Faithful Footprints Grants

The United Church of Canada’s Faithful Footprint Grants are designed to reduce financial barriers for United Church communities of faith to complete energy efficiency and decarbonization building projects.

Since its inception in 2018, Faithful Footprints has engaged with more than 500 United Church congregations, camps, and outreach ministries. As of September 2024, more than 200 have completed their green building projects.

Available Grants

The Faithful Footprints grant provides the opportunity to secure a maximum funding of $20,000 for energy efficiency-related actions, upgrades, and projects. For applicants that opt to include decarbonization measures (e.g. physical removal of a fuel-burning appliance and its replacement with an electric counterpart), an additional amount of $10,000 becomes available, augmenting the initial $20,000 grant to $30,000.

Important Notes: 

• Eligible applications can receive both the energy efficiency and decarbonization grant. To qualify for the additional funds of up to $10,000, at least one component of the proposed project must involve the process of decarbonization.

• Applicants are eligible for a single application submission.

Eligibility and Requirements

Project

• Building must be a United Church of Canada-owned property. The grants are available for any United Church congregation including any United Church congregation, camp, or outreach ministry.

• Planned project(s) must focus on upgrading, renovating, or replacing elements and components of the building structure or property that target improved energy efficiency and/or reduction in building operational carbon emissions.

Documentation

• Applicants must provide supporting documentation of project budget and utility energy data from the past two years.

• Agreement to commit to at least one year of program participation.

Financial

• Matching funds should equate to 1⁄3 of total project costs and any funds required above the maximum grant amounts. Matching funds can be from in-kind congregational support, local, municipal, or federal grants and funding, etc. The grant requested should equate to 2⁄3 of the total project costs and should not exceed the maximum amount of potential funding available.

Grant Process and Timeline

Download our Step by Step Program Timeline

Step 1: Express Your Interest

Begin by filling out our Expression of Interest Form.

Step 2: Consultation and Idea Exploration

Participate in a personalized 1-1 consultation with our program’s Grant Manager to discuss your project idea(s).

Step 3: Audit and Assessment

Undergoing some form of energy audit, whether self-conducted or by employing professional services, can help lay out an optimal action plan for your project. For those lacking a well-defined plan, experiencing uncertainty regarding the starting point, or seeking guidance for optimal decision-making, this step is strongly recommended. A discussion on whether an audit or an assessment should be considered will take place during your 1 on 1 with our team. 

Step 4: Share Project Plan

Devise an energy efficiency/decarbonization project plan that is practical but also financially feasible for your team. Submit an overview of the plan, and upon review, we will provide you with the requisite application form.

Step 5: Formal Application

Submit a detailed application, outlining your plan, budget, and one year's worth of energy data.

Step 6: Fundraising and Matching Funds

Explore fundraising options or apply for matching funds to support your project(s).

Step 7: Application Review

Expect an email from us after submitting your application, confirming project approval.

Step 8: Project Commencement

Start implementing your approved projects

Step 9: Final Report Package Submission

After project completion, submit your comprehensive Final Report package, including:

• Receipts/invoices of project-related purchases and payments.

• 4-8 high-resolution photos of your projects. This can include but is not limited to; your community members working in action, before and after shots, videos, etc.

• Summary report of what you accomplished with the Faithful Footprints grants, including outcomes and results of completed projects, lessons learned, as well as stories and experiences.

Step 10: Reimbursement and Holdback

After your Final Report package is approved, you will receive your project reimbursement funds, with a $1,000 holdback.

Step 11: Post-Project Follow-up

One year post-completion, our team will reach out for your updated energy data.

Step 12: Benchmark Report

You will receive your Energy-Benchmark Report and unlock the remaining $1,000 holdback.

Step 13: Ongoing Celebration

Stay connected with us so we can continue celebrating and acknowledging your impactful work!

Still have questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions or reach out to us directly at info@faithfulfootprints.org

Take advantage of our additional project support

In addition to our grants, we offer several free and paid services to help you along your project journey. These services are provided by our program’s delivery partner Faith & the Common Good, and Regional Support Centres, Ecology Action Centre, Purpose Construction, and Newo Global Energy. Support includes project consultations, energy and Green Audits, funding and grant research, feasibility studies, environmental engagement, installation services, and contracting assistance. Explore your Faithful Footprints Regional Support Centres to find out how we can help you on your green building journey.