic waste; OR
    • Energy recovery from composting, wastewater or landfill (geothermal).
  • The project results in a net GHG emissions reduction compared to the current baseline.
  • Project creates a net energy benefit relative to the current baseline.

Note: local organic waste may include food waste, yard waste, biosolids, or the organic fraction of construction/demolition waste, packaging, agricultural or forestry waste.

Resilience

Projects must meet minimum requirements related to climate resilience:

  • All capital projects that include new infrastructure assets must be built outside the current 100-year floodplain of the most recent floodplain map, unless evidence can be provided of protection to safeguard the asset.
  • Projects with new infrastructure assets valued over $2 million must conduct a Climate Risk Assessment (i.e., Infrastructure Canada Climate lens, ISO 14091, PIEVC High Level Screening Guide or equivalent) and address risks identified. A Climate Risk Assessment must be included in study workplans (where relevant) and is submitted as part of the pre-application for relevant capital projects. 
Equity considerations

GMF recognizes that many urgent social issues are interrelated, and that climate action and sustainability initiatives need to be designed to ensure fair distribution of benefits and burdens, across all segments of a community and across generations. Projects will be assessed on their potential to result in improved socio-economic outcomes and a more equitable distribution of benefits and burdens among the community, for present and future generations. While projects can be eligible without incorporating these considerations, preference is given to projects that:

  • Integrate principles of anti-racism, equity, inclusion and reconciliation
  • Apply inclusive community engagement practices
  • Implement social procurement
  • Generate significant socio-economic benefits, such as increased accessibility, improved outdoor spaces, and inclusive employment and apprenticeship

As you develop your project approach, consider the following questions:

  1. How can you design an engagement approach that would enable you to consider the diverse needs, experiences, and voices of all stakeholders and rights holders in this project?
  2. Which equity-deserving groups might benefit the most, and/or be burdened, directly or indirectly, by this project? How are these groups positively or negatively impacted?
  3. Are there opportunities to address or mitigate negative impacts?
  4. Are there opportunities to rectify existing or potential biases, discrimination, or exclusionary practices in your project planning, design, funding, and implementation?
  5. How can you maximize the socio-economic benefits that your project generates?
  6. How can you leverage your procurement practices to generate more positive social, economic and environmental outcomes within your community and region?
Multi-solving

GMF seeks to fund the very best examples of municipal initiatives that achieve a multitude of benefits for the environment, communities and local economies. Higher application evaluation scores are given to projects that demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:

  • sustainable materials management
  • biodiversity
  • socio-economic benefits
  • meaningful engagement and collaboration with rights holders and stakeholders


Application process

Phase 1: Pre-application submission

You must submit a pre-application form through FCM’s funding portal. To do this, create a client profile and follow the steps in FCM’s funding portal to submit your pre-application form.

Phase 2: Eligibility determination

A GMF outreach officer or advisor will review your pre-application form. They will determine whether your organization and initiative are eligible to proceed to the next stage of the application process. You will receive a response within 15 business days of the date we receive your pre-application form.

Phase 3: Full application submission

If your organization and initiative are determined to be eligible to proceed to the next stage, your GMF outreach officer or advisor will inform you that the full application form is available through FCM’s funding portal. They will also provide you with an Excel project workbook template to complete and submit with the full application form.

It is important to note that even if a project is deemed eligible to move forward with a full application, it does not guarantee full application eligibility or that the project will be approved for funding.

As you complete the application form, contact your GMF outreach officer or advisor if you have any questions. Once you’ve filled out the application form and project workbook and attached the required supporting documents, submit it to GMF through the FCM funding portal.

Phase 4: GMF project officer review

Once the full application form is submitted a GMF project officer will be assigned to your file and will review your application for accuracy and completeness and will work with you to resolve any remaining questions.

Phase 5: Peer review and internal review

An external expert peer review panel evaluates all capital and study applications. There will also be an internal analysis to provide a funding recommendation to GMF’s managing director, the GMF Council and FCM’s Board of Directors.

Phase 6: FCM funding decision

For studies, funding decisions are determined by GMF’s managing director. The average time for a funding decision is three to five months after your full application form submission.

For capital projects, FCM’s Board of Directors approves the funding recommendation made by the GMF Council. The average time for a funding decision is four to six months after your full application form submission.


 

How to apply

  1. Download and review the application guide. 
  2. Reach out to a GMF representative to discuss your project at gmfinfo@fcm.ca or 1-877-417-0550. 
  3. Review the list of prerequisites and supporting documents in appendix D of the application guide. 
  4. Review the eligible and ineligible costs:
  5. Ensure you have a detailed project budget in place and are securing other funding sources for your project. 
  6. Visit the FCM funding portal to create your profile and request a PIN to access the system. Already have an FCM funding portal profile? Skip to Step 7.  
  7. Complete the pre-application form available on the platform.  

Quebec municipalities

FCM has an agreement with Quebec's ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation (MAMH) that allows the ministry to review applications to GMF before they are submitted to FCM. Quebec municipalities applying for funding from GMF must follow the process below to submit their application to MAMH.

Once you have completed all the steps in the ‘How to apply’ section above, submit your application by following the steps below. Note that the content of the links is available in French only.

  • Save your application form using the appropriate file name.
    • Save the application form to your local device with the following filename: FMV_ "your municipality's name"_ "date" (YYMMDD). For example: FMV_TownofABC_180228.pdf
  • Log in to the Portail gouvernemental des affaires municipales et régionales. using your username and password.
    • To submit your form click on “File Transfer”.
    • In the “Recipient” drop-down list, select the applicable program.
    • Upload your files and select “Transfer” once your request is complete.
  • Receive confirmation from MAMH.
    • MAMH assesses the applications to ensure that the projects submitted do not conflict with Quebec's government policies and directives. Once the assessment has been completed, MAMH informs the applicant of their decision and sends compliant applications to GMF for review.
    • MAMH requires up to 15 working days to review the application and forward it to GMF.
  • Receive approval from GMF.
    • GMF will inform the applicant once they receive the application from MAMH and review the submission. If the application is approved for funding, an agreement between FCM and the applicant is prepared.

Need help to see if this is the right funding for you?

Contact our Outreach team who can answer any questions you have relating to this funding opportunity.

See more Organic Waste-to-Energy

Recover value and energy from organic materials and landfill gas

Funding Snapshot

Maximum Award:
  • Grant for up to 50%* of eligible costs
  • Up to a maximum of $200,000
Open To:

The following organizations are eligible for GMF 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-governmental organizations
  • not-for-profit organizations
  • research institutes (e.g., universities)

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.

Expected Output:

A detailed feasibility assessment outlining the design of a proposed organic waste-to-energy system.

Application Deadline:

Applications are accepted year-round, though this offer may close when all funding has been allocated.

Eligible Costs:

* The following applicants may qualify for a grant of up to 80 percent of eligible project costs:

  • municipalities (or their partners) with a population of 10,000 or under;
  • regional governments or groups of municipalities where the average population of the member municipalities is 10,000 or under;
  • eligible Indigenous communities; and,
  • northern communities

Northern and eligible Indigenous communities that are applying to GMF for the first time may qualify for a grant of up to 100 percent of eligible costs. 

Contact us to learn more

The North is defined as the three territories and the northern extent of seven provinces. This includes portions of the following provinces defined by Statistics Canada codes: Newfoundland and Labrador (10), Québec (24), Ontario (35), Manitoba (46), Saskatchewan (47), Alberta (48) and British Columbia (59).

What we fund

We fund feasibility studies that outline the design of a proposed organic waste-to-energy system. This funding helps Canadian cities and communities produce and utilize local sources of energy and generate additional valuable products such as digestate and fertilizers, ultimately resulting in a net GHG emission reduction.

Your feasibility study should build on your business case exploring a system that generates energy from landfill gas, anaerobic digestion or energy recovery from wastewater, landfills or aerobic composting, including food waste, yard waste, biosolids, packaging waste and agricultural waste.

Your study should aim to:

  • Confirm the practicality and viability of constructing and operating the proposed organic waste-to-energy system.
  • Incorporate feedback from stakeholder engagement and public consultation.
  • Complete system design and quantify expected costs and revenue streams.
  • Quantify the environmental, social, and economic impacts and benefits.
  • Confirm partnerships.
  • Detail proposed business model, including project ownership, operations, and financing.
  • Identify risks and mitigation options (including climate risk assessment).

Your study will need to consider, at minimum, the following questions:

  • What are the GHG impacts of the solution or approach being studied?
  • Is there an economic benefit to the municipality of developing the proposed organic waste-to-energy system, rather than managing the feedstock in another manner?
  • Climate risk assessment (required for projects studying new infrastructure assets valued over $2 million; optional for other projects)
  • An equity assessment that answers, at minimum, the following questions:    
    • Which equity-deserving groups might benefit the most from the project, and/or be burdened, directly or indirectly, by the project or decision? How are these groups positively or negatively impacted by the project or decision?
    • What strategies can be used to address barriers or mitigate negative impacts?
    • What data sources, reports, or mapping resources can help illuminate equity issues in your local context?

Eligible activities undertaken as part of your study include:

  • Detailed project design.
  • Verification of availability of local organic waste feedstocks.
  • Verification of buyers for energy and other products created by the proposed system.
  • Detailed financial analysis (e.g., cost estimates, revenue projections, return on investment (ROI), and funding options).
  • Developing terms and conditions for going to tender for the capital project.
  • Stakeholder engagement and public consultation.
  • Regulatory approval processes.
  • Impact assessment process.
  • Climate risk assessment.

Ultimately, your study should equip you with the information you need to implement a capital project.

What your project needs to achieve

All projects that meet the criteria on this page are eligible. Please note that we consider several factors in making a funding decision. We strive to fund the most impactful initiatives, so not all eligible projects will be approved for funding.

It is strongly recommended that you complete a business case ahead of your feasibility study.

A business case and feasibility study may be undertaken together as one project, eligible for a grant of up to a maximum of $200,000 for the project as a whole.

Further information regarding the offer can be found in the Organic Waste-to-Energy application guide.

Requirements for all Organic Waste-to-Energy projects

All projects (business cases, feasibility studies, and capital projects) must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • The project generates energy from:
    • Upgrading or direct use of landfill gas; OR
    • Anaerobic digestion of local organic waste; OR
    • Energy recovery from composting, wastewater or landfill (geothermal).
  • The project results in a net GHG emissions reduction compared to the current baseline.
  • Project creates a net energy benefit relative to the current baseline.

Note: local organic waste may include food waste, yard waste, biosolids, or the organic fraction of construction/demolition waste, packaging, agricultural or forestry waste.

