The City is developing a new pilot program to improve local communities’ ability to prepare for extreme weather events and we’re looking for your input!

The survey will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.

Proposed Pilot Grant Program Details

Goal: Build capacity of local community organizations to help them prepare for and recover from extreme weather events.

Objectives: Provide funding to acquire emergency equipment, services and supplies for eligible groups.

Eligible Applicants: Local community organizations that have,

• governance structure (mission statement, vision, etc.),  
• a decision-making body,  
• geographically located within or primarily serving the City of Ottawa 
• liability insurance

Example eligible groups: Faith-based organizations, community association, non-government organizations, social service providers, condominium boards, registered charities (with annual budget <$300K), 

Ineligible applicants:  

• for profit organizations  
• individuals  
• large NGO (annual budget >$300K)  
• government agencies  
• public and private schools, universities and colleges,  
• organizations that serve locations primarily outside of City of Ottawa limits

Eligible Projects: grant funds to cover equipment, services and supplies. Examples could potentially include, but not limited to,

Equipment: sandbagging machine, chain saws

Services: training, emergency planning, communications

Supplies: non-perishable food, battery packs

Maximum grant per recipient: $50,000

Pilot Program Background

Climate Ready Ottawa (CRO), the City’s Climate Resiliency Strategy and 5-year action plan, was approved by Council in November 2025 and includes establishing a pilot Community Extreme Weather Preparedness Grant Program. The purpose of the grant program is “to support community groups, faith-based organizations, and social service providers to bolster their ability to address future climate emergencies”.

To learn more about emergency preparedness, please visit the Office of Emergency Management webpage or contact them to organize a presentation to your community.

Confidentiality

Responses will remain anonymous and kept confidential. Information collected will only be used for program planning purposes and will not impact any future grant applications. No personal information will be shared publicly.