Department of Environment
 
Environment

NEW BRUNSWICK ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST FUND

Application Guide for 2012-2013

If you have a green idea to make your community a better place, New Brunswick's Environmental Trust Fund (ETF) could help translate your idea into reality. The Fund provides assistance for projects with tangible, measurable results, aimed at protecting, preserving and enhancing the Province's natural environment.

Who may apply to the Fund?

Community groups, NB municipalities, non-profit NB organizations, and institutions furthering sustainable development may apply to the Environmental Trust Fund.

Where do you send your application?

The Department of Environment (ENV) is the single entry-point for all ETF submissions. Applications may be sent to: Environmental Trust Fund, Department of Environment, P.O. Box 6000, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5H1.

What is the application deadline?

December 16, 2011 is the deadline for submitting proposals for 2012-2013 ETF awards.

What kinds of projects does the Fund support?
  • Protection

    Under this category, projects contribute to the protection of essential ecological processes, biological diversity, and renewable and non-renewable resources in New Brunswick at an environmentally sustainable level. They foster stewardship among residents for the province's ecological health and diversity, to benefit current and future generations. Projects have resulted in improved water quality, increased awareness of our natural areas and improved management of hazardous materials.
  • Restoration

    Projects that enhance the quality and sustainability of New Brunswick's air, land and water resources. This, in turn, will reduce risks to human life, biological diversity, and property.

  • Sustainable Development

    Activities that protect and enhance New Brunswick's resources and natural environment through the integration of economic, social and environmental objectives. The goal is to ensure our communities, and the resources we depend on for our existence, are sustained over time.

  • Conservation

    These projects contribute to New Brunswick's environmental quality by conserving or promoting the conservation of our natural resources. They develop strategies and take actions to conserve natural and man-made materials.

  • Education

    This category includes projects to develop, improve or expand educational programs and support university research which address environmental issues and the principles of sustainable development. The goal is to increase environmental awareness among New Brunswickers, so we can all play a meaningful part in contributing to the quality of our environment.

  • Beautification

    The Fund supports projects to maintain and enhance New Brunswick's visual environment.
How does the Fund work?

ETF staff will analyze your application to ensure it meets the program's criteria. During this initial assessment, you may be contacted for further information or clarification of your proposal.

ENV staff will then review your application from a technical perspective in terms of environmental merit and compatibility with priority areas. Applications will also be assessed from a financial perspective to ensure financial requests are in line with anticipated costs and established rates of pay, etc. and taking into account other financial and in-kind contributions. Applications will also be evaluated on the anticipated project outcomes and measures of success. In situations where applicants have received a previous ETF award, the outcome of past projects may also be taken into consideration.

The Environmental Trust Fund Advisory Board then reviews all applications/assessments and makes recommendations to the Minister of Environment. Once projects are approved, the Minister will announce the ETF awards for 2012-13.
The Environmental Trust Fund reimburses actual costs up to, but not exceeding, the approved amount for eligible activities. Only those activities agreed to by the Trust Fund are considered eligible activities. The Letter of Offer sent to successful applicants explains reimbursement, time frames and other procedures. It constitutes a contractual agreement between the successful proponent and ENV.

Awards are for expenses incurred within the fiscal year in which they are announced (April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013). Based on an evaluation of the work completed, the Fund reserves the right not to continue providing assistance to multi-year projects.

Other considerations:

The principle of "polluter pays" is followed in considering proposals. This means that the Fund will not provide assistance to restore environmental quality when the responsible party can be held accountable, or to undertake measures necessary to meet environmental standards.
The ETF encourages applicants to explore other possible sources of assistance to share in the project's costs. This third-party assistance and/or in-kind contributions will enable the Fund to extend assistance to a greater number of projects.

Before your project begins, you must obtain all licenses and permits required to carry out your project. Funding approval does not exempt you from regulatory requirements.

In addition, the Fund does not provide assistance when the recipient would gain an advantage over entrepreneurs in the same sector or a related sector of the economy.

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