The Max Bell Foundation funds projects, including environmental initiatives, that will help to inform public policy. The environmental funding priorities are:

1. Projects that will allow communities in Canada to be better adapted to the effects of climate change
2. Projects that will contribute to a low carbon economy, and
3. Biodiversity conservation while promoting economic growth & development.

Examples of previously funded projects that support climate change adaptation include: a wildfire mitigation project, and a project investigating property buyouts for climate-induced flood risks. Other funding areas that the Max Bell Foundation funds include education, health and wellness, and civic engagement & democratic institutions initiatives.