Ocean Week Canada Community Event Grant

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Identified as a priority in the Canadian Ocean Literacy Strategy, COLC launched its Ocean Literacy Community Grants program in 2023. Under this program, to date, there have been 3 types of grants awarded, including the Ocean Week Canada Community Events Grant, the Blue Creators Grant, and the Blue Schools Canada Experiential Learning Grant.

 

Do you have an idea for an exciting event or activity, but need a bit of funding support to help make it happen? Or maybe you already have some of the funding you need for your event, but now you want to engage even more people. 

If either of these sound like you, we encourage you to apply when applications open for 2025!

Eligibility and Scope

COLC will be awarding grants between $500 – $2,000 to community organizations to support Ocean Week Canada 2025 events. 

Every year, from June 1-8, Ocean Week Canada is filled with impactful grant-funded events and meaningful connections.

 

Events can include:

  • Other engaging ideas!

Applications from these types of organizations and individuals will be considered:

 

  1. Registered Charity
  2. Other Qualified Donee
  3. Non-Profit Organization
  4. For-Profit Organization
  5. Co-op
  6. Non-Registered Community Group
  7. Individual
 

Notes: 

  • Organizations who have received funding from the Ocean Literacy Community Grants program in the past are not eligible for a grant for Ocean Week Canada 2025. 
  • Successful applicants must agree to the terms of the grant in order to receive payment.
How To Apply
  • The call for funding applications opens January 8, 2025.
  • Funding available for this grant call is up to $2,000 per application.
  • The online application has 24 questions and should take 30 minutes to one hour to complete. 
  • The deadline to submit your application is Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 5:00p.m. Pacific Time.
  • Partially complete applications will not be considered.
 
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Criteria for Funding

In order to receive funding, events must meet the following criteria: 

 

  • Be hosted in Canada. (Both in-person and virtual events will be considered.) 
  • Take place between May 15 and June 30, 2025, with preference for events taking place during Ocean Week Canada (June 1-8, 2025).
  • Offer a clear and compelling experience that deepens ocean knowledge, ocean values, and/or guides action for the ocean. 
  • The event design includes an activity or approach that is likely to create a memorable experience for participants. 
 

Preference will be given to applications that meet these additional criteria:

 

  • The applicant organization has an annual operating budget under $250,000.
  • The event is free to attend. 
  • Partners from the community will be involved in the event.
  • The event will feature a person or group of people who can effectively deliver a message that deepens ocean knowledge, ocean values, and/or guides action for the ocean. 
  • There is a clear and compelling call-to-action for event participants. 
 

Terms

If your application is successful, you will be required to agree to the following:

 

  • Make a good-faith effort to complete the goals outlined in your application 
  • Use the funds for the purposes described in this application 
  • If requested, provide supporting documentation (receipts, etc.) for how you spend the funds
  • Provide us with photos, videos, quotes, and success stories from your event/activity so that we share them with the public 
  • Put your event details on Ocean Week Canada’s website
  • Work with local suppliers where possible 
  • Comply with the COLC’s media requirements (which will be provided to you) and use the logos we provide you on promotional materials/graphics where possible 
  • Submit the Ocean Week Canada event host survey (5 mins) and a grant report (10 mins) after your event
 

If your application is successful, the process for issuing payment will be:

For individual applicants only: If you apply as an individual, you will receive an agreement letter via email that will require you to confirm your mailing address, add your Social Insurance Number (SIN), as well as your signature. This will allow Dalhousie University (COLC’s administrative home) to process your payment.  Once you return the signed letter, COLC will sign the letter, and a copy will be returned to you for your records. A cheque will then be mailed to you within a month of your returned letter.

For small community organizations only: If you applied as a registered business or organization, you will receive an agreement letter via email that will require you to add your business/charity/non-profit number, as well as your signature. This will allow Dalhousie University (COLC’s administrative home) to process your payment. Once you return the signed letter, COLC will sign the letter, and a copy will be returned to you for your records.  A cheque will then be mailed to you within a month of your returned letter. 

Gallery

View some of our grants in action!

Across geographies and generations, Ocean Week Canada 2024 saw nearly 400 events take place in all provinces and territories. Throughout these events, culture, language, knowledge systems, and history were celebrated in unique ways, all made possible thanks to our regional hub coordinators, partners, event hosts, and dedicated community members. Visit the link below to view OWC’s impact across the years!

Dive into our impact

If you need assistance with the application or have other questions, please email us admin@colcoalition.ca

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