Kingston Community Climate Action Fund

• Stay updated on the latest news by registering for the Climate Action Kingston newsletter.
• Share how your project will reduce greenhouse gases (GHG), assist with climate change adaptation and/or technological innovation.
• Describe your project plan clearly.
• Detail how you will measure your GHG reductions and other environmental benefits.
• Include the completed Budget Template, detailing eligible project expenses, HST, and funding from other sources.
• Include a letter of commitment from your Board of Directors. The Board letter should also verify that they have funds to move forward if the project isn’t fully supported by funds raised by the public. You can review our Letter of Commitment template.
• Include a letter of commitment for formal partnerships (applicable only to organizations without charitable status).
• Sign up/log in to MyKingston to complete your application online and ensure we can fulfill your request effectively.

• Implement your project within the boundaries of the City of Kingston and ensure substantial completion within 12 months of receiving financial support.
• Make your project tangible and ensure it results in direct and measurable GHG reductions once fully complete.
• Demonstrate measurable GHG reductions, such as reduced fossil fuel use (gasoline, diesel, natural gas, fuel oil, propane), peak electricity demand, and/or reduced methane release from organic waste.
• Commit to monitoring the impacts of your project and publicly reporting the results.
• Focus on projects that offer direct and measurable GHG reductions and can stimulate the economy in the near-term.

• A non-profit housing provider proposing to install energy performance improvements in new builds (with a focus on renewables) that exceed the standard energy-efficient aspects of the Ontario Building Code
  • A non-profit food provider investing in an electric vehicle to support their transportation needs
  • Cargo bikes
  • Community bicycle parking
  • Food gardens
  • Strategies to divert organic waste
  • Electric charging stations

Carbon sequestration projects, such as tree planting or land preservation, are ineligible for funding through the KCCAF due to the number of existing funding programs aimed at supporting this area. Note: education projects and events are also ineligible in order to prioritize projects that achieve measurable emission reductions.

Only include costs that are directly related to and necessary for your project. For example:

• Buying goods or services needed for the project
• Paying fees for professionals, consultants, and contractors working on the project
• Advertising the project to the public and giving promotional items to participants
• Renting or buying equipment needed for the project

If you receive funding, you must provide receipts or invoices for all eligible expenses when you submit your final reports for auditing.

The following are examples of project expenses that are not eligible:

• Ongoing operating costs not directly related to the project
• Expenses incurred before the City approves project funding
• Scholarships
• Retroactive fees
• Ordinary office supplies, office furniture
• Monthly telephone fees
• Utilities
• In-kind donations or volunteer time
• Salaries of existing staff
• Advertising that is a result of ongoing business activity
• Travel and accommodation costs to attend conferences

• We will prioritize projects that provide sustained impacts (e.g., annual emission reductions vs. one-time impacts), have direct and measurable GHG reductions, and can stimulate the economy in the near-term.
• When projects have similar GHG impacts, we will consider additional co-benefits, such as affordable housing, addressing homelessness, food security, and public health.

We are here to help your project succeed. To assist in meeting your fundraising goals, we provide communication and marketing support, and showcase your project on our City channels.
Your organization also plays an essential role in its own success. Keys to success include:

• Informing your existing supporter base about your project and encouraging them to contribute. You can communicate this message through direct mail, email, social media, partnerships, phone calls, and more.
• Make yourself available for media interviews
• Promote your project at events

Once projects are selected, residents can donate to their preferred project through Canada Helps, the Kingston Community Credit Union, or TD Bank.

If donations don't cover all associated costs, applicants may seek additional funding. Donations raised will be distributed to eligible projects after the fundraising campaign. Project leaders then sign a funding agreement with the City, outlining roles and responsibilities for implementation. Funding recipients must monitor project impacts and report results publicly. Project summaries will be posted once projects are finished.

After completing their initial project and submitting a final report to the City of Kingston, applicants can apply again. City staff will review the report.

Grant recipients interested in subsequent funding rounds must first complete their initial project and have the final report approved by the City before reapplying.