Greener Co-op Microgrants
Housing co-ops are encouraged to design and implement projects that will help green their communities. CHF Canada will fund small projects from $1,000 to a limit of $4,000. All CHF Canada member housing co-ops can apply.
Why a Greener Co-op Microgrant?
These small grants support projects that help protect the environment.
Who can apply?
Any housing co-op that is a member of CHF Canada can apply. Co-ops can submit more than one application for different projects but only one project will be selected and receive funding. The co-op’s Board of Director must appoint a project lead, which can be a staff member, committee member, or Board of Director.
How much are the grants?
CHF Canada accepts grant requests for $1,000 to $4,000. The grant request must be for projects that improve environmental sustainability and reduce climate change impacts.
What are some examples of projects the Greener Co-op Microgrant will fund?
- composting, community gardens, rain barrels
- planting trees
- safe and secure bike and carrier storage
- lighting upgrades
- EV charging stations
- viability studies for projects like roof gardens or grey-water harvesting
- Clean energy initiatives
We are looking for creative projects that will inspire housing co-ops and lead to better results in environmental sustainability.
If you have an idea for a project but aren’t sure if it’s a good fit, send us an email and we can discuss whether it meets the microgrant’s objectives.
How do I apply?
2025 applications are now open. Apply by March 18, 2025 at 5 pm ET.
Questions?
Julie LaPalme
info@chfcanada.coop
Sponsorship
If your organization has a focus on sustainability, help us expand our Greener Co-op Microgrant Program. Consider becoming a sponsor so that more co-ops across Canada can become more energy efficient, climate resilient and greener!
Thank you to our sponsors!
More FAQs below
What does the grant cover?
- materials, supplies and equipment
- contractor or consultant fees
What isn’t covered?
- members’ labour
- co-op staff wages
- normal co-op operating costs
- ongoing costs associated with maintaining the project after completion
How long do you have to complete your project?
This depends on the size and complexity of your project. However, all funds must be spent within 2025 and project invoices and payment requests sent by November 7, 2025. Note that your grant funds will not be sent to you until your project is completed and you have met all the grant funding requirements, so please keep this in mind when estimating the project’s completion date.
When will you get the money?
You will receive a single payment after you submit receipts and a final project report. The deadline for submitting reports and receipts is November 7, 2025.
Co-ops that do not submit reports and receipts on time may jeopardize their eligibility for future funding.
What are the reporting requirements?
When your project is done, send us a final report of no more than one page. Tell us what you did, who did them, things you learned, and how your co-op benefitted from this initiative. Send us a summarized list of the actual costs and include copies of receipts that correspond to the summarized list. Also send us before, during and after pictures of your project in jpeg format. Submit the report and receipts no later than November 8, 2024.
Housing co-ops not submitting receipts on time will not be refunded. Please include the word Microgrant and the name of your housing co-op in the subject line. Co-ops that do not submit reports and receipts on time may jeopardize their eligibility for future year funding.
You will receive payment two to three weeks after we receive your project’s final report and receipts.
