Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp Program

Wildlife Habitat Canada (WHC) uses funds raised through the sale of the Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp and Print to support conservation projects across the country. Since its inception, the program has contributed nearly $150 million to wildlife habitat initiatives nationwide.

Applicants are permitted to submit one project per Application Form with a funding ask between $1,000 and $150,000. All projects require a minimum 1:1 funding match (non-federal), and must align with priorities under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP), benefit migratory game bird habitat, or support the Newfoundland and Labrador Murre Conservation Fund.

Important dates:

• Call for Proposals: Mid-July

• Deadline: Early-October

• Project window: April 1 – March 31

Eligible applicants include:
Non-profits, Indigenous organizations, research institutions, local governments, and small businesses.
Ineligible: Federal departments, Crown corporations, and international entities.

For full details on categories, funding guidelines, and how to apply, click below

Natural Heritage Conservation Program –Land Trusts Conservation Fund (NHCP-LTCF)

The NHCP-LTCF is a national initiative supporting the securement of private lands for conservation.

The Small Grants Program provides funding for land securement projects between: $5,000 and $50,000, while the Large Grants Program provides funding for land securement projects between: $50,001 and $1,000,000.

Applicants may submit up to three large grant proposals per year, with a combined total ask of $1.25 million.

Program Highlights:

• Required Match: Minimum 1.5:1 from non-federal sources

• Eligible Land Trusts: Canadian registered charities actively involved in land conservation

• Eligible Project Expenses: Incurred between April 1 – March 31

• Securement Deadline: Land deals must close by December 31

• Audit Required: Projects must undergo an independent financial audit

The NHCP was part of Canada’s Nature Legacy initiative and aims to protect habitat for species at risk while advancing biodiversity goals. The NHCP–LTCF Grants program is currently on hold while funding transitions into the Government of Canada’s new Nature Strategy funding framework.

📩 To receive updates, contact: grants@whc.org
📄 For full guidelines, click below.

Community Conservation Action Program

Wildlife Habitat Canada’s Community Conservation Action Program supports small and local organizations working to achieve meaningful conservation outcomes in their communities. With up to $50,000 available annually, CCAP funds innovative, small-scale projects that:

• Connect Canadians with nature

• Engage youth in conservation

• Deliver educational conservation programming

Grants range from $500 to $10,000, with a minimum 1:1 match required (non-federal). The program is intentionally streamlined to reduce administrative burden and prioritize impact — less paperwork, more conservation action.

Eligible applicants include small Canadian organizations, Indigenous groups, academic institutions, and local community associations. Projects must be delivered between April and March.

Let’s get Canadians outdoors, engaged, and making a difference — one community at a time.

WHC is in the process of reviewing and updating the program and will share more information as soon as it becomes available. At this time, applications are not open for the 2027-2028 program year.

Click below to learn more.