Funding Opportunities

Conservation Trust

The Conservation Trust, established in 2018, funds projects that conserve natural resources and enhance natural infrastructure for Manitobans. Managed by The Winnipeg Foundation and administered by the Manitoba Habitat Conservancy (MHC), the Trust supports grant applications from Manitoba non-profit organizations for initiatives benefiting watersheds, habitat, wildlife, soil health, and public connections to nature.

The Trust prioritizes projects delivering significant ecological goods and services (EG&S), such as biodiversity conservation, improved water quality, carbon sequestration, flood and drought mitigation, and enhanced recreational opportunities. Funding emphasizes large-scale, landscape-based efforts with measurable outcomes across watersheds, habitat, and wildlife.

Guidelines & Resources

• Conservation Trust Guidelines Spring 2026
• Granting Objectives and Priorities
• Spring 2026 Categories at a Glance
• Conservation Trust Application Handbook 2026
• Conservation Trust 2026 – Application Offline Worksheet
• Conservation Trust 2026 – Table Package
• Conservation Trust 2026 – Example Project Descriptions and Table Packages
• Brand Recognition Guidelines

GROW Trust

Manitoba has established two conservation trusts to support watershed-based initiatives. This specific trust, created in 2019, funds projects under the GRowing Outcomes in Watersheds (GROW) program to enhance watershed conservation efforts. Watershed Districts can apply for funding through the Trust grant process to support eligible activities.

In 2020, the province launched the Wetlands GROW Trust to protect temporary Class 1 and 2 wetlands, which remain vulnerable to drainage as they lack legislative safeguards. Applicants interested in funding opportunities for watershed and wetland conservation are encouraged to contact their Watershed Planner or Trusts Grant Associate for guidance on eligibility and criteria.

Guidelines & Resources

• GROW Trust Guidelines Spring 2026
• GROW Trust Application Handbook 2026
• Provincial GROW Guide 2026
• GROW Trust 2026 – Application Offline Worksheet
• GROW Trust 2026 – Table Package
• Brand Recognition Guidelines

Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund (FWEF)

This fund recognizes the important contributions licensed anglers, hunters, and trappers make to the conservation of fish and wildlife. This fund provides support to organizations for fish and wildlife enhancement projects. Non-profit groups, local organizations, and research organizations with interests in fish and wildlife may apply for grants from FWEF. Activities that enhance sustainable use and management of legally harvestable fish and wildlife populations within Manitoba will be considered, including:

• Conserving and enhancing Manitoba’s fish and wildlife populations
• The scientific study of fish and wildlife populations
• Promoting sustainable and ethical hunting and angling practices through education
• Protecting or improving critical fish and wildlife production habitat
• Securing property or an interest in property to provide public access to angling and hunting opportunities or to protect critical fish and wildlife production habitat

The Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Committee, established by the Government of Manitoba, reviews funding requests. Recommendations for funding are made by the Committee to the Government of Manitoba, which has final authority over granting decisions.

Guidelines & Resources

• Guidelines for Project Proposals
• Tips for a Successful Proposal
• Categories at a Glance
• LOI Offline Worksheet
• Application Offline Worksheet
• Regional Map
• FWEF FAQs
• Graphic Standards
• Recognition Guidelines

Contact Us

Conservation Trust or Grow Trust

If you have questions about either the Conservation Trust or Grow Trust, email us at granting@mbhabitat.ca.

Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund (FWEF)

If you have questions about the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund, email us at FWEF@mbhabitat.ca.