Resilience

Projects must meet minimum requirements related to climate resilience:

  • All capital projects that include new infrastructure assets must be built outside the current 100-year floodplain of the most recent floodplain map, unless evidence can be provided of protection to safeguard the asset.
  • Projects with new infrastructure assets valued over $2 million must conduct a Climate Risk Assessment (i.e., Infrastructure Canada Climate lens, ISO 14091, PIEVC High Level Screening Guide or equivalent) and address risks identified. A Climate Risk Assessment must be included in study workplans (where relevant) and is submitted as part of the pre-application for relevant capital projects. 
Equity considerations

GMF recognizes that many urgent social issues are interrelated, and that climate action and sustainability initiatives need to be designed to ensure fair distribution of benefits and burdens, across all segments of a community and across generations. Projects will be assessed on their potential to result in improved socio-economic outcomes and a more equitable distribution of benefits and burdens among the community, for present and future generations. While projects can be eligible without incorporating these considerations, preference is given to projects that:

  • Integrate principles of anti-racism, equity, inclusion and reconciliation.
  • Apply inclusive community engagement practices.
  • Implement social procurement.
  • Generate significant socio-economic benefits, such as increased accessibility, improved outdoor spaces, and inclusive employment and apprenticeship.

As you develop your project approach, consider the following questions:

  1. How can you design an engagement approach that would enable you to consider the diverse needs, experiences, and voices of all stakeholders and rights holders in this project?
  2. Which equity-deserving groups might benefit the most, and/or be burdened, directly or indirectly, by this project? How are these groups positively or negatively impacted?
  3. Are there opportunities to address or mitigate negative impacts?
  4. Are there opportunities to rectify existing or potential biases, discrimination, or exclusionary practices in your project planning, design, funding, and implementation?
  5. How can you maximize the socio-economic benefits that your project generates?
  6. How can you leverage your procurement practices to generate more positive social, economic and environmental outcomes within your community and region?
Multi-solving

GMF seeks to fund the very best examples of municipal initiatives that achieve a multitude of benefits for the environment, communities and local economies. Higher application evaluation scores are given to projects that demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:

  • sustainable materials management
  • biodiversity
  • socio-economic benefits
  • meaningful engagement and collaboration with rights holders and stakeholders


Application process

Phase 1: Pre-application submission

You must submit a pre-application form through FCM’s funding portal. To do this, create a client profile and follow the steps in FCM’s funding portal to submit your pre-application form.

Phase 2: Eligibility determination

A GMF outreach officer or advisor will review your pre-application form. They will determine whether your organization and initiative are eligible to proceed to the next stage of the application process. You will receive a response within 15 business days of the date we receive your pre-application form.

Phase 3: Full application submission

If your organization and initiative are determined to be eligible to proceed to the next stage, your GMF outreach officer or advisor will inform you that the full application form is available through FCM’s funding portal. They will also provide you with an Excel project workbook template to complete and submit with the full application form.

It is important to note that even if a project is deemed eligible to move forward with a full application, it does not guarantee full application eligibility or that the project will be approved for funding.

As you complete the application form, contact your GMF outreach officer or advisor if you have any questions. Once you’ve filled out the application form and project workbook and attached the required supporting documents, submit it to GMF through the FCM funding portal.

Phase 4: GMF project officer review

Once the full application form is submitted a GMF project officer will be assigned to your file and will review your application for accuracy and completeness and will work with you to resolve any remaining questions.

Phase 5: Peer review and internal review

An external expert peer review panel evaluates all capital and study applications. There will also be an internal analysis to provide a funding recommendation to GMF’s managing director, the GMF Council and FCM’s Board of Directors.

Phase 6: FCM funding decision

For studies, funding decisions are determined by GMF’s managing director. The average time for a funding decision is three to five months after your full application form submission.

For capital projects, FCM’s Board of Directors approves the funding recommendation made by the GMF Council. The average time for a funding decision is four to six months after your full application form submission.


 

How to apply

  1. Download and review the application guide. 
  2. Reach out to a GMF representative to discuss your project at gmfinfo@fcm.ca or 1-877-417-0550. 
  3. Review the list of prerequisites and supporting documents in appendix D of the application guide. 
  4. Review the eligible and ineligible costs:
  5. Ensure you have a detailed project budget in place and are securing other funding sources for your project. 
  6. Visit the FCM funding portal to create your profile and request a PIN to access the system. Already have an FCM funding portal profile? Skip to Step 7.  
  7. Complete the pre-application form available on the platform.  

Quebec municipalities

FCM has an agreement with Quebec's ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation (MAMH) that allows the ministry to review applications to GMF before they are submitted to FCM. Quebec municipalities applying for funding from GMF must follow the process below to submit their application to MAMH.

Once you have completed all the steps in the ‘How to apply’ section above, submit your application by following the steps below. Note that the content of the links is available in French only.

  • Save your application form using the appropriate file name.
    • Save the application form to your local device with the following filename: FMV_ "your municipality's name"_ "date" (YYMMDD). For example: FMV_TownofABC_180228.pdf
  • Log in to the Portail gouvernemental des affaires municipales et régionales. using your username and password.
    • To submit your form click on “File Transfer”.
    • In the “Recipient” drop-down list, select the applicable program.
    • Upload your files and select “Transfer” once your request is complete.
  • Receive confirmation from MAMH.
    • MAMH assesses the applications to ensure that the projects submitted do not conflict with Quebec's government policies and directives. Once the assessment has been completed, MAMH informs the applicant of their decision and sends compliant applications to GMF for review.
    • MAMH requires up to 15 working days to review the application and forward it to GMF.
  • Receive approval from GMF.
    • GMF will inform the applicant once they receive the application from MAMH and review the submission. If the application is approved for funding, an agreement between FCM and the applicant is prepared.

Need help to see if this is the right funding for you?

Contact our Outreach team who can answer any questions you have relating to this funding opportunity.

