Greening Action Partnership Fund
The Greening Action Partnership (GAP) Fund supports the enhancement and rehabilitation of the natural environment on public, institutional and conservation lands in York Region.
Community groups and businesses can receive between $1,000 to $10,000 per project, for up to two projects each year. Approved projects must be completed by November 9, 2026 and a final report, using the template provided by the Region, must be submitted by November 20, 2026.
Funding is available for many types of groups, including:
- Conservation authorities within York Region
- Indigenous communities
- Land managers
- Municipalities within York Region
- Not-for-profit community groups like environmental groups and community garden groups
- Religious, educational and healthcare organizations
- School boards within York Region
Examples of eligible projects include:
- Creating or improving wildlife habitat
- Finding and removing invasive species
- Planting native fruit trees and shrubs
- Planting new forests or expanding woodlands
- Supporting pollinator-friendly spaces
If your organization is planning an outdoor or environmental improvement project, we encourage you to apply. Applications are available online and will be accepted until February 20, 2026.
Please note: Partially completed applications cannot be saved. Applications must be completed and submitted in the same session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
The following groups are eligible to apply for funding:
- Conservation authorities within York Region
- Indigenous communities
- Land managers
- Municipalities within York Region
- Not-for-profit community groups like environmental groups and community garden groups
- Religious, educational and healthcare organizations
- School boards within York Region
Applicants do not have to be based in York Region, but the project must serve and benefit York Region communities.
When do the projects have to be finished?
Projects must be completed by November 9, 2026 and final invoices and reports are due November 20, 2026.
What types of projects are eligible for funding?
All projects should support looking after and conserving nature. The GAP Fund will prioritize projects that:
- Create or expand existing forest and woodland cover
- Find and remove invasive species
- Include community involvement, education and stewardship components and include multiple partnerships and volunteer implementation
- Plant native fruit trees and shrubs
- Provide or enhance wildlife habitat
- Support pollinator habitat
- Take place within an urban environment
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026. Applications must be completed in full and include a map clearly showing the location of the proposed project.
May I save a partially completed online application?
Unfortunately, no, you need to complete the application in full. Partial applications cannot be saved.
How will I know my funding application has been received?
You will see a confirmation screen confirming that your application was received.
Can I make changes to the application after it’s been submitted?
Please call us at 1-877-464-9675 or email us at @email to request changes to your application.
Changes to the application must be approved by York Region prior to the start of the project. If changes are not approved by York Region, funding may not be awarded.
When will I be notified if my application is successful?
All applicants will be notified of the decision before the end of March 2026.
If my application is successful, when will we receive the funding?
Applicants must submit a report using a template provided by York Region. The final report must be sent prior to the deadline of the funding year and be completed prior to receiving the funding.
If I’m unsuccessful, will I still be notified?
Yes, the Region will notify applicants of their decision before the end of March 2026.
If I’ve received funding in the past, can I apply again for new funding?
Organizations are limited to two projects per year. Previous recipients are welcome to submit a new application for new funding each year.
Can I drop off my application to the Region in person?
No. All applications must be submitted online. If you have challenges with the application platform, please contact us at @email or call 1-877-464-9675.
Why was my organization declined for funding?
All applications are evaluated against a specific set of criteria, with points awarded based on how well applications meet the criteria. For details regarding your application, please email @email or call 1-877-464-9675.
