HCi3 Grant — Catalyst Stream

Early-stage climate ideas often struggle to get off the ground without flexible seed funding, especially when they’re rooted in community impact rather than immediate commercial returns. The HCi3 Grant — Catalyst Stream is designed to fill that gap for organizations in Nova Scotia with innovative projects that contribute to greenhouse gas reductions while supporting a fair and inclusive transition to a low‑carbon future. Offered through the Halifax Climate Investment, Innovation and Impact Fund, this stream focuses on helping new initiatives move from concept to action.

The Catalyst Stream provides non-repayable funding of up to around $10,000 to support pilot projects, feasibility work, and early implementation. It’s well suited for nonprofits and small to medium-sized organizations working on climate solutions such as low‑carbon housing concepts, community-based renewable energy, or shared and electric transportation models. Projects don’t need to deliver massive emissions cuts immediately, but they should demonstrate clear potential to reduce emissions over time while building community capacity, partnerships, and long-term impact. A strong emphasis is placed on social equity, reconciliation, and ensuring climate solutions benefit those most affected by climate change.

Intakes for this program run periodically rather than year-round, and demand is competitive. For organizations exploring how a seed grant like this could help launch or test a climate-focused initiative, digging deeper into the program details can clarify whether the Catalyst Stream aligns with your goals and timing.