See more Organic Waste-to-Energy

Recover value and energy from organic materials and landfill gas

Funding Snapshot

Maximum Award:
  • Grant for up to 50%* of eligible costs
  • Up to a maximum of $100,000
Open To:

The following organizations are eligible for GMF 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-governmental organizations
  • not-for-profit organizations
  • research institutes (e.g., universities)
  • 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.
Expected Output:

A business case that assesses viable waste-to-energy systems and business models for a given site and/or feedstock.

Application Deadline:

Applications are accepted year-round, though this offer may close when all funding has been allocated.

Eligible Costs:

* The following applicants may qualify for a grant of up to 80 percent of eligible project costs:

  • municipalities (or their partners) with a population of 10,000 or under;
  • regional governments or groups of municipalities where the average population of the member municipalities is 10,000 or under;
  • eligible Indigenous communities; and,
  • northern communities

Northern and eligible Indigenous communities that are applying to GMF for the first time may qualify for a grant of up to 100 percent of eligible costs. 

Contact us to learn more

The North is defined as the three territories and the northern extent of seven provinces. This includes portions of the following provinces defined by Statistics Canada codes: Newfoundland and Labrador (10), Québec (24), Ontario (35), Manitoba (46), Saskatchewan (47), Alberta (48) and British Columbia (59).

What we fund

We fund business cases that assess viable waste-to-energy systems and business models for a given site and/or feedstock. This funding helps Canadian cities and communities determine whether it is viable to produce and utilize energy from landfill gas or waste organic material, and generate additional valuable products such as digestate and fertilizers, ultimately resulting in a net GHG emission reduction.

Your business case can explore systems that generate energy from landfill gas, anaerobic digestion or heat recovery from wastewater, landfills or aerobic composting (including food waste, yard waste, biosolids, packaging waste and agricultural waste). 

Your business case should prepare you for a feasibility study. A business case and feasibility study may be undertaken together as one project, eligible for a grant of up to a maximum of $200,000 for the project as a whole.

Your business case should aim to:

  • Determine the practicality and viability of available organic waste-to-energy systems for your site and/or feedstock and identify a preferred system or systems.
  • Assess the potential environmental, social, and economic impacts and benefits.
  • Quantify expected costs and potential revenue streams.
  • Identify partnership opportunities.
  • Define proposed business model, including recommendations for project ownership, operations, and financing.
  • Identify risks and mitigation options.

Your business case will need to consider, at minimum, the following:

  • What are the GHG impacts of the solution or approach being studied?
  • Is there an economic benefit to the municipality of developing an organic waste-to-energy system, rather than managing the feedstock in another manner?
  • An equity assessment that answers, at minimum, the following questions:  
    • Which equity-deserving groups might benefit the most from the project, and/or be burdened, directly or indirectly, by the project or decision? How are these groups positively or negatively impacted by the project or decision?
    • What strategies can be used to address barriers or mitigate negative impacts?
    • What data sources, reports, or mapping resources can help illuminate equity issues in your local context?

Eligible activities that may be undertaken as part of your business case include:

  • A scan and evaluation of available local organic waste feedstocks.
  • A lifecycle assessment of available feedstocks.
  • A scan and evaluation of available organic waste-to-energy systems and providers.
  • An assessment of the market for energy and other products created by the proposed system.
  • An evaluation of available sites and/or site viability for an organic waste-to-energy system.
  • A financial analysis (e.g., cost estimates, revenue projections, return on investment (ROI), and funding options).
  • An examination of the legal and regulatory context and implications for the project.
  • An evaluation of the organization’s ability to deliver the solution.
  • An assessment of partnership opportunities and business model options.
  • An assessment of environmental, social, and economic impacts and benefits.
  • Stakeholder engagement.

Business cases for Organic Waste-to-Energy projects must also include a lifecycle assessment (LCA) or lifecycle inventory of proposed feedstocks.  

This analysis should include a comparison of the environmental impacts of the use of the feedstock in a proposed organic waste-to-energy system, in contrast to the current management of the feedstock. It should also confirm if here is sufficient and reliable quantity and quality of feedstock supply both cyclically over the course of an operating year and over the facility’s planned lifecycle. (ISO14040, ISO14044, and the International Reference Life Cycle Data System (ILCD) handbook provide optional guidance to support applicants in undertaking an LCA.) 

What your project needs to achieve

All projects that meet the criteria on this page are eligible. Please note that we consider several factors in making a funding decision. We strive to fund the most impactful initiatives, so not all eligible projects will be approved for funding.

Further information regarding the offer can be found in the Organic Waste-to-Energy application guide

Requirements for all Organic Waste-to-Energy projects

All projects (business cases, feasibility studies, and capital projects) must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • The project generates energy from:
    • Upgrading or direct use of landfill gas; OR
    • Anaerobic digestion of local organic waste; OR
    • Energy recovery from composting, wastewater or landfill (geothermal).
  • The project results in a net GHG emissions reduction compared to the current baseline.
  • Project creates a net energy benefit relative to the current baseline.
Equity considerations

GMF recognizes that many urgent social issues are interrelated, and that climate action and sustainability initiatives need to be designed to ensure fair distribution of benefits and burdens, across all segments of a community and across generations. Projects will be assessed on their potential to result in improved socio-economic outcomes and a more equitable distribution of benefits and burdens among the community, for present and future generations. While projects can be eligible without incorporating these considerations, preference is given to projects that:

  • Integrate principles of anti-racism, equity, inclusion and reconciliation.
  • Apply inclusive community engagement practices.
  • Implement social procurement.
  • Generate significant socio-economic benefits, such as increased accessibility, improved outdoor spaces, and inclusive employment and apprenticeship.

