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ecoENERGY for Aboriginal and Northern Communities Program 2011-2016

Information for Applicants

Applications for funding for fiscal year 2012-2013 will be accepted as of May 1st, 2012. All applications must be received by the program by 11:59:59 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Friday, July 6, 2012. Proponents are encouraged to apply early. Applications will be processed in the order of receipt.

Program Overview
Eligible Recipients
Eligible Projects and Maximum Funding Levels
Eligible Expenditures
Required Application Documents
Assessment Criteria
Funding Approval and Reporting Requirements
Application Deadline
How to Apply
Non-eligible Projects and Expenditures

Program Overview

The ecoENERGY for Aboriginal and Northern Communities Program 2011-2016 (EANCP) is focused exclusively on providing funding support to Aboriginal and northern communities for clean energy projects. It is delivered by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) and is one of the suite of clean energy programs funded by the Government of Canada that address action on climate change.

The main objective of EANCP is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the generation of electricity and heat by supporting the development and implementation of renewable energy projects. EANCP provides funding support for the planning stages of renewable energy projects (Stream A projects) and for the design and implementation of renewable energy projects integrated with community buildings (Stream B projects).

Eligible Recipients

EANCP focuses exclusively on Aboriginal and northern communities. Eligible recipients include:

Aboriginal and Northern Communities
Band Councils
Tribal Councils
National Aboriginal organizations and other Aboriginal organizations, including professional organizations
Aboriginal community groups
Territorial governments and northern organizations

Eligible Projects and Funding Levels

EANCP will only support projects of proven and commercialized technologies that are appropriate to the local conditions. Funding will be granted based on eligibility and the assessment criteria, and may vary depending on the size of the project and the stage of its development.

STREAM A - Renewable Energy Projects

Under Stream A, the program will support pre-feasibility and feasibility studies required for the development of renewable energy projects that will result in over 4,000 tonnes of GHG reductions over their lifecycle (typically considered to be 20 years). Projects in this Stream are often 'stand-alone' projects that produce energy for a group of buildings or an entire community. Examples of the types of renewable energy projects that may be eligible for funding under Stream A are hydroelectricity (micro and large), residual heat recovery, and wind. For projects that fall under Stream A, applicants may request a maximum funding level of $250,000 per project.

STREAM B - Energy Projects Integrated with Community Buildings

Under Stream B, the program will support the design and construction of clean energy projects directly integrated with new or existing community buildings. Projects in this Stream produce energy for one or more community buildings. Examples of the types of energy projects that may be eligible for funding under Stream B include the integration of solar photovoltaics that produce electricity, passive solar heating systems, and geothermal or biomass systems that produce heat. For projects that fall under Stream B, applicants may request a maximum funding level of $100,000 per project.

For all projects, any funds previously received through the program between 2007-2011 will be included in the maximum funding level allowed for the project from the 2011-2016 program. For example, if a Stream A project (previously known as a Large Energy Project) received $150,000 under EANCP 2007-2011, it may be eligible to receive $100,000 under EANCP 2011-2016.

Eligible Expenditures

Please note that for 2012-2013, project activities supported through ecoENERGY funds must be completed and all funds expended by March 31, 2013. Eligible expenditures must be directly related to the project. Eligible expenditures will be reimbursed by EANCP based on a payment schedule, and the receipt of a project final report and financial statements that show the expenditures have been made for the approved project and approved activities. EANCP funding can cover partial or full costs of items in the following expenditure categories:

Professional fees: Fees for contractor or other professional services. Examples are fees paid to an engineering firm to complete an electrical interconnection study, and/ or fees paid to an environmental professional.
Salaries and wages: Wages for people hired specifically for the project that are paid directly by the funding recipient. An example is a wage paid to a temporary employee of a Band Council that is acting as the manager for the EANCP project on behalf of the community.
Equipment and facilities: Costs for equipment or facilities necessary to undertake the project. Examples include equipment to measure stream flows in a hydroelectric prefeasibility study, or solar panels to be installed on the roof of a community owned building.
Travel expenses: Cost for all travel, accommodation and meal costs that are paid directly by the funding recipient.
In-house operating expenses directly related to the project: This may include items like the cost of printing, telephone calls, etc. that directly support the project.
Other expenses directly related to the project: This category can be used to cover expenses for items that do not fall into one of the above categories. An example might be a fee that is required to obtain a license or permit for the project from a regulatory agency.

Required Application Documents

The proponent must complete and submit the following documents with their application for funding. Please note that failure to provide any of the required documents may prevent the project from being considered for funding.

