Call for
Scotiabank Climate Action Research Fund
About Organisation
Scotiabank is one of North America’s leading financial institutions, with total assets of approximately $1.4 trillion as of January 31, 2025. It is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). With a clear purpose — “for every future” — Scotiabank is dedicated to helping clients, their families, and communities achieve financial success. The bank provides a comprehensive range of services including personal and commercial banking, wealth and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets solutions. Scotiabank’s vision is to become its clients’ most trusted financial partner while delivering sustainable and profitable growth. Committed to making a positive impact, Scotiabank actively supports initiatives that contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future, aligning with its core values and long-term strategy. Through financial support, research investments, and community engagement, the bank continues to champion innovation and responsibility, particularly in areas such as climate action and sustainable economic development.
About the Grant
The Scotiabank Climate Action Research Fund provides approximately CAD $1 million annually to support research initiatives that contribute to a low-carbon future. The grant aims to fund organizations conducting research or exploring solutions to accelerate the transition to a lower-carbon economy. Key focus areas include national and sectoral decarbonization pathways, identification of carbon sinks and carbon removal methods, development of innovative financing models for decarbonization, and policy or regulatory measures to expedite emissions reductions. Additionally, the grant supports projects that improve greenhouse gas emissions data collection and analysis, particularly in sectors like agriculture or real estate where data is scarce or inconsistent. Other supported areas include consumer and industrial behavior change strategies to enhance demand for low or zero-carbon solutions. Grant recipients may receive between CAD $25,000 and $100,000, depending on the scope and impact of the proposed research. Submissions that align with the fund’s goals and present scalable, innovative approaches to climate challenges will be considered for funding. Projects not selected in this round may be resubmitted in future calls, with the next expected in March/April 2026.
Who can Apply?
Eligibility for the Scotiabank Climate Action Research Fund is limited to organizations that are officially registered as charities or non-profit entities within their jurisdiction. The initiative is designed to support institutional research bodies, think tanks, and advocacy groups that are legally recognized and compliant with national laws governing charitable or non-profit operations. Applicants must be able to demonstrate credibility in climate-related research or decarbonization-focused projects. Organizations must also have a clear plan, defined objectives, and the capacity to deliver measurable outcomes that contribute meaningfully to climate action. Collaborative proposals involving multiple eligible entities are permitted, provided that the lead applicant meets the registration requirements. Private individuals, for-profit companies, and unregistered entities are not eligible to apply. Additionally, applicants must ensure that their projects align with one or more of the fund’s thematic priorities such as decarbonization, policy reform, financing innovation, or emissions data improvements. Proposals should be research-focused, innovative, and practical in addressing climate change mitigation or adaptation strategies. The organization must also agree to comply with reporting and accountability standards outlined by the fund, and provide documentation as required during the application and grant period.
How to Apply?
Interested eligible organizations must complete and submit the official application form via the Climate Change Centre of Excellence. The form must be filled out in full, detailing the proposed research, objectives, outcomes, and budget. Only completed submissions will be reviewed. Applications will be evaluated based on relevance, innovation, scalability, and alignment with the fund’s focus areas
Application Deadline
Application Deadline
All submissions must be submitted by Thursday, May 22, 2025, no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Last Date To Apply
The last date to apply for the Scotiabank Climate Action Research Fund is May 22, 2025. Ensure the application is submitted before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on this date.
Grant Amount
The grant provides funding between CAD $25,000 and CAD $100,000 per selected proposal. The total fund allocation for this call is approximately CAD $1 million for the 2025 cycle.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