As you develop your project approach, consider the following questions:

  1. How can you design an engagement approach that would enable you to consider the diverse needs, experiences, and voices of all stakeholders and rights holders in this project?
  2. Which equity-deserving groups might benefit the most, and/or be burdened, directly or indirectly, by this project? How are these groups positively or negatively impacted?
  3. Are there opportunities to address or mitigate negative impacts?
  4. Are there opportunities to rectify existing or potential biases, discrimination, or exclusionary practices in your project planning, design, funding, and implementation?
  5. How can you maximize the socio-economic benefits that your project generates?
  6. How can you leverage your procurement practices to generate more positive social, economic and environmental outcomes within your community and region?
Multi-solving

GMF seeks to fund the very best examples of municipal initiatives that achieve a multitude of benefits for the environment, communities and local economies. Higher application evaluation scores are given to projects that demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:

  • sustainable materials management
  • biodiversity
  • socio-economic benefits
  • meaningful engagement and collaboration with rights holders and stakeholders


Application process

Phase 1: Pre-application submission

You must submit a pre-application form through FCM’s funding portal. To do this, create a client profile and follow the steps in FCM’s funding portal to submit your pre-application form.

Phase 2: Eligibility determination

A GMF outreach officer or advisor will review your pre-application form. They will determine whether your organization and initiative are eligible to proceed to the next stage of the application process. You will receive a response within 15 business days of the date we receive your pre-application form.

Phase 3: Full application submission

If your organization and initiative are determined to be eligible to proceed to the next stage, your GMF outreach officer or advisor will inform you that the full application form is available through FCM’s funding portal. They will also provide you with an Excel project workbook template to complete and submit with the full application form.

It is important to note that even if a project is deemed eligible to move forward with a full application, it does not guarantee full application eligibility or that the project will be approved for funding.

As you complete the application form, contact your GMF outreach officer or advisor if you have any questions. Once you’ve filled out the application form and project workbook and attached the required supporting documents, submit it to GMF through the FCM funding portal.

Phase 4: GMF project officer review

Once the full application form is submitted a GMF project officer will be assigned to your file and will review your application for accuracy and completeness and will work with you to resolve any remaining questions.

Phase 5: Peer review and internal review

An external expert peer review panel evaluates all capital and study applications. There will also be an internal analysis to provide a funding recommendation to GMF’s managing director, the GMF Council and FCM’s Board of Directors.

Phase 6: FCM funding decision

For studies, funding decisions are determined by GMF’s managing director. The average time for a funding decision is three to five months after your full application form submission.

For capital projects, FCM’s Board of Directors approves the funding recommendation made by the GMF Council. The average time for a funding decision is four to six months after your full application form submission.


 

How to apply

  1. Download and review the application guide. 
  2. Reach out to a GMF representative to discuss your project at gmfinfo@fcm.ca or 1-877-417-0550. 
  3. Review the list of prerequisites and supporting documents in appendix D of the application guide. 
  4. Review the eligible and ineligible costs:
  5. Ensure you have a detailed project budget in place and are securing other funding sources for your project. 
  6. Visit the FCM funding portal to create your profile and request a PIN to access the system. Already have an FCM funding portal profile? Skip to Step 7.  
  7. Complete the pre-application form available on the platform.  

Quebec municipalities

FCM has an agreement with Quebec's ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation (MAMH) that allows the ministry to review applications to GMF before they are submitted to FCM. Quebec municipalities applying for funding from GMF must follow the process below to submit their application to MAMH.

Once you have completed all the steps in the ‘How to apply’ section above, submit your application by following the steps below. Note that the content of the links is available in French only.

  • Save your application form using the appropriate file name.
    • Save the application form to your local device with the following filename: FMV_ "your municipality's name"_ "date" (YYMMDD). For example: FMV_TownofABC_180228.pdf
  • Log in to the Portail gouvernemental des affaires municipales et régionales. using your username and password.
    • To submit your form click on “File Transfer”.
    • In the “Recipient” drop-down list, select the applicable program.
    • Upload your files and select “Transfer” once your request is complete.
  • Receive confirmation from MAMH.
    • MAMH assesses the applications to ensure that the projects submitted do not conflict with Quebec's government policies and directives. Once the assessment has been completed, MAMH informs the applicant of their decision and sends compliant applications to GMF for review.
    • MAMH requires up to 15 working days to review the application and forward it to GMF.
  • Receive approval from GMF.
    • GMF will inform the applicant once they receive the application from MAMH and review the submission. If the application is approved for funding, an agreement between FCM and the applicant is prepared.

Need help to see if this is the right funding for you?

Contact our Outreach team who can answer any questions you have relating to this funding opportunity.

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Funding Snapshot

Maximum Award:
  • Combined grant and loan for up to 80% of eligible costs
  • Combined grant and loan up to a maximum of $10M
  • Grant for up to 15%** of loan amount

Note: The grant contribution is determined as a function of the loan and cannot be separated

Open To:

The following organizations are eligible for GMF 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-governmental organizations
  • not-for-profit organizations
  • research institutes (e.g., universities)
  • 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.
Expected Output:

A capital project that achieves a partial or complete transition of your municipal and/or transit fleet to zero-emission vehicles OR deploys the charging infrastructure necessary to achieve that transition  .
 

Application Deadline:

Applications are accepted year-round, though this offer may close when all funding has been allocated.
 

Eligible Costs:

** Municipalities with exceptional projects may qualify for a higher loan and grant amount. Contact us to find out if your municipality is eligible.

Contact us to learn more

What we fund

We offer combined loan and grant funding for capital projects that achieve a partial or complete transition of municipal and/or transit fleet to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), to significantly reduce corporate GHG emissions in line with Canada's 2030 and 2050 targets.

