Sponsor
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP)
Program
The 2027-28 Species Conservation Program Guidelines can be accessed on the Ontario Species Conservation Program website. The guidelines outline program requirements and important details including the annual funding priorities. Applicants are asked to carefully read the guidelines before completing and submitting an application.
Description
The Species Conservation Program provides provincial funding for projects that contribute to the protection and conservation of species at risk and their habitats in Ontario. Eligible activities may include habitat preservation and restoration, field surveys and monitoring, research, threat mitigation, public education and outreach, and the collection of local or Indigenous knowledge. The program was established in 2025 and replaced the former Species at Risk Stewardship Program.
Eligibility
The program is open to a broad range of applicants across Ontario, including:
- Academic institutions
- Indigenous communities and organizations
- Non-government organizations
- Municipal and local governments
- Businesses and industry organizations
- Consulting companies
- Landowners, farmers and individuals
Projects must benefit species that have been assessed by the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO) as extirpated, endangered, threatened or of special concern.
Maximum Project Value
Value varies/not specified. Funding requests should be commensurate with project scope and budget justification. Projects receiving more than $750,000 are subject to additional audit requirements.
Indirect Costs
Indirect costs are limited. The program allows:
- Administration expenses
- Support service costs attributable to the project
Combined administration and support service costs cannot exceed 10% of total funds requested or $20,000 per year (averaged across project years), whichever is less.
Project Duration
1-5 years (single- or multi-year projects). Projects must start on or after April 1, 2027 and conclude by December 31, 2031.
Special Notes
- Research projects must address identified conservation needs and demonstrate direct benefits for species at risk, their habitats or ecosystem conservation.
- Preference will be given to projects that mitigate threats to species at risk, restore or enhance habitat, benefit multiple species and align with the program's 2027-28 priorities.
- Matching contributions are encouraged and are viewed favourably during assessment, although they are not mandatory for most project types.
- Funding recipients (the University of Guelph) must enter into a transfer payment agreement with the Province of Ontario and provide reporting on project outcomes and expenditures.
Deadlines
If College-level review is required, your College will communicate its earlier internal deadlines.
| Type | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Internal Deadline | Please submit a PDF copy of your application, along with an OR-5 Form to research.services@uoguelph.ca. | |
External Deadline | December 2, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications must be submitted by the PI electronically through the Transfer Payment Ontario portal by the deadline. |
How to Apply
All applicants are required to create a My Ontario Account to register and access TPON. Follow the steps outlined on Ontario's Get Funding Page. MECP recommends completing the registration steps as soon as possible, as it may take up to 5 business days to be granted access.
Once you are registered and have logged on to TPON, you can access the 2027-28 Species Conservation Program Application Form (and supporting materials) to complete and submit your project application.
Applications must be submitted through Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON). For the 2027-28 competition, applications are due by December 2, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET (see Internal Deadline above). Applicants must submit a completed application form, budget and required supporting documentation.