The WHC mandate is to support applications that:
- are relevant under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP);
- positively impact regional and local habitats of other migratory game birds;
- consider the Newfoundland and Labrador Murre Conservation Fund.
WHC recognizes the importance of projects involving habitat conservation, restoration and enhancement for other wildlife (i.e. other than migratory game birds) and fish; however, these types of projects are not eligible for funding consideration under the Contribution Agreement between Environment and Climate Change Canada and Wildlife Habitat Canada.
Opportunity
Projects under the Research Grants category focus on furthering the understanding of waterfowl and/or habitat conservation in priority areas or the NAWMP human dimensions component.
Examples of research projects that have received grant funding in the past:
- Long Point Waterfowl’s Lake St. Clair Initiative: Habitat Selection and Survival of American Black Ducks and Mallards during Autumn-Winter;
- Assessing the ecological influences on the efficacy of benthic barriers to control yellow flag iris in high priority waterfowl habitats across British Columbia;
- Understanding the dynamics of people’s interactions with waterfowl: Assessing hunter’s preferences for waterfowl management in Canada.
Eligibility
To be considered for funding, Research projects:
- require a letter of support from the scientific or technical committee of the associated North American Waterfowl Management Plan Habitat (or Species) Joint Venture in Canada. This letter of support must be attached to the application form when it is submitted to WHC.
- applying for a grant through an academic institution, such as a college or university, must:
- contact WHC before submitting the application if the academic institution requires an overhead expense be charged against the requested WHC grant funds;
- ensure that the appropriate academic institution administrative office has reviewed the draft WHC Letter of Agreement before the application is submitted. If the grant application is successful, the academic institution will be expected to enter into an agreement substantially in accordance with the draft, as a requirement of grant eligibility; and,
- provide a letter from the administrative office confirming that the draft WHC Letter of Agreement has been reviewed, including any comments or changes that may need to be considered if the grant application is successful. This letter must be attached to the application form when it is submitted to WHC.
Funding Available
- Project implementation must comply with all relevant legislation, regulations, licenses, permits, etc.
- One-year projects must be carried out between April 1st of the granting year and March 31st of the subsequent year. If approved, WHC grant funds must be spent within the designated fiscal year.
- Two-year projects must be carried out between April 1st of the granting year and March 31st two years following receipt of funds. If approved, WHC grant funds must be spent within the two designated fiscal years.
- A minimum 1:1 funding match ratio* must clearly be demonstrated in the application. WHC contributions cannot exceed 50% of the project costs. *Please note that funding from Government of Canada programs cannot be considered as match.
- Cash and in-kind contributions must be confirmed with signed letters from the supporting partner. Letters to accompany the grant application form. Should funding sources be anticipated but not confirmed at the time of application, please indicate clearly in the Financial Summary section of the grant application form.
- The following activities are not eligible for grant funding from WHC:
- Expenditures directly related to the acquisition of land or an interest in land, including a lease, conservation easement or conservation covenant;
- A contribution to an endowment fund.
Useful Links
- For further details about funding categories, eligibility criteria and deadlines, click here.
- Application Form
Deadlines
| CORIS Internal Review | Please contact your Research Facilitator |
| cuResearch Checklist | October 10, 2018 |
| Submission to Sponsor | October 17, 2018 (5 pm EDT) |
Submitting Your Application
- Applications must be submitted via cuResearch, through which Departmental and Associate Dean’s approval must be provided to complete the online application process.
- More information on cuResearch can be found here.
Internal Contacts
If you would like assistance with proposal development and/or a substantive review of your proposal, please contact the appropriate Research Facilitator.