Funding Opportunities

The First Nations On-Reserve Housing Program helps provide more and better quality housing in First Nations communities in most of Canada. In British Columbia, support for better quality housing is provided through the Housing Support Program (formerly known as New Approach for Housing Support).

First Nations in all provinces and Yukon that receive annual housing funding allocations through ISC’s 1996 On-Reserve Housing Policy do not need to apply.

This initiative provides support to First Nations to develop sustainable waste management systems through modern infrastructure, operations, training and partnerships.

First Nations
Tribal Councils
First Nations technical service organizations
Related not-for-profit organizations (excluding charities)
Eligible collaborative organizations operating on behalf of First Nations”

The Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF) can partially or completely fund capital costs for Indigenous community-owned economic development projects. Projects like these improve social and economic outcomes for Indigenous Peoples and their communities.

Eligible ABIF applicants are Indigenous communities in Alberta or corporate entities owned by Indigenous communities located in Alberta:

Communities must own and control 51% or more of the proposed business or joint venture.
Corporate entities must be in good standing.
Applicants must be in compliance with the terms and conditions of any previous Indigenous Relations funding.

Supports community-led initiatives with economic outcomes and benefits for Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq and other Aboriginal people through a variety of business, cultural, social, ecological and economic development activities.

All projects or initiatives must be supported by a Mi’kmaw community or an Aboriginal organization. Applicants should be currently registered with active status under the Registry of Joint Stocks, and include:
▪ Mi’kmaq Band councils and their agencies
▪ Aboriginal organizations serving Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaq/Aboriginal communities
▪ Aboriginal initiatives led by a provincial or federal department/agency or non-profit

The Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF) provides grants and financing to Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, communities and organizations. The fund helps promote economic development and improve employment opportunities for Indigenous people.

First Nations

The Access to Business Opportunities stream provides national level funding to promote a culture of entrepreneurship through national Indigenous organizations to improve access to business opportunities and to enhance the capacity of Indigenous businesses.

First Nation and Inuit communities and governments, including Tribal Councils
Indigenous individuals
Organizations and associations, whether Indigenous-owned or non-Indigenous-owned, as long as they are not charitable or religious
Businesses owned and controlled by Indigenous peoples
Canadian owned and controlled banks, credit unions and trust companies authorized to make commercial loans and are provincially or federally regulated
Private equity providers
Provincial or federal crown corporations
Municipal governments
Labour organizations
Universities, colleges and other learning institutions

The program provides Indigenous businesses with access to non-repayable contributions for:

supporting eligible business proposals
leveraging additional funds

The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) manages the program and distributes the funding through a network of 59 Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs) across Canada. The AFIs can offer capital and other business support services to Indigenous businesses. To find out more about AFIs, visit What is an Aboriginal Financial Institution.

The amount of funding available for a business proposal depends on its scope and its estimated budget. Individual Indigenous entrepreneurs may receive up to $99,999 in funding assistance.

Eligible recipients include:

First Nation and Inuit communities and their governments, including tribal councils
Indigenous individuals
Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations and associations, except those with charitable or religious purposes
businesses owned and controlled by Indigenous peoples
Canadian owned and controlled banks, credit unions and trust companies authorized to make commercial loans and are provincially or federally regulated
private equity providers
provincial or federal crown corporations
municipal governments, labour organizations, universities, colleges and other learning institutions

Eligibility varies between AFIs. Consult with your local AFI to see if you are eligible.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is committed to working to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030 and to achieving a full recovery for nature by 2050. Supporting Indigenous leadership in conservation is essential to meeting these targets. The Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR), established in 2004, supports the development of Indigenous capacity to participate actively in the implementation of the Species at Risk Act (SARA).

All Indigenous communities and organizations located in Canada are eligible for funding, including:

Indigenous not-for-profit and for-profit organizations
Territorially-based Indigenous groups
Chiefs’ councils, District councils, and Tribal councils
Traditionally appointed advisory committees
Indigenous corporations, partnerships, and groups
Indigenous research, academic, and educational institutions
Indigenous cultural education centres
Indigenous land/resource management authorities
Indigenous co-operatives
Indigenous societies, boards, and commissions
Other organizations (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) if mandated by one of the above eligible recipients

The Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) program helps enhance child development and school readiness for children living in First Nations communities on reserve.

