Sustainable Development Innovations Fund (SDIF)

The purpose of the SDIF is to provide financial assistance for the development, implementation and promotion of environmental innovation and sustainable development projects. The SDIF Open Category provides support for research studies, demonstration of new technology, community enhancement and educational projects, which further the sustainability of Manitoba's economy, human health and social well-being, and help to protect Manitoba's environment.

Eligibility Criteria

The following applicants are eligible to apply for SDIF Open Category Funding: Municipalities, local governments including Community Councils and First Nation Communities, provincial government departments, private and non-profit organizations, community or youth groups and associations, educational institutions and industrial, commercial and institutional organizations. Individuals, or groups excluded from the above list, may submit a joint application with an eligible applicant.

Eligible Activities

Grant funds are available from the SDIF Open Category for projects that will be conducted in Manitoba or are of benefit to Manitoba that: 

• address one or more of the priority areas
• demonstrates measurable progress towards achieving one or more of the Fund's objectives
• promotes a sustainable approach, has clear environmental benefits, and takes into account benefits to the community and economy
• be environmentally and ecologically sound
• involves youth where possible
• has written support and has identified other financial or in-kind project support
• has a realistic budget and use appropriate resources to conduct the project
• has a distinct start and finish, and will be implemented in a timely fashion
• has a clear, concrete plan for future use, sharing or replication.

Ineligible Applications and Funding Requests:

SDIF Open Category grants will not be awarded to:

• projects that will result in proprietary knowledge accruing and being held exclusively by the grant recipient;
• applications for debt financing or cost recovery purposes;
• purchase of playground and recreational equipment;
• real property (land, buildings) and vehicles;
• ongoing administration and established operational budgets; and
• initiatives that must be undertaken as a result of a government order, such as removal of petroleum distribution systems, investigations, and remediation.

Summary

Type of Assistance: 

• Financial support is provided for the following priority areas: environmental technology innovation and demonstration, northern community development and environmental issues, sustainable community development, sustainable agricultural practices, ecosystem conservation, understanding our environment and eco-tourism.
• The SDIF Open Program will consider proposals up to five times annually.
• The general funding limit is $50,000. The Minister of Conservation approves all grants made from the Sustainable Development Innovations Fund.
• Any projects approved in excess of $25,000 require treasury board approval.

Manitoba Contact(s):
Sustainable Development Innovations Fund (SDIF)
Pollution Prevention Branch
Manitoba Conservation
160 - 123 Main Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba  R3C 1A5
Telephone: 204-945-4717
Fax: 204-945-1211
Toll-free (information): 1-800-282-8069 ext. 4717
E-mail: sdif@gov.mb.ca
Web site: http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/pollutionprevention/index.html?