Funded by the City of Pickering, the Environmental Schools Grant offers financial support to school boards to help enable schools in Pickering to implement activities that contribute to a healthy environment.  

The funded activities, programs, and initiatives must provide an environmental benefit to the Pickering community and its residents, have clear, measurable benefits and results, and directly support the City’s goal to continuously improve environmental sustainability.

Who is Eligible

  • Durham District Public School Board up to $10,000.00 per year
  • Durham Catholic District School Board up to $10,000.00 per year
  • Ontario French Public School Board up to $1000.00 per year

Are you interested in applying for your school?

Contact your respective school board to learn more about the Application Guidelines and deadline. Applications are collected and reviewed by the school board to ensure the projects align with the Environmental Schools Grant criteria.  

Fundable Projects Ideas

There are lots of fun, exciting ways to help make our lives, our city and our schools more sustainable. Pickering schools have led many remarkable environmental projects. Drawing from what others have done, below are examples of project ideas:

Reducing Waste

  • Eliminating single use plastics
  • Education campaigns on proper waste diversion practices and waste audits

Encouraging Active Transportation

  • Bike rack installation
  • Incentives for a bike/walk event at school

Promoting Anti-Idling in Kiss ‘n Ride Areas

  • Distributing fake tickets for idling or rewards for those who turn off their engines
  • Education and awareness campaigns

Helping Birds, Butterflies, and other Species

  • Providing pollinator habitat
  • Raising and releasing butterflies, fish and/or water invertebrates

Reducing Energy Consumption

  • Equipping classrooms with energy monitors and auditing their use
  • Holding awareness, or ‘power down’ events throughout the school year

Greening School Grounds

  • Native and drought-resistant plant gardens
  • Tree planting

Growing Green Thumbs for Local Food

  • Indoor food growing projects
  • Outdoor veggie boxes or vegetable garden beds