Funding is provided to First Nations communities, organizations and other service providers who are responsible for providing this program to their eligible on-reserve members.

The goal of this funding program is to encourage and support Aboriginal social, economic and community development. There are three relevant programs offered under this funding: Economic development, loan guarantees and community infrastructures.

First Nations

This program seeks to compliment other funding that Aboriginal communities receive to carry out specific, one-time initiatives that help to establish harmonious relationships between First Nation communities, the province, and/or the public. Projects that focus on fostering the social, community and cultural development of Québec’s Aboriginal peoples are encouraged.

First Nations

Residential school buildings hold painful memories.

In August 2021, the Government of Canada announced $100.1 million to help communities begin to address on-reserve school buildings and associated sites that were once used for residential schools. This funding is being delivered through Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).

First Nations or delegated authorities, including tribal councils.

As part of the Government of Canada’s strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, the new Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program aims to create an enabling environment for the development and adoption of clean technology that will help drive the changes required to achieve a low-carbon economy and promote sustainable growth in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.

Eligible applicants under the program are:

for-profit organizations, including agri-food processors
not-for-profit organizations, including co-operatives
Indigenous groups

The goal of the Agricultural Climate Solutions Program (ACS) – Living Labs Program is to accelerate co-development, testing, adoption, dissemination and monitoring of technologies and practices, including beneficial management practices (BMPs), that sequester carbon and/or mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The following agriculture sector organization types are eligible to apply for contribution funding:

not-for-profit organizations, including producer organizations
Indigenous groups

The Arctic and Northern Challenge program aims to address pressing issues impacting the quality of life of Northern peoples. The program is committed to prioritizing Northern-led research projects that have a strong focus on Northern capacity building. By providing both research funding and scientific expertise, the program will support strong and sustainable Northern communities through applied technology and innovation.

Eligible recipients must be at least one of the following:

Territorial and Indigenous governments in Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Inuit Nunangat
Indigenous and Northern communities in Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Inuit Nunangat
Indigenous and Northern organizations (for profit or not-for-profit) in Yukon, Northwest Territories and Inuit Nunangat
Academic organizations headquartered in Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Inuit Nunangat

This program provides funding for non-medical, social support services to seniors, adults with chronic illness, and children and adults with a disability (mental and physical) on reserve to help them maintain their independence.

First Nations, provinces and Yukon receive funding on an annual basis as part of agreements negotiated between the federal, provincial and Yukon governments.

First Nations, provinces and Yukon then provide assisted living services to eligible recipients.

Individuals who believe they may be eligible to receive these services should contact their band’s assisted living coordinator or their band manager to arrange an assessment by a health care provider.

The Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) provides funding and support to Mi`kmaq, Maliseet and Passamaquoddy Indigenous communities in the Atlantic. This initiative aims to maximize the potential of their communal commercial fishing enterprises and to strengthen community economic self-sufficiency.

Members of the Mi`kmaq, Maliseet and Passamaquoddy Indigenous communities.

This program helps First Nations with the costs of local government and with administering services funded by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). It provides a stable funding base to support effective community governance and the efficient delivery of services.

Any First Nation (“Indian band” as defined by the Indian Act, RSC, 1985) whether or not they are located on a reserve.

This program is intended to provide support to Manitoba First Nation individuals or First Nation-based enterprises which, in the opinion of the Fund, have a business concept that, through initial screening, provides excellent opportunity but demonstrates a need for financial assistance with a professional business plan.

This program allows the applicant to engage the services of a professional consultant to assist in the research and development of a quality business plan that will be used to attract financing.

Be a member of a Manitoba First Nation, living on or off reserve in Manitoba
Be aged 18 and over, and eligible to work in Canada
Submit an application describing the business for which they wish to develop a business plan
Not have owned a similar business in the past 12 months
Provide the name and qualifications of the proposed consultant, proposed terms of reference and a written proposal, including a quote.

