Grants

Supporting community-driven climate action

HCi3 supports innovative projects that help Halifax/Kjipuktuk reach its goal of becoming net-zero by 2050 through a just and equitable low-carbon transition. 

Projects either directly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or lay the groundwork for ongoing reduction efforts. They will integrate Reconciliation and social equity into climate solutions and empower communities through capacity building and impactful partnerships.  

Applications for 2025 are now being accepted.

Catalyst grant applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through November 15.

Acceleration grant applications will be accepted during a spring and fall intake.

  • For the spring intake, expressions of interest are due by May 5.

  • For the fall intake, expressions of interest are due by October 24.

See below for a full timeline and description of the grants streams.

2025 Funding Priorities

Low-carbon housing: Projects support the development of low-carbon housing through building retrofits, net-zero new construction, and workforce and capacity development.

Community-based renewable energy: Renewable energy projects that benefit communities through prioritizing social equity, inclusive engagement, and innovative financing strategies.

Shared and electric transportation: Projects explore electric and/or shared mobility solutions that have community-wide benefits, such as e-bikes or car sharing. 

If you have a project idea outside these categories with significant potential to reduce GHG emissions, we may still consider your idea. Please reach out to us to discuss.

Grant Streams

Acceleration Stream

  • Up to $75,000 per project

  • Funding for projects up to 24 months in duration.

  • Priority is placed on supporting initiatives to scale up and accelerate their impact.

Catalyst Stream

  • Up to $10,000 per grant

  • Intended as seed funding to support new initiatives

  • Simplified project application process

What we’re looking for

Climate Impact

Projects have long term carbon reduction potential, with a focus on scalability and replicability to increase their impact.

Equitable Participation

Project are dedicated to correcting historical and systemic disadvantages within the realm of climate solutions.  They facilitate inclusive participation and empower all voices to be heard, particularly those most affected by climate change.

Community and Partnerships

Communities benefit beyond carbon reductions through greater affordability, job creation, community resilience, health and well being or other factors. Projects aim to foster strong partnerships within the community.

Reconciliation

Projects commit to advancing a Reconciliation economy, drawing on Indigenous models that emphasize equitable wealth and resource sharing. Projects foster collaborative relationships with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, incorporate traditional knowledge and ensure a sustainable future for both current and future generations.

How to get started

  1. Review the program guidelines and eligibility.

  2. Submit your idea online via our expression of interest form.

Following review of your expression of interest, HCi3 will invite applicants who meet our criteria to submit a full application.

Program Guidelines

  • Grants can cover up to 80% of total project costs. A minimum of 20% of project costs must be provided through matching funds or in-kind contributions.

    For Acceleration grants, the maximum funding is $75,000. For Catalyst grants, the maximum is $10,000.

  • The Acceleration Stream is primarily intended to help promising initiatives scale up and accelerate their impact.

    Begin by filling out an online expression of interest (EOI).

    • If needed, we will reach out to schedule an initial discussion to gather further context.

    • We will conduct an initial review to assess alignment with our program.

    • If your EOI is approved, you will be invited to submit a full proposal and budget.

    • A review committee will assess the application and may offer constructive feedback for clarification or refinement.

    • Following any changes that are requested, HCi3 will make a funding decision.  

  • Our Catalyst Stream has a streamlined application process designed to help organizations quickly bring their projects to life:  

    • Begin by filling out an online Expression of Interest (EOI).

    • We will conduct an internal review to assess alignment with our criteria.   

    • If the EOI is accepted, we will invite you to submit a simplified application form and budget.

    • We will aim to provide a funding decision within two weeks of application submission.

  • We welcome applications from a broad spectrum of organizations and companies, with the following exceptions:

    • Individuals

    • Individual schools or classrooms

    • Provincially owned entities, including crown corporations

    • Political parties

    Applicants must be based in or actively engaged in Nova Scotia. As long as the primary applicant fits this criteria, out-of-province partners may join the application.

    Projects led by or partnered with organizations or communities representing historically racialized or marginalized groups or communities will be viewed favorably.

  • Projects must:

    1. Lead to direct and/or potential reductions in greenhouse gas emissions over a 20-year period.

    2. Secure a minimum of 20% matching funds, which can include multiple sources. Note:

    • There are some restrictions on matching funds from provincial and federal government sources, which can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

    • Non-cash contributions or in-kind contributions, such as salaries, can be used as matching funds, provided they are an auditable expense and directly related to the project.

    3. Occur primarily within the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). However, for projects led by First Nations or African Nova Scotian communities – or those significantly involving these communities – we will consider initiatives outside of HRM boundaries if they offer meaningful benefits to HRM.

    4. Demonstrate scalability or replicability, both within and beyond HRM.

    5. Yield multiple community benefits, e.g., enhancing social equity, promoting Reconciliation, improving affordability, fostering job and skill development, enhancing biodiversity or strengthening community resilience.

    6. Be completed within a maximum of 24 months from the start date.

    For a detailed evaluation framework, please refer to our full granting scorecard here.

  • HCi3 grants do not fund:

    1. Redistribution of funding as grants or rebates to other organizations.

    2. Start up costs, restructuring costs, or organizational administration costs beyond reasonable overhead costs associated with direct project delivery.

    3. Singular installations such as rooftop solar, building retrofits, or new building projects without a broader strategy for demographic or sector-wide scaling.

    4. Ongoing operational costs for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, transit, or shared-mobility services, unless these represent an essential part of a new pilot project.

  • Catalyst applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until November 15 or until all funding is allocated.

    Acceleration stream applications will be accepted as follows:

    Spring Intake

    • Expressions of interest due by May 5, 2025.

    • Final application due by May 23, 2025.

    Fall Intake

    • Expressions of interest due by October 24, 2025.

    • Final applications due by November 12, 2025.

Grantee Highlights

Discover the transformative impacts of our past grant recipients. Visit our full page of grantee profiles below.  

HCi3 gratefully acknowledges the support of the Government of Canada, the Province of Nova Scotia, and the McConnell Foundation, whose funding makes this program possible.

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