Application for Funding
- Each section of the Application for Funding Template must be completed.
Project Budget
- Both tables of the Project Budget Template must be completed. They are "Expenditure details" and "Contributions from other sources".
- For each expenditure listed in the project budget, the applicant must provide details about the purpose/ deliverable of the expenditure as it related to the project.
- Cost estimates should be as accurate as possible.
Letter of support for the project from the community.
- For example, a Band Council Resolution showing a quorum of support for the project is required if the project proponent is a First Nation under the Indian Act.
RETScreen analysis
- The RETScreen Clean Energy Project Analysis Software is a "decision support tool" for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. A user inputs project related data and the software outputs estimated energy production and savings, costs, emission reductions, financial viability and risk.
- The software can be downloaded free of charge from Natural Resources Canada.
- A completed RETScreen must be provided in .xls or .ret format (a photocopy, pdf or faxed copy is not acceptable).

Assessment Criteria

Proposals will be reviewed to ensure that the proponent has completed and submitted all of the required application documents and that the application meets all of the eligibility requirements of the program (eligible recipient, eligible project, and eligible expenditures).

EANCP's Project Review Committee will assess complete applications based on the following criteria:

That the application contains sufficient and accurate information to understand the proposed scope of work.
That there is evidence of strong project governance and the roles of the partners are reasonable.
That the chosen technology is appropriate to the local conditions.
That the proponent has considered key technical factors related to the project.
That the proponent has considered environmental and/ or permitting requirements.
That the proponent has considered appropriate project development considerations, project risks and mitigation measures.
That the project budget and outcomes/ deliverables are reasonable.
That the community in which the project is located is supportive of the project and has a vested interest in the successful outcome of the project.
That the project is expected to achieve the stated economic, environmental and social benefits for the community in which it is located.
The likelihood of the project activities being completed and funds expended by March 31, 2013.
The likelihood of the project proceeding to implementation.

Greater consideration will be given to projects with the following characteristics:

Viable proposals for projects in Aboriginal and northern off-grid communities that have not received funding though the program in previous years.
Proposals for projects that include key partners whose contributions are monetary or in kind (such as provincial/territorial governments, Aboriginal governments, educational institutions, professional or industrial associations, non-governmental organizations or the private sector).
Projects where the applicant/ community are shown to have strong involvement in the project and are contributing resources to the project's success, through a monetary and/ or in kind contribution.

Funding Approval and Reporting Requirements

If approved, funds for the approved project activities will be transferred through a comprehensive funding arrangement between the recipient and the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. Only one project will be approved per community per fiscal year (in the case where more than one proposal is submitted per community).

Recipients are required to report to AANDC on the progress of their project and outcomes of the approved funding to show that expenditures are made for the approved project activities, to compare anticipated results with actual results, and to identify next steps. A reporting template will be provided by the program. The level and frequency of reporting is dependent on the recipient's risk rating as defined by their General Assessment.

Application Deadline for 2012-2013

How To Apply

Please contact us to obtain a copy of the Application for Funding Template and the Project Budget Template.

Communities wishing to apply for EANCP funding must submit their complete application to ecoenergie-ecoenergy@aandc-aadnc.gc.ca by the application deadline.

* Please note that our electronic server system will only allow up to a maximum of 10MB to be received per email. Please ensure that your email and attachments do not exceed 10MB. If your application documents exceed 10MB, please separate your application documents and submit your application in multiple emails, each of which does not exceed 10MB.

* Please also note that you will receive an email confirmation of the receipt of your application. If you do not receive confirmation, your application has not been received by the program and will NOT be considered for funding. It is the responsibility of the proponent to ensure that the application has been received on time by the program.

Non-eligible Projects and Expenditures

For Stream A projects, EANCP will not provide funds for project construction. Construction costs may be supported through community-sourced funds, private sector partnerships and/or financing.
EANCP will not provide funds for projects that involve the production of biogas/ biofuel or projects that focus on fuel savings related to transportation.
EANCP will not provide funds for projects related to housing or for the general maintenance of community buildings, including the integration of energy efficiency products such as windows, insulation, lighting, etc.
EANCP will not provide funds for workshops, conferences and information meetings.
EANCP will not provide funds for international travel expenses.
EANCP will not provide funds for research and development projects, demonstration or pilot projects.
EANCP will not provide funds for projects that are submitted by an individual and/ or where the benefits of the proposed project do not accrue to the community and/ or First Nation.

Thank you for your interest in our program.