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Species Conservation Program
Government of Ontario · The Species Conservation Program provides grants to projects that protect and conserve plants and animals at risk in Ontario.
Overview
The Species Conservation Program provides grants to projects that protect and conserve plants and animals at risk in Ontario. Eligible activities include habitat preservation and rehabilitation, public education, species monitoring, research, and threat mitigation for species assessed as extirpated, endangered, threatened, or of special concern by COSSARO. Applications are accepted from individuals, organizations, Indigenous communities, academic institutions, and municipal governments.
Eligibility
Academic institutions, conservation authorities, corporations, Indigenous communities and organizations, individuals, municipal and local governments, and non-government organizations can applyLand securement projects are limited to conservation organizations with prior conservation property acquisition, Indigenous communities, and municipal governmentsProjects must benefit species assessed by COSSARO as extirpated, endangered, threatened, or of special concernAll applicants must be located in or operating in OntarioEligible projects
Habitat preservation, rehabilitation, and enhancement to create viable species habitatPublic education and outreach programs related to species conservationDirect threat mitigation activities targeting species at riskField-based surveys, monitoring, and research on species and habitatsLand securement projects involving purchase of property for conservation purposesLocal and Indigenous knowledge collection supporting species protectionFinancing terms
Non-repayable grants provided annually through competitive application processMulti-year funding available for ongoing projectsHow to apply
1Check eligibilityConfirm you meet every criterion listed above before you start.
2Prepare the project packageProject description, budget with quotes, team, and recent financial statements.
3Apply on tpon.gov.on.caGovgrant members can draft the application with AI and export a formatted PDF.
4Respond to reviewer questionsMost programs come back with one round of questions within a few weeks of submission.
Additional information
Program established in 2025 under the Species Conservation Act, 2025, replacing the former Species at Risk Stewardship ProgramApplicants should consult the 2027-28 Species Conservation Program Guidelines for eligibility requirements and annual funding prioritiesContact: species.conservation.program@ontario.ca for more informationAt a glanceMaximumVariesProviderGovernment of OntarioDeadlineDec 2, 2026StatusOpenRegionOntarioOfficial sourcetpon.gov.on.ca ↗
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