If your organization works to protect or restore habitat for species at risk, federal funding can cover a large share of your project costs. The Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) is one of Canada’s main conservation funding programs, supporting on-the-ground action for terrestrial and aquatic species at risk. For aquatic projects in particular, the program is delivered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and follows a defined annual application process.
This guide explains how to apply for the Habitat Stewardship Program (Species at Risk), focusing on the aquatic stream, what funders look for, and how to avoid common application issues.
The Habitat Stewardship Program for Aquatic Species at Risk is a federal, non-repayable contribution program delivered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). It supports projects that help protect and recover aquatic species listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) or assessed by COSEWIC.
Funded projects must deliver direct conservation outcomes. Eligible activities typically include:
Projects must clearly link activities to clear benefits for aquatic species at risk.
The Habitat Stewardship Program is not limited to governments. Eligible applicants generally include:
For-profit businesses are typically not the primary target, but may participate as partners in eligible stewardship projects.
Funding amounts are project-based and vary each year depending on scope, location, and conservation impact. There is no single fixed maximum published, but projects are often cost-shared, meaning applicants must secure matching cash or in-kind contributions.
Because annual funding priorities can change, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by project type, species focus, and province in seconds.
Applying for the Habitat Stewardship Program (Species at Risk) is competitive. Successful applications follow a clear process.
Before drafting anything, confirm that:
Applications without a clear species-at-risk link are screened out early.
DFO publishes an annual call for proposals, usually with:
Deadlines are typically once per year and are strictly enforced.
Your proposal must clearly explain:
Be explicit about how success will be measured. Vague conservation goals weaken applications.
Most HSP projects require matching funding. This can include:
Matching support must be realistic and documented.
Applications are submitted through the process outlined in the call for proposals. Late or incomplete applications are not reviewed.
Not naming specific species at risk
General habitat protection is not enough. You must identify the species and link activities to recovery objectives.
Weak outcome measurement
“Improved habitat” is vague. Use clear metrics like restored area, reduced barriers, or population monitoring data.
Underestimating reporting obligations
Funded projects must submit progress and final reports. Missing this can affect future eligibility.
Assuming funding is guaranteed each year
HSP is competitive and assessed annually. Past funding does not guarantee renewal.
Q: Is the Habitat Stewardship Program funding repayable?
No. Funding is provided as a non-repayable contribution. However, recipients must meet all reporting and accountability requirements.
Q: Do projects need to focus on COSEWIC-listed species?
Yes. Projects must benefit species assessed by COSEWIC or listed under the Species at Risk Act, with a clear conservation link.
Q: Can Indigenous-led projects apply directly?
Yes. Indigenous organizations and communities are eligible applicants and are strongly encouraged to apply, especially for locally led stewardship initiatives.
Q: When is the application deadline?
Deadlines are set annually and published in the call for proposals. Missing the deadline means waiting until the next funding cycle.
Q: Can one project combine terrestrial and aquatic species?
In some cases, yes. However, aquatic-focused funding streams prioritize aquatic outcomes and are assessed by DFO.
The Habitat Stewardship Program (Species at Risk) rewards well-planned projects with clear conservation outcomes and strong partnerships. Preparing early, aligning with priority species, and securing matching support all improve your odds.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active conservation and environmental grant programs across Canada — including federal species-at-risk funding — so you can quickly see which opportunities fit your project before the next deadline.
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