Funding available for innovative ideas in Ottawa for healthy oceans

 Applications now open to receive support from a $30,000 microgrant fund

OTTAWA, March 30, 2016 /CNW/ - Applications are now open for Ottawa Wave Makers, a microgrant for projects to help raise awareness in the nation's capital about Canada's oceans. The microgrant program, operated by Impact Hub Ottawa and the World Wildlife Fund Canada, is now in its second year.

WHAT
A total of $30,000 in microgrants for an unlimited number of projects that:

• Creatively promote healthy oceans;
• Reach diverse audiences;
• Are a collaborative effort that involve multiple disciplines or sectors;
• Empower action and increase awareness, participation and knowledge of ocean health;
• Are solutions-oriented.

Projects must also be:

• Nonpartisan
• Ottawa-focused i.e. taking place in Ottawa and raising the awareness of oceans among Ottawans
• Legal (including by-laws)
• Eligible projects include but are not limited to:
• Campaigns
• Events
• Art installations
• Conferences
• Pop-up events
• Mobile applications
• Workshops

WHEN

• Apply before TIME? April 30, 2016
• Winning projects must run by Nov., 1, 2016

WHERE

• Apply at http://bit.ly/OttWaveMakers
• Projects must take place in Ottawa and raise the awareness of oceans among Ottawans

Quote from James Chan, director of civic innovation at Impact Hub Ottawa
"Healthy oceans are vital to our communities and our economy, and benefit Canadians across the country. We're excited to partner with WWF-Canada again this year on projects that engage social innovators and the creative community here in Ottawa to help raise awareness around this key issue."

Quote from David Miller, president and CEO of WWF-Canada
"Canada has a big stake in the world's oceans, and keeping them healthy requires innovative ideas. WWF-Canada is proud to support Ottawa Wave Makers for second year running, and looks forward to the many unique ideas that emerge on how we can all safeguard our oceans."

To see some of the inspiring ideas that emerged from the 2015 Ottawa Wave Makers grant winners, please visit: http://ottawa.impacthub.net/civic-innovation/ottawa-wave-makers-2015

Join the conversation online and follow the latest news and updates via Twitter at #OttWaveMakers.

About World Wildlife Fund Canada
WWF-Canada creates solutions to the environmental challenges that matter most for Canadians. We work in places that are unique and ecologically important, so that wildlife, nature and people thrive together. Because we are all wildlife. For more info visit wwf.ca

About Impact Hub Ottawa
Impact Hub is the home for social innovation and city-building in Canada's capital. Powered by a 3,200 sq. ft. creative environment and coworking space, Impact Hub Ottawa brings together resources, relationships, inspiration, learning and collaboration opportunities that help close to 400 members and organizations grow their impact every day. Built on the experience and success of 80+ Impact Hubs worldwide, the global network is now the fastest growing social innovation community in the world. Visit hubottawa.org for more information.

SOURCE WWF-Canada

Media contacts: Impact Hub Ottawa, Heather Ward, director of community, [email protected], [phone]; WWF-Canada, Philippe Devos, director, communications and media, [email protected], [phone]