Peel EcoSchools Grant Program Application

The purpose of this grant is to provide support to schools pursuing climate action activities that align with EcoSchools Canada certification.

Funds must be used for an activity that directly supports your school’s EcoSchools Canada Certification Application (ECA) and climate action.

This may include but is not limited to: materials, supplies, transportation, and in-school presentation costs.

Consider sustainability (locally made, reusable, low-waste, etc.) when making purchases, especially for items such as prizes or for an event/celebration.

We do not fund: sports equipment, donations to other organizations, chemical fertilizers, or herbicides.

For examples of projects funded in the past, check out our Peel EcoSchools Grant dashboard.

1. Application:
   Complete and submit the application form below between February 3 and March 3, 2025. View a PDF preview of the form. Applicants will receive a confirmation email indicating their application has been submitted. If you do not receive the confirmation email, please contact julia.themelis@trca.ca.
2. Notification:
   Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received, so we encourage you to apply early. All applicants will be notified of their application status via email by March 21, 2025. Grant recipients can begin implementing the project related to their grant application once notified. Capture photos and keep all related receipts.
3. Progress Check-in:
   Grant recipients will be contacted via email in early April for a brief check-in on the progress of their funded project/activity. This will ensure that projects are on track for completion and that the funds provided will be used. A response to the email is required to maintain funding.
4. Final Report:
   Submit the online Peel EcoSchools Grant Report by Friday, June 6, 2025. Receipts or invoices and a photo of the completed and implemented project will be required for the final report submission.
5. Funds Reimbursement:
   Total reimbursement amounts (up to $500.00 excluding HST) will be confirmed via email within five business days of your report submission. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) will issue reimbursement payments directly to your school board. School boards will disperse funds to individual school accounts through internal accounting processes. Payments will not be made to individual schools.

• You must be a school in the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) or Peel District School Board (PDSB) within the Region of Peel.
• One application is accepted per school.
• Schools must have an active EcoSchools plan for the 2024-25 school year on the EcoSchools Certification Application at the time of the grant application submission deadline.
• Funding must be applied exclusively to activities that support EcoSchools Canada certification, connect to climate action, and adhere to school board policies and guidelines.
• Applicants must respond to a progress check-in email.
• Activities must be completed before the end of the 2024-2025 school year.
• All purchases must be made by June 6, 2025. Receipts must be included in the final report.
• Only receipts dated between the date of grant approval and June 6, 2025 will be considered for reimbursement.
• A final report must be completed and submitted by June 6, 2025 in order to receive reimbursement.

Can I use the funds to support multiple EcoSchools actions?
Yes! Please clearly describe each project as it relates to each EcoSchools action. Make sure to include how you will use the funds for each action.

What kinds of projects do schools typically undertake with the money?
Examples of past projects that connect with EcoSchools actions include: gardening materials (soil, seeds), grow towers, composters, lumber for raised garden beds, reusable water bottles, transportation or workshop costs, outdoor benches for sit spots, reusable cutlery, binoculars, environmental literacy books, bird baths, trees, litter pickers, and school garden or anti-idling signs.

Can I claim the HST amount for the reimbursement?
HST is not eligible for reimbursement through the Peel EcoSchools Grant. Amounts submitted in the final report should exclude HST. To make the most of this grant, use pre-tax totals when calculating your budget in the application.

Can I use the funds to support a project that is already partially funded?
Yes! Please indicate that this grant is being supported by additional funds. This can be included in the “Describe your project” section.

What if we are implementing activities like planting our garden after June 6?
The hope is that by June 6, all planning is completed to ensure smooth implementation before the school year ends. Please ensure all purchases have been made and shipped to your school before this date. For the report, please upload a photo of the planning documents and purchased items. If your project is going to be implemented after the June 6 deadline, please contact julia.themelis@trca.ca to let them know ASAP.

Where can I source plants or seeds native to Ontario?
The North American Native Plant Society has a listing of where to purchase native plants. Also refer to the Region of Peel’s fusion landscape plant list to verify species names when shopping for plants or seeds. For optimal survival of plants, check and inquire about the location of seed sources.