Eligible costs include:

  • The replacement of internal combustion engine vehicles with zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).
    • i.e., vehicles that have the potential to produce no tailpipe emissions, including battery-electric, plug-in hybrid electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
  • The required EV supply equipment (EVSE).
  • Any required facility upgrades to existing buildings.

Note: Projects focused on installing EV charging infrastructure primarily dedicated to the municipal and/or transit fleet are eligible for funding  

The following vehicles are eligible under this offer:

  • Battery-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
  • Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are eligible if the project demonstrates a low carbon intensity level for hydrogen production, defined as a threshold of 4 kg CO2e per kg of hydrogen.

GMF will consider multipronged capital projects that include other electric vehicles and equipment. Additions may be considered on a case-by-case basis, provided they align with the offer’s overarching goals.

What your project needs to achieve

Your project should replace one or more existing vehicles with ZEVs or deploy the necessary EV charging infrastructure for municipal and/or transit ZEVs. .

All projects that meet the criteria on this page are eligible. Please note that we consider several factors in making a funding decision. We strive to fund the most innovative and impactful initiatives, so not all eligible projects will be approved for funding.

Further information regarding the offer can be found in the Municipal Fleet Electrification application guide

Resilience

Projects must meet minimum requirements related to climate resilience:

  • All capital projects that include new infrastructure assets must be built outside the current 100-year floodplain of the most recent floodplain map, unless evidence can be provided of protection to safeguard the asset.
  • Projects with new infrastructure assets valued over $2 million must conduct a Climate Risk Assessment (i.e., Infrastructure Canada Climate lens, ISO 14091, PIEVC High Level Screening Guide or equivalent) and address risks identified. A Climate Risk Assessment must be included in study workplans (where relevant) and is submitted as part of the pre-application for relevant pilot and capital projects. 
Equity considerations

GMF recognizes that many urgent social issues are interrelated, and that climate action and sustainability initiatives need to be designed to ensure fair distribution of benefits and burdens, across all segments of a community and across generations. Projects will be assessed on their potential to result in improved socio-economic outcomes and a more equitable distribution of benefits and burdens among the community, for present and future generations. While projects can be eligible without incorporating these considerations, preference is given to projects that:

  • Integrate principles of anti-racism, equity, inclusion and reconciliation.
  • Apply inclusive community engagement practices.
  • Implement social procurement.
  • Generate significant socio-economic benefits, such as increased accessibility, improved outdoor spaces, and inclusive employment and apprenticeship.

As you develop your project approach, consider the following questions:

  1. How can you design an engagement approach that would enable you to consider the diverse needs, experiences, and voices of all stakeholders and rights holders in this project?
  2. Which equity-deserving groups might benefit the most, and/or be burdened, directly or indirectly, by this project? How are these groups positively or negatively impacted?
  3. Are there opportunities to address or mitigate negative impacts?
  4. Are there opportunities to rectify existing or potential biases, discrimination, or exclusionary practices in your project planning, design, funding, and implementation?
  5. How can you maximize the socio-economic benefits that your project generates?
  6. How can you leverage your procurement practices to generate more positive social, economic and environmental outcomes within your community and region?
Multi-solving

GMF seeks to fund the very best examples of municipal initiatives that achieve a multitude of benefits for the environment, communities and local economies. Higher application evaluation scores are given to projects that demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:

  • sustainable materials management
  • socio-economic benefits
  • meaningful engagement and collaboration with rights holders and stakeholders.


Application process

Phase 1: Pre-application submission

You must submit a pre-application form through FCM’s funding portal. To do this, create a client profile and follow the steps in FCM’s funding portal to submit your pre-application form.

Phase 2: Eligibility determination

A GMF outreach officer or advisor will review your pre-application form. They will determine whether your organization and initiative are eligible to proceed to the next stage of the application process. You will receive a response within 15 business days of the date we receive your pre-application form.

Phase 3: Full application submission

If your organization and initiative are determined to be eligible to proceed to the next stage, your GMF outreach officer or advisor will inform you that the full application form is available through FCM’s funding portal. They will also provide you with an Excel project workbook template to complete and submit with the full application form.

It is important to note that even if a project is deemed eligible to move forward with a full application, it does not guarantee full application eligibility or that the project will be approved for funding.

As you complete the application form, contact your GMF outreach officer or advisor if you have any questions. Once you’ve filled out the application form and project workbook and attached the required supporting documents, submit it to GMF through the FCM funding portal.

Phase 4: GMF project officer review

Once the full application form is submitted a GMF project officer will be assigned to your file and will review your application for accuracy and completeness and will work with you to resolve any remaining questions.

Phase 5: Peer review and internal review

An external expert peer review panel evaluates all capital and study applications. There will also be an internal analysis to provide a funding recommendation to GMF’s managing director, the GMF Council and FCM’s Board of Directors.

Phase 6: FCM funding decision

For studies, funding decisions are determined by GMF’s managing director. The average time for a funding decision is three to five months after your full application form submission.

For capital projects, FCM’s Board of Directors approves the funding recommendation made by the GMF Council. The average time for a funding decision is four to six months after your full application form submission.


 

How to apply

  1. Download and review the application guide. 
  2. Reach out to a GMF representative to discuss your project at gmfinfo@fcm.ca or 1-877-417-0550. 
  3. Review the list of prerequisites and supporting documents in appendix D of the application guide. 
  4. Review the eligible and ineligible costs:
  5. Ensure you have a detailed project budget in place and are securing other funding sources for your project. 
  6. Visit the FCM funding portal to create your profile and request a PIN to access the system. Already have an FCM funding portal profile? Skip to Step 7.  
  7. Complete the pre-application form available on the platform.  

