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Funding Opportunities

Available Funding

The Fund will provide non-repayable grants between $75,000 and $1,000,000 per project that range from 60 – 80% of eligible project costs. An applicant must make a financial contribution to the project, and their overall contribution may be a combination of cash and in-kind according to the cost-sharing requirements below. The required contributions depend on the value of total eligible project costs. Projects with higher eligible costs are expected to make a larger contribution, which can include other funding sources.

A minimum of 20% of eligible project costs must be contributed by the applicant. The financial contribution may be made by project partners or alternate funding sources such as federal funding. In-kind contributions such as staff time can count toward the applicant’s contribution to a maximum of 10%. All applicants must make a cash contribution to their projects.

Note: All Round 4 projects must be fully completed by November 30, 2027. Given the anticipated timing of funding decisions in Fall 2026 and the time required to execute agreements, projects may have less than one year to complete the work; therefore, readiness to proceed is essential.

Projects with total eligible costs of:

  • Up to $249,999 will require a contribution of at least 20% of eligible project costs
  • $250,000 – $499,999 will require a contribution of at least 30% of eligible project costs
  • $500,000 + will require a contribution of at least 40% of eligible project costs

For example:

  • A project with total eligible costs of $100,000 will require the applicant to contribute at least 20% or $20,000. The Fund will provide a grant no greater than 80% or $80,000.
  • A project with total eligible costs of $400,000 will require the applicant to contribute at least 30% or $120,000. The Fund will provide a grant no greater than 70% or $280,000.
  • A project with total eligible costs of $1,000,000 will require the applicant to contribute at least 40% or $400,000. The Fund will provide a grant no greater than 60% or $600,000.

In-kind contributions

In-kind contributions can constitute a maximum of 10% of the total eligible project costs. These can include donated material, equipment, or labour. Applicants will be required to disclose in-kind contributions within the budget at the application stage.

Grants provided from the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund are considered provincial funds. As per provincial stacking rules, no more than 80% of the total project costs can be covered by the Province of Nova Scotia.

Contribution Calculator

To assist in project budget planning, use the contribution calculator to determine your contribution amounts and project budget. Enter any one amount and the other three will fill in automatically.

The Fund contribution amount is outside the eligible range of $75,000 to $1,000,000.

Funding Streams

Projects funded by the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund generally fall under two streams: Mitigation and Adaptation. Some projects may have elements of both mitigation and adaptation, in this circumstance the applicant is encouraged to contact program staff to discuss which stream to apply under.

Mitigation Stream

Projects in the Mitigation Stream seek to slow the rate of climate change by avoiding and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or by removing carbon from the atmosphere. Projects should lead to lasting reductions and contribute to Nova Scotia’s emission targets.

Communities will be at different stages of readiness in developing projects that reduce GHG emissions. The Mitigation Stream is intended to support the implementation of medium-scale GHG reduction projects, as well as more costly designs, plans, feasibility studies or other necessary works for the future implementation of GHG reduction projects.

Projects focusing primarily on implementation of direct GHG reduction projects will have emission reductions that are in addition to what would have otherwise occurred and are non-reversible. Most mitigation projects will also have emission reductions that are capable of bringing estimated or measured.

The Mitigation Stream includes a wide range of project types, including:

  • Buildings
  • Transportation
  • Energy generation and storage
  • Waste management and circular economy
  • Carbon storage and sequestration.

Click here to see Mitigation stream project examples

Adaptation Stream

Projects in the Adaptation Stream help communities to proactively prepare and respond to climate change, with the goal of reducing vulnerability and exposure of human and natural systems. Applicants should consider how their project contributes to adaptive capacity, which is central to achieving successful outcomes from adaptation efforts. Learn more about Adaptive Capacity in the Applicant Guide.

Different communities and organizations have different adaptive capacity needs. Projects will range from understanding climate risks or setting priorities for action, to developing or implementing new plans, to sustaining efforts in the long term. Projects in all stages are eligible for funding. The Adaptation Stream includes a wide range of project types, including:

  • Climate-ready infrastructure. Where applicable, preference will be given to nature-based or ecosystem-based solutions in situations where there are viable alternatives to hard infrastructure.
  • Ecosystems projects that protect, restore and manage land, freshwater and coastal ecosystems.
  • Community coordination and planning that increases understanding of climate impacts and lays the foundations for wider efforts toward adaptive capacity.

Click here to see Adaptation Stream project examples.

Creating a Water Resilient Future for Nova Scotians

Climate change impacts all of us. One of these impacts is drought and drought-induced water shortages. We all need water…water is life…and not having it is concerning and stressful, and brings uncertainty to our communities, businesses and homes. The good news is that there are things each of us can do to make our communities resilient to drought periods and water shortages.

To help municipalities, community organizations, Mi’kmaw communities, and post-secondary institutions become water resilient, Round 4 of the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund will prioritize projects that help Nova Scotians, the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, communities and municipalities adapt to drought and water shortages. This is an important opportunity to invest in practical, community-driven solutions to help ensure reliable access to water.