Indigenous Services Canada’s (ISC) Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program (CFMP) is the Government of Canada’s main vehicle to support community infrastructure for First Nations on reserves.

CFMP invests in the planning, design, construction, renovation, acquisition and operations and maintenance of community infrastructure that supports First Nations to build healthy, safe and prosperous communities and enables engagement in the economy.

Qualifications vary according to the nature of the application. Visit the program page for a complete listing.

The Circuit Rider Training Program is a long-term capacity building program that provides training and mentoring services to operators of First Nations drinking water and wastewater systems.

Any First Nation that operates a community drinking water system or wastewater system is automatically enrolled in this program. Any First Nations community can choose not to participate by informing their nearest ISC regional office.

The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program provides funding for renewable energy and capacity building projects and related energy efficiency measures in Indigenous, rural and remote communities across Canada.

First Nations
Tribal Councils
First Nations technical service organizations
Related not-for-profit organizations (excluding charities)
Eligible collaborative organizations operating on behalf of First Nations

The biomass supply chain component of the Clean Fuels Fund will ensure a steady and usable supply of sustainable feedstock is available to clean fuel production facilities across the country. It will support the establishment of regional hubs to gather feedstock from diverse sources and locations.

The program is no longer accepting applications from non-Indigenous applicants. Indigenous applications will be received on a continuous intake basis until funding is no longer available.
Capital biomass supply chain projects that use technologies in advanced stages of technological readiness (TRL-9) and that are designed for commercial deployment.
Feasibility studies, basic engineering studies and detailed front-end engineering studies to assess the new build or expansion of low carbon fuel production facilities. In addition, feasibility studies to assess the feasibility of establishing a regional biomass supply chain risk rating.

This program provides support to build out new domestic clean fuel production capacity (e.g. hydrogen, advanced ethanol, renewable diesel, renewable natural gas), as well as support to undertake feasibility and FEED studies. We recognize the unique opportunity clean fuels present for Indigenous businesses and communities and encourage Indigenous participation on all projects. We have designed a distinct process with measures to increase funding of Indigenous-led clean production capacity projects in Canada.

Indigenous organizations or registered Indigenous businesses or communities including not-for-profit and for-profit organizations that can demonstrate a minimum of 50% Indigenous ownership, which can include:

Indigenous Communities
Development corporations
Electricity or gas utilities
Private sector companies
Industry associations
Research associations
Standards development organizations
Academic institutions

This program funds First Nations and Inuit communities’ efforts to identify, assess and respond to the health impacts of climate change.

Supporting projects focusing on human health and a changing climate, the program enables communities to:

develop and implement health-related adaptation or action plans
develop knowledge-building and communication materials
support adaptation decision-making at the local, regional and national levels

First Nations and Inuit communities
First Nations and Inuit organizations, including:
First Nations associations
band councils
tribal councils
self-governing First Nations and Inuit governments
other organizations understood to be First Nations or Inuit in nature
non-governmental organizations and voluntary associations and organizations, including non-Indigenous associations and organizations, can be eligible if working in partnership with a First Nations or Inuit community

This program funds climate change adaptation projects in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut.

The program works with Indigenous and northern communities, territorial and regional governments and other stakeholders to identify priorities for climate change adaptation in the North.

Indigenous and northern communities in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut
territorial and regional governments
Indigenous and northern organizations
academic organizations such as universities and colleges
non-governmental organizations

The Codes Acceleration Fund (CAF) will advance the Government of Canada’s action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption to fight climate change while strengthening the economy.The three objectives of the CAF are to:

Accelerate the adoption and implementation of the highest feasible energy performance tiers of the national model energy codes or other high-performance building codes, such as net-zero emissions codes
Promote higher rates of compliance with adopted codes
Build capacity and support market preparedness for ambitious codes adoption

Only Indigenous applicants may submit applications at any time.
Canadian provincial, territorial, regional and municipal governments and their departments and agencies. Note that this stream is limited to organizations with the authority to adopt energy codes.
Indigenous governing bodies, organizations (for-profit and not-for-profit) and communities. Note that this stream is limited to organizations with the authority to adopt energy codes.

