Shell Environmental Fund

About

The Shell Environmental Fund (SEF) provides financial support for grass roots, action-oriented projects that improve and protect the Canadian environment. Funding support can be requested for projects that yield a direct, positive environmental benefit and engage the local community through hands-on involvement.

Beginning in Fall 2009, the SEF will provide grants of up to $10,000 per project (up from previous $5,000 maximum). Projects will only qualify for SEF funding once.*

* Applications for the same project or continuation of projects previously funded by SEF will not be considered. For example, phases or expansion of original project and funding for a second year of an annual event (Earth Day, etc) would not qualify for funding.

$100,000 Major Initiatives Grant

Beginning in 2009, Shell Canada will proactively grant up to $100,000 towards four major initiatives that repair, enhance and/or protect the environment.

Eligible recipients must be located in areas adjacent to Shell Canada’s operations/projects, and/or:

• Have a national focus
• Direct environmental benefit
• Be replicable
• Have a large volunteer component
• Capitalize on strengths of partnerships with other organizations

Shell Canada representatives will work with our local communities and environmental stakeholders to identify projects. We will not be accepting applications for these funds but encourage those who are interested to e-mail admin-sef@shell.com for further details.

SEF Guidelines

Who Can Apply? 
The SEF is open to all not-for-profit organizations including environmental/wildlife groups, community groups and associations, Aboriginal organizations, municipalities and educational institutions.

Businesses and individuals are not eligible to apply for funding, but are encouraged to partner with local not-for-profit organizations with similar environmental goals.

The Shell Environmental Fund reserves the right to decline applications from organizations that have received grants in the most recent grant cycle. In addition, applicants should not submit more than one request for each grant cycle.
   

Eligible Projects: 
Funding is available to projects that fall within Shell Environmental Fund guidelines:

• Are action-oriented, that make measurable positive environmental impact to the Canadian environment
• Are community or ‘grass roots’ in nature
• Have strong volunteer involvement
• Demonstrate innovation and creativity in finding solutions to environmental issues
• If applicable, demonstrate cooperation and consultation with other organizations, including the sharing of materials, or project experience if it seems reasonable to do so.
• Have the necessary approvals, supporting documents and commitment of partners.
• Have a well thought-out plan, which includes:
  o Clear and defined goals and objectives that can be assessed upon completion
  o Evaluation strategy which considers both short and long term results
  o Realistic project time line and work plan
  o Strategies are appropriate to the achievement of goals
  o A clear, accurate and realistic budget

Examples:

Two Wheel View is a Shell Environmental Fund recipient. The organization uses bicycles as a tool to provide leadership, environmental and cultural education programs to at-risk youth. The Earn-a-Bike program gives youth hands on experience in assembling, repairing and maintaining a bike, while working toward earning a bike of their own.And, once learning these skill-sets, the youth are encouraged to take part in Two Wheel View's ride programs that incorporate the importance of safety, trail etiquette, environmental education and stewardship.

Jeunes coop Écolocorde is an initiative run by elementary students from Sainte-Marguerite School in Quebec. Students, aged five to 12, work together to fabricate skipping ropes by recycling plastic tubing, originally used for maple extraction. Inspired by their gym teacher, students now create durable, yet eco-friendly skipping ropes. Hundreds of ropes are assembled each year from recycled materials and are then sold to local schools, allowing the students to develop their entrepreneurial spirit.

Other guidance:

The Shell Environmental Fund prefers to fund projects in public or publicly accessible spaces but will consider support if a conservation easement or similar arrangement is in place to allow for broad public benefit. We do not fund land purchase.

Our significant work with the Nature Conservancy of Canada - opens in new window and Tree Canada - opens in new window has led the SEF to move away from schoolyard naturalizations, planting projects for beautification or landscaping, and regional Nature Conservancy of Canada projects.

The SEF also does not support: 

• Projects or activities underway
• Activities required by laws and/or mandated by other levels of government
• Lobbying and advocacy activities
• Projects for personal gain or business profit
• Operating or general capital expenses for an organization
• Conferences and workshops
• Individual research projects/studies
• Projects outside of Canada
• Large projects requiring significant funding, where the Shell Environmental Fund grant is a small part of overall project cost
• Books, materials, and other information resources for a library
• Multiple applications across a region

If you are unsure about the eligibility of your project, we recommend you contact us prior to submitting your application.
   
How Are Applications Reviewed? 
A cross-section of Shell staff and external representatives review applications twice a year (Spring and Fall). Each representative contributes his/her expertise and knowledge of environmental issues.

Review Process - Under $500

We regularly review applications for $500 or less. They are not subject to deadlines but must be submitted via our online application process. Applicants will be notified once the Shell Environmental Fund administrator has reviewed their application.
 

Deadlines and Application Process 
All online applications must be submitted prior to the application deadline:

• February 15
• September 13

All proposals will be reviewed within one month after each deadline. Applicants are notified of final decisions about 45 days after deadlines by email. Please no phone or email inquiries.

NOTE: Applications missing any required information will be declined. We recommend that you review the application guidelines prior to submitting your online application.
 

Application Steps

Step 1:  Review eligibility criteria
This information will help you determine whether your project meets our guidelines.

Step 2: Review list of questions - opens in new window
We strongly recommend that you print and read the list of questions and technical tips before you begin, to avoid technical problems. This document will also help you collect necessary information in advance. 

Step 3:  Collect information
Refer to the application instructions for the full list of questions you’ll be required to answer. You will save time by collecting details about your organization beforehand. Complete and accurate information is required, as the review panels base their decisions on details you provide. 

You will be given an opportunity to attach supplementary information to your application. The Shell Environmental Fund accepts attachments such as:

• Maps or photos
• Maintenance plans for naturalization projects
• Supporting letters from third-parties

Please note that additional information is required for naturalization projects (PDF, 138 KB) - opens in new window. 

Step 4:  Start a new online application - opens in new window
The application form is easy to use with step-by-step instructions and links to technical support.

Questions? 
Contact us with any questions about the Shell Environmental Fund. 

Administrator
Shell Environmental Fund
Telephone: (403) 691-3904
Fax: (403) 269-8031
E-mail: admin-sef@shell.com
 

Questions?

 
Contact us with any questions about the Shell Environmental Fund. 

Administrator
Shell Environmental Fund
Telephone: (403) 691-3904
Fax: (403) 269-8031
E-mail: admin-sef@shell.com