How GCWood Funding Supports Mass Timber and Wood-Based Construction Projects

Mass timber and advanced wood construction are becoming more common across Canada. These building methods help cut carbon emissions, support the forest sector, and speed up construction. The Green Construction through Wood (GCWood) Program helps turn these ideas into real projects. It does this by funding demonstration buildings and supporting industry training.

How GCWood Works for Wood-Based Construction

The Green Construction through Wood (GCWood) Program is a federal funding program run by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). Its main goal is to increase the use of wood-based building systems—especially mass timber—in larger and non-traditional projects.

GCWood supports projects that prove wood can be safe, efficient, and competitive. It looks for results in commercial, institutional, and multi-unit residential buildings. By funding these projects, GCWood helps more builders and designers trust wood construction.

Types of Projects GCWood Supports

GCWood funding focuses on three main project types:

Demonstration projects
These are real buildings using mass timber or advanced wood systems in new or uncommon ways in Canada. Examples include tall wood buildings, large-span structures, or hybrid wood systems.
Building codes, standards, and guides
Projects that help remove rules that block wood construction. This includes making technical guides, engineering tools, or updating codes so wood buildings are easier to approve and insure.
Capacity building and skills development
Training for architects, engineers, builders, and inspectors. These activities teach people how to design and build with mass timber and other wood-based systems.

If your project helps show wood construction is safe, scalable, and practical, it may fit GCWood priorities.

Eligibility and Funding Details

GCWood is open to many types of organizations. Common applicants include:

Canadian businesses in construction, development, or manufacturing
Non-profit groups and industry associations
Research institutions and post-secondary schools
Indigenous organizations and communities
Provincial, territorial, or municipal governments

Projects must take place in Canada and support the use of wood-based building systems.

Funding Amounts

GCWood funding is given as non-repayable contributions. The amount you can get depends on your project’s size, impact, and the intake stream.

Larger demonstration projects can receive more funding.
Applicants are usually expected to provide some of their own money or find other partners.
The cost-sharing ratio changes depending on the intake and project type.

Funding is not automatic. It is awarded through competitive application intakes that open from time to time.

You can use tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher to quickly check which programs fit your project and organization.

Eligible Expenses

Eligible costs depend on the intake, but GCWood usually supports:

Extra construction costs for wood systems
Design, engineering, and consulting services
Testing, monitoring, and performance checks
Sharing knowledge and creating reports
Training and educational materials linked to the project

Land purchases and unrelated day-to-day costs are not usually eligible.

Tips for a Strong GCWood Application

Focus on innovation
GCWood is not for standard wood-frame buildings. The program looks for creative or new uses of wood.
Show how your project helps others
Good applications explain how the project’s lessons will help the wider building industry.
Be ready to start
Demonstration projects should have clear designs, partners, and plans before applying.
Understand stacking rules
You can combine GCWood with other funding, but there is a limit to total government support. Always check the program’s contribution caps.

If you want more guidance, GrantHub tracks hundreds of grant programs and can help you find other funding options for your wood construction project.

Benefits of Mass Timber and Wood-Based Construction

Mass timber and advanced wood systems offer several advantages:

Lower carbon footprint: Wood stores carbon, while concrete and steel create more emissions.
Faster construction: Prefabricated wood components can be assembled quickly, saving time on-site.
Economic growth: These projects support Canadian forestry, design, and construction jobs.
Design flexibility: Modern wood systems allow for creative building shapes and large open spaces.

GCWood funding helps more builders and designers try these approaches and share what works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main goal of the GCWood Program?
GCWood aims to increase the use of wood-based building systems by reducing technical, regulatory, and market barriers. It focuses on proving wood solutions through real projects and shared knowledge.

Q: Does GCWood only fund mass timber buildings?
No. While mass timber is a priority, GCWood also supports other advanced wood systems, hybrid designs, and enabling activities like standards and training.

Q: Is GCWood funding repayable?
No. GCWood funding is generally provided as non-repayable contributions, as long as project terms are met.

Q: Can GCWood funding be combined with provincial or municipal grants?
Yes. GCWood can be stacked with other funding sources, but total government support cannot exceed program limits. Each funding agreement sets specific caps.

Q: Is GCWood funding taxable income?
Government grants are often considered taxable income in Canada. Treatment depends on how the funds are used. A qualified accountant can confirm how it applies to your project.

Next Steps

GCWood funding plays a key role in growing mass timber and wood-based construction across Canada. If your project shows innovation and can help the industry learn, it could be a good fit. GrantHub can help you find GCWood intakes and other funding programs, so you can build a solid funding plan.

See also:

How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules
What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?

How GCWood Funding Supports Mass Timber and Wood-Based Construction Projects