Greening Action Partnership Fund Application

Background

York Region’s Greening Strategy puts into action the Region’s commitment to a healthier, more resilient natural environment. The Greening Action Partnership Fund (GAP) supports the enhancement and rehabilitation of the natural environment on public, institutional and conservation lands.  Funding is available for:

• Municipalities within York Region
• Religious, educational and healthcare institutions and facilities
• Indigenous communities
• Community groups
• Land managers
• Conservation authorities within York Region 

Eligibility

All projects should be focused on stewardship and conservation-based deliverables. The GAP Fund will prioritize projects that:

• Take place within an urban environment
• Create or expand existing forest and woodland cover
• Provide or enhance wildlife habitat
• Support pollinator habitat
• Map and remove invasive species
• Plant native fruit trees and shrubs
• Include community involvement, education and stewardship components and
• Include multiple partnerships and volunteer implementation 

Funding 

• Minimum of $1,000 to maximum of $10,000 per project
• Maximum of two projects per year for each applicant organization

Project Evaluation Criteria

• Land and Habitat Restoration: Clear evidence of positive environmental impact resulting from the proposed activities.
• Community Engagement: Involvement of volunteers and meaningful participation from local communities including leveraged funding.
• Education: Opportunities for learning and knowledge-sharing for participants, students, or the general public.
• Innovation: The project engages with an underserved audience, has research value or involves planting of unique species including pollinator or medicinal plants.  
• Project Feasibility: A well-structured plan that is practical, achievable, and realistic in scope and execution. Deliverables and request for funding should reasonably align with costs for project delivery.

Application Package 

Applicants must submit the following:

• A completed application form
• A map clearly showing the location of the proposed project.

Changes to the application including requested funding amount, project plan or scope, planting numbers, and project location must be approved by York Region prior to the event. If changes are not approved by York Region, funding may not be awarded.

Final Report

Applicants must fill out a report template provided by York Region.  The final report must be sent prior to the deadline of the funding year and must be completed prior to receiving the funding.

2026 GAP Fund Timeline

• Applications accepted until February 20
• Notification to all first-round applications in March 2026
• Projects are to be completed by November 9
• Final invoice and reports are due November 20

Application

The personal information collected through this form will be used by York Region to determine eligibility for Greening Action Partnership funding. The Personal Information collected is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25 and in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.M.56. 

For general questions about the GAP Fund, contact us at [email protected] or 1-877-464-9675. For questions about this application, contact [email protected]