Quebec municipalities

FCM has an agreement with Quebec's ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation (MAMH) that allows the ministry to review applications to GMF before they are submitted to FCM. Quebec municipalities applying for funding from GMF must follow the process below to submit their application to MAMH.

Once you have completed all the steps in the ‘How to apply’ section above, submit your application by following the steps below. Note that the content of the links is available in French only.

  • Save your application form using the appropriate file name.
    • Save the application form to your local device with the following filename: FMV_ "your municipality's name"_ "date" (YYMMDD). For example: FMV_TownofABC_180228.pdf
  • Log in to the Portail gouvernemental des affaires municipales et régionales. using your username and password.
    • To submit your form click on “File Transfer”.
    • In the “Recipient” drop-down list, select the applicable program.
    • Upload your files and select “Transfer” once your request is complete.
  • Receive confirmation from MAMH.
    • MAMH assesses the applications to ensure that the projects submitted do not conflict with Quebec's government policies and directives. Once the assessment has been completed, MAMH informs the applicant of their decision and sends compliant applications to GMF for review.
    • MAMH requires up to 15 working days to review the application and forward it to GMF.
  • Receive approval from GMF.
    • GMF will inform the applicant once they receive the application from MAMH and review the submission. If the application is approved for funding, an agreement between FCM and the applicant is prepared.

Need help to see if this is the right funding for you?

Contact our Outreach team who can answer any questions you have relating to this funding opportunity.

See all Municipal Fleet Electrification funding

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Funding Snapshot

Maximum Award:
  • Grant for up to 50%* of eligible costs
  • Up to a maximum of $200,000
Open To:

The following organizations are eligible for GMF 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-governmental organizations
  • not-for-profit organizations
  • research institutes (e.g., universities)
  • 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.
Expected Output:

A study that assesses the feasibility of the transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) to significantly reduce GHG emissions associated with your municipal and/or transit fleet.

Application Deadline:

Applications are accepted year-round, though this offer may close when all funding has been allocated.

Eligible Costs:

* The following applicants may qualify for a grant of up to 80 percent of eligible project costs:

  • municipalities (or their partners) with a population of 10,000 or under;
  • regional governments or groups of municipalities where the average population of the member municipalities is 10,000 or under;
  • eligible Indigenous communities; and,
  • northern communities

Northern and eligible Indigenous communities that are applying to GMF for the first time may qualify for a grant of up to 100 percent of eligible costs. 

Contact us to learn more

The North is defined as the three territories and the northern extent of seven provinces. This includes portions of the following provinces defined by Statistics Canada codes: Newfoundland and Labrador (10), Québec (24), Ontario (35), Manitoba (46), Saskatchewan (47), Alberta (48) and British Columbia (59).

What we fund

We fund studies that assess the feasibility of the transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs, including battery-electric, plug-in hybrid electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles) to significantly reduce GHG emissions associated with your municipal and/or transit fleet in line with Canada's 2030 and 2050 targets. Your study should also assess the potential economic, social and other environmental impacts of the transition to ZEVs.

Your study should include the following elements:

  • Assess the entire fleet
    • Your study should include an assessment of the entire municipal and/or transit fleet (i.e., all the vehicles owned by the municipality or transit agency) and may also consider private vehicles that deliver municipal services (e.g., leased vehicles, or contracted services such as waste management).
  • Develop a fleet transition plan
    • Your study will include the development of a baseline fleet assessment, documenting baseline fuel consumption, operating cost, and GHG emissions, and a fleet replacement analysis to determine optimal timelines for a ZEV transition based on optimized economic lifecycles for each vehicle category, while considering the current or projected availability of ZEV replacements.
    • It will assess the total cost of ownership for each vehicle category and model potential solutions over a defined period to estimate their environmental (GHG reductions) and financial (capital and operating expenses) impacts relative to the baseline.
    • Charging or fueling infrastructure needs will be identified for each vehicle.
  • Identify and model an optimized scenario
    • Based on a review of current fleet utilization rates and use cases, your study will identify and model at least one scenario that reflects feasible options for downsizing and right-sizing (reducing the number of vehicles in your fleet and selecting smaller vehicles sized for the task at hand).
  • If you are considering hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, identify and assess a low-carbon supply of hydrogen.
    • Your study will include an assessment of the carbon intensity of the hydrogen source(s) that could be used to supply your vehicles. At least one of those sources should demonstrate a low carbon intensity level for hydrogen production, defined as a threshold of 4 kg CO2e per kg of hydrogen.
  • Include an equity assessment by answering, at minimum, the following questions:
    • Which equity-deserving groups might benefit the most from the project, and/or be burdened, directly or indirectly, by the project or decision? How are these groups positively or negatively impacted by the project or decision?
    • What strategies can be used to address barriers or mitigate negative impacts?
    • What data sources, reports, or mapping resources can help illuminate equity issues in your local context?

What your project needs to achieve

All projects that meet the criteria on this page are eligible. Please note that we consider several factors in making a funding decision. We strive to fund the most innovative and impactful initiatives, so not all eligible projects will be approved for funding.

