WHAT IS THE EVALUATION PROCESS?
Upon receipt, applications will be screened to ensure they are complete and fully address all required criteria for eligibility. The ecoNova Scotia Fund Coordinator reserves the right to contact applicants for clarifications or to address errors or omissions at any time.
Applications will then be evaluated by expert reviewers (the Steering Committee) from provincial departments and agencies with expertise relating to the objectives of the Municipal Program (including but not limited to: Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, Energy, Environment, Economic Development, and Conserve Nova Scotia).
Category One applications must clearly outline the work plan for the project, including timelines and costs. The Steering Committee will favour those applications that demonstrate a strong commitment to maintaining the emissions and energy inventory by formalizing a management and reporting structure within municipal operations.
Category Two and Three applications will be expected to effectively address the following aspects of project design and management, and will be prioritized according to how well they:
- incorporate a sustainable approach within all components;
- demonstrate the greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions reduction potential of the project;
- demonstrate the economic, social, and other environmental benefits to the municipality and/or community;
- adhere to a realistic budget and allocation of appropriate resources;
- indicate a distinct and realistic project start and finish;
- demonstrate the ability to successfully implement, manage and complete all activities;
- link to current Government of Nova Scotia strategies and initiatives, especially the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act, and the commitment by municipalities to prepare an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan; and
- demonstrate support from key community stakeholders (especially Category Three applications)
If you are successful:
Project proposals may be accepted as presented, accepted with modifications, accepted with conditions or rejected. All applicants will be notified of decisions in writing. Successful applicants will be required to enter into a Contribution Agreement with the Department of Environment before any funds are distributed. The Contribution Agreement will detail the terms of the contribution, including payment schedules, deliverables, and definitions of the relationship between the successful applicant and the Province.
Successful applicants will be required to provide regular updates to the ecoNova Scotia Fund Coordinator. Details of this requirement will be outlined in a Contribution Agreement which will have been reviewed and approved by all parties involved. All results from the project will be made public in a report. Successful projects may also be profiled and promoted to encourage replication.
The Municipal Program aims to fund projects from all 55 municipal units in the province. Project grant amounts will be limited by the ability of the Municipal Program to maximize the number of recipients and the environmental benefits.