Many communities across Canada want to protect local wildlife but find it hard to fund large conservation projects. The Community‑Nominated Priority Places (CNPP) for Species at Risk program helps by supporting projects where several species face similar threats in the same area. The program is part of Canada’s Nature Fund and is managed by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
Community‑Nominated Priority Places for Species at Risk focuses on specific geographic areas where action can help many species at risk. Instead of funding single projects, CNPP supports groups working together on a shared plan.
Main features of the program:
There is no set amount of funding. The budget for each project depends on the region and the work planned. ECCC works with applicants to decide the final funding during the selection and agreement process.
CNPP funding is not open for anyone to apply at any time. Projects must be linked to a federally selected priority place. These places are chosen through a community nomination process.
Groups that can take part include:
For‑profit businesses are not usually lead applicants, but they can help as partners if their work supports conservation.
A key requirement is strong collaboration. Proposals from just one group, without support from others, rarely meet CNPP’s expectations.
Before funding is available, an area must be picked as a priority place. This happens through a community nomination process and a federal review.
Steps in the process:
Local identification
Communities, Indigenous groups, or regional partners choose an area where many species at risk face shared threats.
Nomination submission
The nomination explains the area’s ecological value, which species are present, the main threats, and readiness for action.
Federal review and selection
ECCC checks nominations for conservation impact, how possible the project is, and partner capacity.
Only regions chosen through this process can receive CNPP project funding.
Projects funded by CNPP must follow certain rules and expectations.
Funded projects usually include:
Activities must fit with federal species‑at‑risk priorities and recovery strategies. Projects that only do research, planning, or awareness—without real on‑the‑ground impact—are less likely to be funded.
If you want to see if your project matches CNPP or other programs, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter by region and project type.
Thinking CNPP is open to everyone
You can only apply if your project is in a federally selected priority place.
Focusing on just one species
CNPP supports projects that help many species facing shared threats. Single-species proposals often do not fit.
Weak partnership evidence
It’s not enough to say you have partners. Strong proposals show each partner’s role, commitment, and how you will work together.
Unclear conservation results
Projects must show how their actions will help species at risk—not just describe planned activities.
Q: Is Community‑Nominated Priority Places funding repayable?
No. CNPP gives non‑repayable grant funding for eligible conservation work.
Q: How much funding can a CNPP project get?
There is no set maximum. Funding depends on your region, the project’s size, and the final agreement with ECCC.
Q: Can businesses apply directly for CNPP funding?
Businesses are usually partners, not lead applicants. Lead roles go to non‑profits, Indigenous groups, or governments.
Q: Is CNPP funding taxable?
The tax rules depend on your organization and how you use the money. Non‑profits should check with an accountant or see Canada Revenue Agency guidance for details.
Q: What kinds of activities are eligible?
Eligible actions include restoring, protecting, or caring for habitats and other ecosystem‑based work that helps several species at risk.
GrantHub tracks active federal and provincial conservation programs across Canada. You can compare which ones fit your organization and project.
If your community is involved in a possible priority place, start by confirming your partners, conservation goals, and readiness for action. Looking at CNPP together with other species‑at‑risk funding can help you build a stronger overall plan. GrantHub helps Canadian organizations see how CNPP fits with other programs to support long‑term conservation.
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