Ontario Community Environment Fund (OCEF)

About

The Ontario Community Environment Fund (OCEF) is a funding initiative managed by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, aimed at transforming environmental fines into financial support for local environmental projects. It is open to non-profit organizations, municipal authorities, educational institutions, and Indigenous communities, focusing on initiatives that enhance environmental conditions through community-driven efforts. The program provides a credible funding source backed by official government support, making it an excellent opportunity for those involved in environmental protection and restoration efforts in Ontario.

Benefits

• Funding support for community environmental protection projects through environmental fines
• Promotes regional ecological improvement and increases green cover
• Supports healthy communities and robust local economic development
• Official funding background, with funds derived from fines generated by environmental protection regulations

Eligibility Criteria

• Projects must be based in areas subject to environmental fines
• Eligible applicants include Indigenous communities and organizations (First Nation and Métis), schools, colleges, universities, conservation foundations, municipal authorities, registered non-profit organizations, and community-based registered groups
• Projects must focus on environmental protection and restoration, such as shoreline cleanups, habitat restoration, tree planting, and other community-related environmental activities
• Relevant documentation is required, such as letters signed by the chief and council of Indigenous communities