Ocean Week Canada Community Event Grant

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 Do you have an idea for an exciting event or activity, but need a bit of funding support to help make it happen? Or maybe you already have some of the funding you need for your event, but now you want to engage even more people. 

If either of these sound like you, we encourage you to apply when applications open for 2026!

Eligibility and Scope

COLC will be awarding grants between $500 – $2,000 to community organizations to support Ocean Week Canada 2026 events. 

Events can include:

  • Other engaging ideas!

Applications from these types of organizations and individuals will be considered:

 

  1. Registered Charity (and other qualified donees)
  2. Non-Profit Organization
  3. Small For-Profit Organization
  4. Co-op
  5. Non-Registered Community Group
 

Notes: 

  • Successful applicants must agree to the terms of the grant in order to receive payment.
How To Apply
  • The call for funding applications opens January 12, 2026.
  • Funding available for this grant call is up to $2,000 per application.
  • The online application has 18 questions and should take 30 minutes to one hour to complete. 
  • The deadline to submit your application is Wednesday, February 6, 2026 at 5:00p.m. Pacific Time.
  • Partially complete applications will not be considered.
Criteria for Funding

In order to receive funding, events must meet the following criteria: 

 

  • Be hosted in Canada. (Both in-person and virtual events will be considered.) 
  • Take place between May 15 and June 15, 2026, with preference for events taking place during Ocean Week Canada (June 1-8, 2026).
  • Offer a clear and compelling experience that deepens ocean knowledge, ocean values, and/or guides action for the ocean. 
  • The event design includes an activity or approach that is likely to create a memorable experience for participants. 
 

Preference will be given to applications that meet these additional criteria:

 

  • The applicant organization has an annual operating budget under $250,000.
  • The event is free to attend. 
  • Partners from the community will be involved in the event.
  • The event will feature a person or group of people who can effectively deliver a message that deepens ocean knowledge, ocean values, and/or guides action for the ocean. 
  • There is a clear and compelling call-to-action for event participants. 
 

Terms

If your application is successful, you will be required to agree to the following:

 

  • Make a good-faith effort to complete the goals outlined in your application 
  • Use the funds for the purposes described in this application 
  • If requested, provide supporting documentation (receipts, etc.) for how you spend the funds
  • Provide us with photos, videos, quotes, and success stories from your event/activity so that we share them with the public 
  • Put your event details on the Ocean Week Canada website
  • Work with local suppliers where possible 
  • Comply with the COLC’s media requirements (which will be provided to you) and use the logos we provide you on promotional materials/graphics where possible 
  • Submit the Ocean Week Canada event host survey within one month after your event. Survey takes 15 minutes to complete.
 

If your application is successful, you will receive an agreement letter via email that will require you to add your business/charity/non-profit number, as well as your direct deposit details and signature. This will allow Dalhousie University (COLC’s administrative home) to process your payment. Once you return the signed letter, COLC will sign the letter, and a copy will be returned to you for your records.  A direct deposit payment will be made within a month of your returned letter. 

Gallery

View some of our grants in action!

Throughout these events, culture, language, knowledge systems, and history were celebrated in unique ways. This national ocean celebration is made possible thanks to our regional hub coordinators, partners, event hosts, and dedicated community members. Visit the link below to view Ocean Week Canada’s impact across the years!

EXPLORE IMPACT