Required documents
To apply for GMF funding, you must submit:
- a pre-application form
- an application form
- a project workbook
- all required supporting documents specified in the application guide
A GMF project officer will be your point of contact throughout the process and will review your file and provide feedback. You may be asked to revisit some steps to help you submit a complete and high-quality application.
Application process
Phase 1: Readiness check
Before applying, please complete the Readiness check to find out if your tree planting project could be eligible for funding and to learn about next steps.
Phase 2: Contact a GMF representative
After you have completed the Readiness check and determined your eligibility, please contact a GMF representative to discuss your project and obtain the necessary pre-application form through FCM’s funding portal.
Contact a GMF representative to schedule an appointment:
1-877-417-0550
gmfinfo@fcm.ca
Book a meeting with a GMF representative
Phase 3: Pre-application submission
You must submit a pre-application form through FCM’s funding portal. To do this, create a client profile in the portal and follow the steps listed to submit your pre-application form. Supporting documents are not required at this stage—they will need to be submitted as attachments with your full application form only.
If you are having trouble completing this phase, contact a GMF representative at gmfinfo@fcm.ca or 1-877-417-0550.
Phase 4: Eligibility determination
A GMF representative will review your pre-application form. They will confirm whether your organization and initiative are eligible to proceed to the next stage of the application process. You should receive a response within five business days of the date we receive your pre-application form.
Once your community submits a pre-application form it will automatically be assessed and a determination will be made about your need for an urban forest coach. If GMF decides you could benefit from the support of an urban forest coach you will be matched with a forestry professional who will guide and support you through your project planning.
Phase 5: Full application submission
If your organization and initiative are confirmed to be eligible to proceed to the next stage, your GMF representative will inform you that the full application form is available through FCM’s funding portal. They will also provide you with a 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 that the project will be approved for funding.
As you complete the application form, contact your GMF representative if you have any questions. Once you’ve filled out the application form and project workbook and attached the required supporting documents, submit them to GMF through FCM’s funding portal.
Phase 6: 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. They will work with you to resolve any remaining questions and be your point of contact throughout the remainder of the application and funding-decision process.
Phase 7: Peer review and internal review
External peer reviewers evaluate all tree-planting funding applications. There will also be an internal analysis to provide a funding recommendation to FCM’s Board of Directors.
Phase 8: FCM funding decision
FCM’s Board of Directors approves projects funded under GCCC – Tree Planting. The average time for a funding decision is 4-5 months after submission of your full application form.