Applications are now open for Intact Financial Corporation’s 2024 Municipal Climate Resiliency Grants program, which has been expanded with a bigger pot of funds.
As announced in June, Intact decided to double its funding commitment to $2 million over the next two years. The initiative aims to assist municipalities and communities across Canada in developing actionable strategies to combat the increasing risks of flooding and wildfires caused by climate change.
The grants program is designed to fund initiatives led by municipalities, Indigenous communities, and registered charities that evaluate their vulnerability to extreme weather and take action to reduce those risks. The projects aim to build community-wide resilience by engaging residents.
Carla Smith (pictured), executive vice president and chief strategy, climate, and people officer at Intact, stated: “In the aftermath of this summer's devastating extreme weather events, our teams continue to work around the clock supporting thousands of customers and homeowners across the country get back on track.
“As the frequency and severity of extreme weather events continue to increase, there is an urgency for society to become more resilient to the impacts of a changing climate, which is why we are committed to helping even more municipalities and communities through our Municipal Climate Resiliency Grants program.”
Funding decisions will be revealed in early 2025, allowing projects to launch promptly to meet the most pressing needs. Eligible projects must focus on helping the most vulnerable populations and demonstrate measurable success, with the potential for wider implementation.
“Building climate resilience is central to Intact’s strategy,” Smith added. “For over a decade, we have been on the front lines of climate change, helping our communities recover from the devastating impacts of extreme weather while funding climate adaptation research and projects to help society prepare for and mitigate the impacts of flooding and wildfire events.
“Since 2010, we have invested $25 million in more than 100 climate adaptation projects, and we are looking forward to partnering with even more municipalities and communities across the country as we collectively build towards a more climate-resilient future.”
Applications can be submitted until January 31, 2025.
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