How to Unlock Clean Energy Funding Through Partnerships in Canada

Introduction

Canada’s net-zero ambitions require significant investment—and unlocking funding can be a complex process.

However, the good news is that partnerships between municipalities, NGOs, Indigenous organizations, and community groups open doors to a wealth of grants, loans, and capacity-building funds.

These collaborations not only improve funding chances but also strengthen project design and community buy-in.

In this post, we’ll explore the major funding streams available to Canadian clean energy projects that emphasize partnership.

Whether you’re a municipal official, non-profit leader, or community organizer, understanding these opportunities will help you access the resources needed to make your net-zero goals a reality.

Green Municipal Fund (GMF): A Premier Source for Collaborative Projects

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund is one of the most substantial and flexible funding sources for local clean energy initiatives.

What GMF Offers:

• Grants and loans covering up to 80% of eligible project costs
• Support for community energy systems, net-zero municipal buildings, affordable housing retrofits, and Indigenous community energy planning
• Priority for applications that include NGO or community co-applicants
• Access to capacity-building programs such as the Climate Leadership Academy and peer learning groups

Practical Tip:
Projects involving partnerships tend to score higher during evaluation, increasing your likelihood of funding.

Example:
The City of Markham’s Berczy Glen geothermal project secured $8.7 million from GMF and NRCan by partnering with local organizations and private developers.

NRCan’s Smart Renewables & Electrification Pathways (SREPs)

Natural Resources Canada offers significant funding through SREPs, designed to support community-scale renewable energy and electrification projects.

Program Highlights:

• Provides up to $25 million per project for renewable energy technologies like solar, wind, biomass, and district energy
• Strong emphasis on partnerships with NGOs, cooperatives, and Indigenous communities
• Includes specialized streams like the Deep Retrofit Accelerator and Greener Neighbourhoods Pilot, which prioritize collaborative projects

Why It Matters:
SREPs funding can help your project scale faster by providing both capital and strategic partnership support.

Provincial & Utility Grants Encouraging Partnerships

Several provincial and utility programs complement federal funding and specifically encourage multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Examples Include:

• British Columbia: CleanBC Community Innovation Fund supports municipality-NGO partnerships for underserved communities
• Ontario: IESO’s Grid Innovation Fund funds pilot projects involving community organizations and utilities
• Atlantic Canada: Nova Scotia’s Low Carbon Communities Program targets municipal-NGO collaborations
• Alberta: CEIP municipal delivery programs often rely on NGOs for outreach and education

Capacity-Building and Soft Funding Supports

Not all funding is for infrastructure. Grants also exist to support stakeholder engagement, outreach, and project design.

Key Programs:

• FCM’s Climate Leadership Academy: Offers training and travel stipends for municipal and NGO staff
• Efficiency Canada: Provides free toolkits and policy resources to aid local advocacy
• Clean Foundation (NS): Supports workshops, energy coaching training, and development of outreach materials

Pro Tip:
Soft funding is vital for building community trust and ensuring the long-term success of your clean energy initiative.

Conclusion

Unlocking clean energy funding in Canada is easier—and more effective—when partnerships are at the heart of your project.

Municipalities, NGOs, and Indigenous groups working together can access larger pools of capital, design stronger programs, and achieve more equitable outcomes.