New Grant Helps Residents Take Action on a Changing Climate

Bring your neighbourhood one step closer to being the most resilient to climate change by applying for a Sustainability Grant, a new pilot program offered by the Township of Langley. This innovative community grant invites residents and registered non-profit societies and charities to embark on change-making, climate-focused projects of their choice.
“Everyone who resides in the Township is welcome to apply for project-specific grant funding to aid in the fight against climate change,” explains Township of Langley Sustainability Programs Specialist, Sarah Maleska. “When we act together, even small efforts can make a big difference in our neighbourhoods. By introducing the Sustainability Grant, we want to help our communities take on forward-thinking projects and initiatives that benefit the environment and plan for the future.”
Whether community gardens or fruit tree pick-and-shares, educational programs and workshops, or neighbourhood celebrations that bring the topic of sustainability to the forefront, climate action-focused initiatives of all kinds will be considered. While potential projects are only limited by the applicant’s imagination, those that demonstrate socially-equitable project planning and clearly outline alignment with the Township’s Climate Action Strategy and Sustainability Charter will be prioritized.
In 2021, Township of Langley Mayor and Council unanimously approved the Climate Action Strategy. The Strategy details over 140 actions, all which work to ensure the Township is equipped to minimize emissions and maximize resilience to the effects of a changing climate, with an ultimate goal to achieve net-zero emission status by 2050. In addition to increasing community awareness and conversation on sustainable, local initiatives, the Sustainability Grant program meets the Climate Action Strategy’s goal to expand the Township’s existing community grant program to include a one focused solely on sustainability. Future iterations of the program will be considered later this year, following the conclusion of the pilot program.
The call for Sustainability Grant applications begins Friday, April 1 and takes place through Sunday, May 15. Grants of up to $500 are available for resident-led projects, while grants of up to $2,000 are available for those led by eligible organizations and community groups. Residents are encouraged to team up with friends and neighbours to coordinate and undertake grant projects, as resident-led projects require a co-applicant. Businesses and for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply for a grant.
Those interested in applying for a Sustainability Grant can visit tol.ca/SGPP to find the application form and learn more about the program. The webpage also details full eligibility requirements, a budgeting worksheet, and checklist to help applicants begin planning their project.
To learn more about the Township of Langley’s actions against climate change, visit tol.ca/climateaction.