The Department of Environment and Local Government is accepting applications for Environmental Trust Fund projects for 2022-23.

New Brunswick municipalities, community groups, First Nations, non-profit organizations, and institutions furthering environmental sustainability may apply. Last year, more than $9 million was awarded for more than 260 projects.

The 2022-23 priority action areas for the fund are: protecting the environment; increasing environmental awareness; managing waste; addressing climate change; and building sustainable communities.

Submissions will be assessed based on their merit and how they address these areas.

The application form and additional information are available on the provincial government's website. Only online applications will be accepted and the deadline is Nov. 30.

The department is also releasing its first Environmental Trust Fund Impact Report, which highlights some of the projects the fund has supported and what it means to the people and organizations behind the many initiatives. This report will be issued annually in conjunction with the call for project proposals in November. The fund was established by the Environmental Trust Fund Act.

Contributions are generated from the Beverage Containers Program, which was established to encourage recycling.