Examples of eligible projects include:

  • Community wells (new or expanded) to improve reliable access to local water supplies
  • Backup water systems, such as cisterns or large-scale storage, to support essential buildings like community centres, emergency shelters, and fire departments
  • Community-scale water conservation infrastructure, for example, rainwater harvesting and non-potable water reuse systems
  • Engineering and hydrogeological studies to better understand water resources and develop strong, forward-looking action plans
  • Regional or shared water supply solutions (e.g., clustered systems or interconnections between communities)
  • Nature-based or land-use solutions that improve water quality, retention and recharge (e.g., wetlands, infiltration projects)

This funding program is about more than infrastructure – it’s about protecting communities, supporting resilience, and ensuring a sustainable water future for Nova Scotia.

Coastal Projects

The connection we have to the coast is an invaluable part of our province’s natural and cultural heritage. Our changing climate, however, gives us no choice but to rethink how, and where, we live and build along the coast. Communities have long been leaders in climate change adaptation, and the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund offers an avenue to support local action in coastal protection.

The Fund supports a variety of coastal adaptation projects. Here are some examples of eligible projects:

  • Infrastructure upgrades – improving existing coastal infrastructure to withstand climate-related risks like floods or extreme weather events
  • Community preparedness, education, and engagement – providing coastal communities with knowledge and tools to effectively respond to climate risks, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather
  • Storm surge protection – infrastructure or natural barriers designed to reduce the impact of high tides and storm surges
  • Wetland restoration – rebuilding and preserving coastal wetlands to enhance natural flood control and improve biodiversity
  • Land-use planning – developing land-use plans in coastal areas to minimize vulnerability to climate risks and preserve natural buffers like salt marshes
  • Living shorelines – natural stabilization techniques that protect coastlines from erosion while supporting ecosystems
  • Groundwater protection – implementing measures to safeguard drinking water quality and supply in coastal areas from contamination, over-extraction, and saltwater intrusion due to rising sea levels
  • Storm preparedness and debris management – developing plans to minimize storm damage in coastal areas and manage debris effectively for faster recovery
  • Asset mapping – identifying and mapping coastal infrastructure to assess vulnerabilities to climate impacts, focusing on areas prone to flooding and erosion

Not sure where to start? Explore these resources to support your coastal project:

Supports for Equity-Deserving Groups

Supports for equity-deserving groups are available to assist projects led by and/or benefiting equity-deserving communities who will disproportionately experience the negative effects of climate change and face barriers to mitigation efforts. This includes Mi’kmaq peoples, African Nova Scotians, racialized peoples, newcomers, Acadians, individuals living on low incomes, individuals living with disabilities, seniors, youth, 2SLGBTQ+, and women.

Supports for equity-deserving groups are intended to enable collaboration with applicants (and recipients) in ways that are useful to them. Some possible options include:

  • Customized financial agreements
  • Support to define a project scope
  • Support with partnerships
  • Customized evaluation and reporting requirements
  • 1-1 webinars with your organization
  • Accessibility accommodations
  • Your ideas; this list is not exhaustive and we are open to possibilities.

Please let us know if you think there are supports that could be useful to your organization. Eligible groups and organizations have an opportunity to self-identify early in the application process, or you can email info@sccfns.ca to let us know you are interested. We can discuss your goals and explore possibilities.

The Fund has begun the effort of creating an equitable and inclusive funding program, but we know we still have work to do. We will be reaching out to equity-deserving groups to build awareness and identify applicant opportunities. We will continue shaping the program so that it meets the needs of diverse communities and enables exciting, relevant climate action. Your feedback will help us to keep improving. If you are not sure if the current opportunities are right for your organization we would be grateful to hear from you.

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Project Eligibility

The Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund is intended to support community climate change projects in various stages of the project development cycle, including ideation, assessment, feasibility, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and knowledge mobilization. To be eligible, projects must be based in Nova Scotia and must meet at least one of the two core objectives (mitigation or adaptation). Projects that meet some or all the co-benefits identified in the objectives are favorably considered.

Organizations may submit a maximum of two applications for consideration in each intake round. Applicants submitting multiple projects should note that projects are selected on their individual merit based on the strength of the application and alignment with Fund objectives. The Fund will award a maximum of one grant per organization per round.

Organizations that have received a grant from the Fund can reapply if they are in good standing with their prior project. 

Project Examples

These project examples are intended to provide an overview of types of projects that could be eligible through the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund. It is not an exhaustive list, and communities are encouraged to proposed mitigation and adaptation projects that arise from their local needs and opportunities.

