Low Carbon Economy Challenge Fund

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The federal government has recently launched the Low Carbon Economy Challenge Fund-champions stream, with a March 25, 2022 application deadline for an initial Expression of Interest.

Click here to view the Expression of Interest Guide

Click here to view the Expression of Interest Summary

The Champions stream second intake is currently accepting Expressions of Interest submissions and will provide over $200 million in funding for GHG emission-reducing projects.

Applicants can request between $1 million and $25 million in funding for eligible project expenditures, with cost-share ranging from 25% to 75% of total project costs depending on the recipient type.

A project must result in reductions in GHG emissions in 2030 and over the lifetime of the project. Other eligibility criteria applies.

The maximum federal share for specific recipients is as follows:

•            25% for for-profit private sector businesses

•            40% for regional/local/municipal governments

•            40% for not-for-profit organizations

•            50% for provincial governments/bodies/boards

•            75% for Indigenous communities and organizations

Other key information from the Feb. 24th webinar information session (click here to see PDF presentation from the webinar):

•            All projects must have GHG emissions reductions that are material, cost-effective, and incremental. Start time fall 2022 and completion by March 31, 2025.

•            Two stage application process—first is an Expression of Interest- March 25th deadline, with six week commitment to notify applicants who are selected for the second stage.

•            Program targets Technology Readiness Level 8 or above-where project is deployable, market ready.

For your information, please also see attached:

1.           Excel summary at a glance of the fund

2.           PDF Expression of Interest guide for more information and how to apply.

Specific questions on eligibility and other fund details can be sent to the Low Carbon Economy Challenge email: [email protected]

Other information on federal government funding and other supports for climate and green action that may also or be better aligned to support your needs can be found by visiting the Federal Clean Growth Hub.

The Clean Growth hub provides a variety of tools, support services and funding opportunities on federal supports for advancing clean technology in Canada. The hub has a service request form attached to request assistance in aligning funding opportunities with business needs.

The Clean Grown Hub also has a listing of federal clean tech and related funding opportunities.

If you have further questions on the Low Carbon Economy Challenge or other federal funds, please contact the fund coordinator directly, or the Clean Growth Hub if you require assistance with determining which federal fund best fits your program needs.

Provincial initiatives and programs that can also be accessed to support your climate, green or clean tech initiative, and potentially augment federal LCEC or other funding include:

1.           Innovation Growth Program

              Provides cost-sharing assistance up to $100K to Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to assist them in developing and commercializing new innovative products and processes. Ongoing intakes- upcoming March 15, June 15 deadlines

2.           Green Energy Tax Credit

A refundable provincial tax credit for eligible new geothermal heat pump system, solar thermal energy system installations and biomass fuel energy equipment.

3.           Ag action programs

On CAP Ag action MB Assurance Environmental BMPs, Assurance: Ecological Goods and Services and Research and Innovation.

Grants that helps farmers and industry service providers implement and adopt beneficial management practices (BMPs) as identified in Environmental Farm Plans, support watershed districts to work with farmers to implement sustainable environmental practices, or implement applied research, development and knowledge transfer projects that advance the growth and sustainability of the agriculture industry by fast-tracking the pace of innovation. Check specific program on website above for more details.

4.           Conservation and Climate Fund

Provides support to projects occurring in Manitoba that incorporate actions to combat and adapt to climate change and protect the environment in alignment with the priorities and implementation of the Climate and Green Plan. The maximum grant per applicant is $150,000 and an application intake is anticipated for spring 2022.  For full and current information on the Fund, including the annual intake see details as posted at Manitoba Grants Online.

For a comprehensive listing of provincial grants, programs and incentives see:

•            Manitoba Grants Online a central portal of many provincial grant offerings

•            Government of Manitoba department websites for other programs and incentives such as the Department of Economic Development, Investment and Trade

The Climate and Green Plan Implementation Office would greatly appreciate receiving information on projects that are submitted for funding or let them know if you have a project in mind but can’t meet the deadline or does not qualify under the LCEC criteria.

For further general information on provincial and federal funding programs that support the Climate and Green Plan,  or if you would like to be included on a monthly distribution list of provincial and federal climate, clean tech and other green funding program, please contact Randall Shymko at [email protected].

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA