The second call for proposals is now open for Manitoba’s Conservation Trust, a unique funding opportunity that was established under the province’s Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan to use nature-based approaches to build resilience to climate change.
“The $102-million Conservation Trust is an innovative, forward-thinking approach to invest in projects that enhance natural infrastructure and the environmental goods and services they provide to Manitobans,” said Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires. “With this long-lasting partnership with the Manitoba Habitat Conservancy and The Winnipeg Foundation, we are building a legacy of work that will benefit all Manitobans and ensure Manitoba remains Canada’s cleanest, greenest, most climate-resilient province.”
This fall applicants may be eligible to receive up to $250,000. Applications may be submitted in four categories:
* Habitat and Wildlife
* Soil Health
* Advancing Innovation and Conservation Planning
* Connecting People to Nature categories
A separate call for proposals in the Watersheds category will be held at a later date.
Tim Sopuck, Chief Executive Officer of the Manitoba Habitat Conservancy said, “Locally-based conservation groups now have a major new funding opportunity that will result in significant new conservation activities.”
The $102.0 million invested by Manitoba in the Conservation Trust is held in perpetuity by The Winnipeg Foundation. Revenues from the Trust support an annual granting program that is managed by the Manitoba Habitat Conservancy.
This year the Conservation Trust has $4.3 million available for grassroots conservation groups.
The first call for proposals to the Conservation Trust in 2018 attracted 54 proposals from which 31 Manitoba groups ultimately received $2.2 million for 42 projects. With the addition of matching funds for these projects, the total impact is $7.8 million for conservation activities in Manitoba.
Application information and criteria for the Conservation Trust can be found at www.mbhabitat.ca, or by calling 1-833-323-4636.