$500 to $1,000 A.P.E. Fund Microgrant

The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada runs the A.P.E. Fund, short for Animals, People and the Environment, to pay for Roots & Shoots community projects across Canada. Schools, charities, non-profits, Indigenous communities and municipalities can request $500 or $1,000 to put a youth environmental project into action, from pollinator gardens to habitat restoration and land-based learning. Applications are reviewed by the Institute's own Youth Advisory Council alongside programme staff.

What you get:

• A microgrant of $500 CAD for smaller activities such as a field trip, supplies or a one-time initiative
• Or a microgrant of $1,000 CAD for larger projects with more participants, habitat restoration or food growing
• Up to 10 percent of eligible expenses can be claimed as overhead at final reporting, for example up to $100 CAD on a $1,000 grant
• Free Roots & Shoots resources, including a Climate Change Curriculum Guide and a Biodiversity Guide

What you'll do:

• Design a Roots & Shoots project that benefits animals, people and the environment in your community
• Deliver the project and spend the funds before May 30, 2027
• Submit a narrative report and a final financial report by May 30, 2027

Key dates:

• Applications opened September 7, 2026
• Applications close October 5, 2026 at 9:59 PM ET
• Funding decisions expected late fall 2026
• Projects completed and final reports due May 30, 2027

More information:

• Full eligibility, eligible expenses and reporting rules are on the A.P.E. Fund FAQ: https://janegoodall.ca/what-we-do/canada-programs/roots-and-shoots/ape-fund/faq/
• Questions go to the Roots & Shoots team at rootsandshoots@janegoodall.ca

• Applicant must be an organisation: a school, registered charity, non-profit, Indigenous community or organisation, municipality or other incorporated community organisation
• Individuals and for-profit businesses cannot apply directly; an individual or informal group can partner with an eligible organisation
• Must be a member of Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Canada, which is free to join
• The project must take place in Canada
• The project must address biodiversity loss (animals), environmental inequity (people) and climate change (environment)
• Applicants state whether they are a Qualified Donee or Non-Qualified Donee and provide a Charitable Status Number
• Successful applicants sign a Memorandum of Understanding through someone with legal authority to bind the organisation
• Funds are paid only by EFT or Interac e-Transfer to the organisation, not to individuals
• Conference travel, tuition, academic research for credit, salaries beyond the 10 percent overhead allowance, and retroactive costs are not eligible