"Maximizing Effectiveness" report recommends changes to Alberta Ecotrust Grant Program

by Jill Kirker

Following a comprehensive review of recommendations included in the results of “Maximizing Effectiveness - An Assessment of Environmental Priorities and Voluntary Sector Capacity Needs in Alberta",  the Board of Directors has recommended modifications to the community grants program to ensure our grantmaking creates the most effective impact in the community.

The grant program will be split into two streams: multi-year funding and annual grants.

The multi-year grants will allow for grants of up to $20,000 yearly for a maximum of three years. The application process will begin with a letter of intent followed by a more detailed application for those proposals that align with the Alberta Ecotrust criteria.

The annual grants are further divided into small and large grants with specific criteria for application.  The small annual grants will be for a maximum of $7,500 and will have a shorter simpler application process.  The larger annual grants will be for a maximum of $30,000 with the application process again starting with a letter of intent.   

Grants will now be allocated to projects that are directed to three priority environmental areas where the focus of the work is based on one or more strategies that work toward sustainability.  The key priorities for funding will be:

• Protection of the atmosphere, including clean air, and the mitigation of climate change
• Protection and conservation of water and/or the maintenance of water quality
• Protection and restoration of wilderness, intact ecosystems and wildlife habitat

   Details of the revised grant program will be available on the Alberta Ecotrust website www.albertaecotrust.com in January.