Further information regarding the offer can be found in the Municipal Fleet Electrification application guide

Resilience

Projects must meet minimum requirements related to climate resilience:

  • Capital projects that include new infrastructure assets must be built outside the current 100-year floodplain of the most recent floodplain map, unless evidence can be provided of protection to safeguard the asset.
  • Projects with new infrastructure assets valued over $2 million must conduct a Climate Risk Assessment (i.e., Infrastructure Canada Climate lens, ISO 14091, PIEVC High Level Screening Guide or equivalent) and address risks identified. A Climate Risk Assessment must be included in study workplans (where relevant) and is submitted as part of the pre-application for relevant capital projects.
Equity considerations

GMF recognizes that many urgent social issues are interrelated, and that climate action and sustainability initiatives need to be designed to ensure fair distribution of benefits and burdens, across all segments of a community and across generations. Projects will be assessed on their potential to result in improved socio-economic outcomes and a more equitable distribution of benefits and burdens among the community, for present and future generations. While projects can be eligible without incorporating these considerations, preference is given to projects that:

  • Integrate principles of anti-racism, equity, inclusion and reconciliation.
  • Apply inclusive community engagement practices.
  • Implement social procurement.
  • Generate significant socio-economic benefits, such as increased accessibility, improved outdoor spaces, and inclusive employment and apprenticeship.

As you develop your project approach, consider the following questions:

  1. How can you design an engagement approach that would enable you to consider the diverse needs, experiences, and voices of all stakeholders and rights holders in this project?
  2. Which equity-deserving groups might benefit the most, and/or be burdened, directly or indirectly, by this project? How are these groups positively or negatively impacted?
  3. Are there opportunities to address or mitigate negative impacts?
  4. Are there opportunities to rectify existing or potential biases, discrimination, or exclusionary practices in your project planning, design, funding, and implementation?
  5. How can you maximize the socio-economic benefits that your project generates?
  6. How can you leverage your procurement practices to generate more positive social, economic and environmental outcomes within your community and region?
Multi-solving

GMF seeks to fund the very best examples of municipal initiatives that achieve a multitude of benefits for the environment, communities and local economies. Higher application evaluation scores are given to projects that demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:

  • sustainable materials management
  • socio-economic benefits
  • meaningful engagement and collaboration with rights holders and stakeholders.


Application process

Phase 1: Pre-application submission

You must submit a pre-application form through FCM’s funding portal. To do this, create a client profile and follow the steps in FCM’s funding portal to submit your pre-application form.

Phase 2: Eligibility determination

A GMF outreach officer or advisor will review your pre-application form. They will determine whether your organization and initiative are eligible to proceed to the next stage of the application process. You will receive a response within 15 business days of the date we receive your pre-application form.

Phase 3: Full application submission

If your organization and initiative are determined to be eligible to proceed to the next stage, your GMF outreach officer or advisor will inform you that the full application form is available through FCM’s funding portal. They will also provide you with an Excel project workbook template to complete and submit with the full application form.

It is important to note that even if a project is deemed eligible to move forward with a full application, it does not guarantee full application eligibility or that the project will be approved for funding.

As you complete the application form, contact your GMF outreach officer or advisor if you have any questions. Once you’ve filled out the application form and project workbook and attached the required supporting documents, submit it to GMF through the FCM funding portal.

Phase 4: GMF project officer review

Once the full application form is submitted a GMF project officer will be assigned to your file and will review your application for accuracy and completeness and will work with you to resolve any remaining questions.

Phase 5: Peer review and internal review

An external expert peer review panel evaluates all capital and study applications. There will also be an internal analysis to provide a funding recommendation to GMF’s managing director, the GMF Council and FCM’s Board of Directors.

Phase 6: FCM funding decision

For studies, funding decisions are determined by GMF’s managing director. The average time for a funding decision is three to five months after your full application form submission.

For capital projects, FCM’s Board of Directors approves the funding recommendation made by the GMF Council. The average time for a funding decision is four to six months after your full application form submission.


 

How to apply

  1. Download and review the application guide. 
  2. Reach out to a GMF representative to discuss your project at gmfinfo@fcm.ca or 1-877-417-0550. 
  3. Review the list of prerequisites and supporting documents in appendix D of the application guide. 
  4. Review the eligible and ineligible costs:
  5. Ensure you have a detailed project budget in place and are securing other funding sources for your project. 
  6. Visit the FCM funding portal to create your profile and request a PIN to access the system. Already have an FCM funding portal profile? Skip to Step 7.  
  7. Complete the pre-application form available on the platform.  

Quebec municipalities

FCM has an agreement with Quebec's ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation (MAMH) that allows the ministry to review applications to GMF before they are submitted to FCM. Quebec municipalities applying for funding from GMF must follow the process below to submit their application to MAMH.

Once you have completed all the steps in the ‘How to apply’ section above, submit your application by following the steps below. Note that the content of the links is available in French only.

  • Save your application form using the appropriate file name.
    • Save the application form to your local device with the following filename: FMV_ "your municipality's name"_ "date" (YYMMDD). For example: FMV_TownofABC_180228.pdf
  • Log in to the Portail gouvernemental des affaires municipales et régionales. using your username and password.
    • To submit your form click on “File Transfer”.
    • In the “Recipient” drop-down list, select the applicable program.
    • Upload your files and select “Transfer” once your request is complete.
  • Receive confirmation from MAMH.
    • MAMH assesses the applications to ensure that the projects submitted do not conflict with Quebec's government policies and directives. Once the assessment has been completed, MAMH informs the applicant of their decision and sends compliant applications to GMF for review.
    • MAMH requires up to 15 working days to review the application and forward it to GMF.
  • Receive approval from GMF.
    • GMF will inform the applicant once they receive the application from MAMH and review the submission. If the application is approved for funding, an agreement between FCM and the applicant is prepared.

Need help to see if this is the right funding for you?

Contact our Outreach team who can answer any questions you have relating to this funding opportunity.

See all Municipal Fleet Electrification funding

Reduce fuel costs and achieve corporate GHG reductions

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