Mitigation Project Examples

Buildings

  • Retrofit community buildings or recreation centers with deep energy upgrades
  • Electrify heating, cooling, and ventilation (HVAC) systems and switch to cleaner fuels
  • Strengthen green building code standards
  • Implement energy efficiency technologies
  • Develop the workforce for energy-efficient and high-performance buildings

Transportation

  • Conduct fleet conversion studies
  • Develop active transportation pathways and networks
  • Implement shared mobility services
  • Install electric vehicle charging infrastructure

Energy generation and storage

  • Develop new renewable on-site energy production or retrofit existing systems to reduce fossil fuel use
  • Implement onsite combined heat and power projects
  • Develop energy storage projects

Waste management and circular economy

  • Implement waste prevention or minimization projects
  • Develop food rescue/donation system projects
  • Carry out recycling, repair, refurbishing, or material recovery projects
  • Develop anaerobic digestion projects
  • Create policies to improve waste management practices

Carbon capture and sequestration

  • Restore and enhance local seagrasses for blue carbon storage
  • Enhance community forests to study the increase in carbon capture

Adaptation Project Examples

Climate-ready infrastructure

  • Construct, reinforce, rehabilitate, or modify assets that protect community infrastructure and services from various climate risks
  • Implement flood risk mitigation measures or infrastructure projects, including channel improvement, flow regulation, and other flood-proofing measures, such as natural infrastructure projects
  • Map vulnerable and at-risk community infrastructure and services

Ecosystems and nature-based solutions

  • Implement coastal restoration projects in communities, including those addressing the intersection of freshwater and coastal system impacts (e.g., stormwater, storm surge, ice jams, saltwater intrusion, and sea level rise)
  • Protect and restore natural areas/assets that provide climate adaptation services to communities, such as coastal wetlands and salt marshes
  • Manage natural assets for long-term sustainability
  • Restore dune systems to protect communities from coastal hazards
  • Manage community forests to reduce floods, landslides and forest fire risks

Community coordination and planning

  • Conduct forest and wildfire strategy or vulnerability assessments
  • Develop plans to minimize storm damage in coastal areas and manage debris for faster recovery
  • Implement flood mapping, preparation, and prevention strategies
  • Adapt to sea level rise and manage retreat from shorelines
  • Plan for water sustainability, including drought mapping, preparation, and prevention

Creating a Water Resilient Future for Nova Scotians

Climate change impacts all of us. One of these impacts is drought and drought-induced water shortages. We all need water…water is life…and not having it is concerning and stressful, and brings uncertainty to our communities, businesses and homes. The good news is that there are things each of us can do to make our communities resilient to drought periods and water shortages.

To help municipalities, community organizations, Mi’kmaw communities, and post-secondary institutions become water resilient, Round 4 of the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund will prioritize projects that help Nova Scotians, the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, communities and municipalities adapt to drought and water shortages. This is an important opportunity to invest in practical, community-driven solutions to help ensure reliable access to water.

Examples of eligible projects include:

  • Community wells (new or expanded) to improve reliable access to local water supplies
  • Backup water systems, such as cisterns or large-scale storage, to support essential buildings like community centres, emergency shelters, and fire departments
  • Community-scale water conservation infrastructure, for example, rainwater harvesting and non-potable water reuse systems
  • Engineering and hydrogeological studies to better understand water resources and develop strong, forward-looking action plans
  • Regional or shared water supply solutions (e.g., clustered systems or interconnections between communities)
  • Nature-based or land-use solutions that improve water quality, retention and recharge (e.g., wetlands, infiltration projects)

This funding program is about more than infrastructure – it’s about protecting communities, supporting resilience, and ensuring a sustainable water future for Nova Scotia.

Coastal Projects

The connection we have to the coast is an invaluable part of our province’s natural and cultural heritage. Our changing climate, however, gives us no choice but to rethink how, and where, we live and build along the coast.

Communities have long been leaders in climate change adaptation, and the The Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund offers an avenue to support local action in coastal protection.

The Fund supports a variety of coastal adaptation projects. Here are some
examples of eligible projects:

  • Infrastructure upgrades – improving existing coastal infrastructure to
    withstand climate-related risks like floods or extreme weather events;
  • Community preparedness, education, and engagement – providing coastal communities with knowledge and tools to effectively respond to climate risks, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather;
  • Storm surge protection – infrastructure or natural barriers designed to reduce the impact of high tides and storm surges;
  • Wetland restoration – rebuilding and preserving coastal wetlands to enhance natural flood control and improve biodiversity;
  • Land-use planning – developing land-use plans in coastal areas to minimize vulnerability to climate risks and preserve natural buffers like salt marshes;
  • Groundwater protection – implementing measures to safeguard coastal water quality and supply from contamination, over-extraction, and saltwater intrusion due to rising sea levels;
  • Storm preparedness and debris management – developing plans to minimize storm damage in coastal areas and manage debris effectively for faster recovery;
  • Asset mapping – identifying and mapping coastal infrastructure to assess vulnerabilities to climate impacts, focusing on areas prone to flooding and erosion.

Not sure where to start? Explore these resources to support your coastal
project:

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