Applications and nominations are now open for the City’s 2026 Living City Grants and Living City Awards!
Are you a local non-profit or community group looking for support on an environmental initiative? Do you know someone that deserves celebration for environmental leadership? Through the City’s annual Living City Grants and Awards program, valuable funding and recognition are awarded to those who are leading the way in sustainability and environmental programs throughout the community.
Apply for a Living City Grant
The Living City Grant program provides funding to non-profit and community groups for community-based environmental sustainability initiatives. A total of $30,000 is available each year, with the average grant awarded anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000.
To be eligible for a Living City Grant you must be a registered not-for-profit society or an unincorporated local community association, school, group or service club. Past grant recipients have received funding for initiatives in areas including energy conservation, environmental protection and enhancement, zero waste, sustainable transportation, urban agriculture, water conservation and education and awareness.
In 2025, a grassroots organization known as The Craft Pod received a grant that expanded its programming to include hands-on community workshops. These workshops teach community members how to extend the life of materials, grow their own food and reduce waste. By applying for a Living City Grant, The Craft Pod gained access to funding that helped bring these workshops to life.
More information about eligibility can be found in the Living City Grants Terms of Reference and at cnv.org/LivingCityGrant.
Nominate for a Living City Award
The Living City Awards program recognizes and celebrates outstanding environmental leadership in our community. Nominations are accepted for non-profits, local businesses, school groups or individuals who are working towards making the City a greener and healthier place. In line with the grant program, the Living City Awards seek to celebrate leadership and community champions in areas from energy conservation to education and awareness.
Ocean Ambassadors Canada, a local not-for-profit, received a Living City Award in 2025 for superb leadership in advancing zero-waste practices through collaboration with local businesses and engaging the community with educational outreach at local events. By working closely with event organizers, Ocean Ambassadors Canada helps embed sustainability into event planning, reducing waste and inspiring lasting behaviour change.
More information about the nomination and selection process can be found at cnv.org/LivingCityAwards.
Application and Nomination Deadline
Applications and nominations are due on Sunday, February 8 at 11:59 p.m.
Visit cnv.org/LivingCity or email livingcitygrant@cnv.org and livingcityaward@cnv.org to learn more about eligibility, applications, nominations and Terms of Reference. Apply or nominate today!