The Community Capacity Fund supports not for profit organizations, Municipalities & Indigenous Communities to advance planning and/or strategic capabilities related to rural development initiatives. To be eligible, projects must demonstrate a clear and direct economic impact for Prince Edward Island. Areas of cosideration include:

1. Strategic Planning & Capacity Building
2. Sector Development
3. Community Competitiveness & Infrastructure

First Nations
Municipalities

The Community Development Fund (CDF) provides funding for projects, events and initiatives that provide long-term, sustainable economic and social benefits to Yukon communities.

Registered non-profit societies
Not-for-profit corporations incorporated under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act based in Yukon
Charitable organizations
Municipal and First Nations governments
First Nation development corporations undertaking community-level initiatives

This program provides funding to local communities and organizations looking to further develop their economies, advance regional economic development initiatives, and/or invest in events promoting economic opportunities.

NWT-based associations, municipalities, and Indigenous organizations are encouraged to apply.

The CEDD Program advances PrairiesCan’s strategic priorities and supports economic development initiatives that help communities across the Prairies grow and diversify. Through this program, PrairiesCan enables communities to leverage their capacity and strengths to:

sustain and grow their economies
respond to economic development opportunities
adjust to changing and challenging economic circumstances

Eligible applicants are organizations that support community economic development and/or diversification projects in Alberta, Saskatchewan and/or Manitoba. They may include:

incorporated not-for-profit entities (e.g. industry associations, economic development organizations, cultural organizations, and societies)
post-secondary institutions
First Nations, as led by Chief and Council, Tribal Councils, and Treaty Organizations.
Métis Settlements
provincial/municipal crown corporation/organization/ministry or any other provincial government entity (provided that the funding goes fully into the project, and not into the entity’s capital or ongoing operations)

The Community Opportunities Readiness Program (CORP) provides project-based funding for First Nation and Inuit Communities for a range of activities to support communities’ pursuit of economic opportunities. Where First Nation and Inuit communities, or their representative organizations, identify opportunities and lack the financial resources to pursue them, the CORP will allow them to submit proposals to seek additional funding.

First Nation and Inuit communities and their governments, including Tribal Councils
organizations and associations controlled by First Nation and Inuit communities, except for those with charitable or religious purposes
Non-Indigenous organizations and associations, except for those with charitable or religious purposes, who plan to provide economic development services for the benefit of First Nation and Inuit communities
The Province of Ontario, in relation to the Canada-Ontario Resource Development Agreement
The Minister may, in exceptional circumstances, make contributions with respect to Indigenous business development to other recipients for projects having a significant impact on First Nation and Inuit Business Development

Any non-Indigenous organization or association seeking financial assistance under the CORP will require approval from the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board (NAEBD) prior to ISC project approval.

The Community Readiness and Opportunities Planning (CROP) program is one of two program contribution streams of the Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program (NIEOP).

CROP works to improve the economic development capacity of Indigenous communities and increase economic development in the three territories. It achieves this by providing financial support to First Nations, Inuit, Métis and non-status Indigenous communities so they can improve their capacity and prepare to plan for, pursue, and participate in economic opportunities.

First Nations, Inuit, Métis and non-status Indigenous communities

Direct Support funding helps First Nation communities build capacity in the areas that they need it most.

First Nations
Municipalities

The Eastern Ontario Economic Development Fund is designed to help businesses create new jobs, and invest in new technologies, equipment or skills training for workers. It will also support economic development projects that will attract or retain investment in Ontario-based industries and communities.

First Nations
Municipalities

The EDI is an incremental programming initiative that supports economic development activities and approaches that respond directly to related priorities of OLMCs and/or that address linguistic duality issues. Eligible activities include incremental business and economic development activities such as those:

undertaken in French by, or for the benefit of, a Francophone client group;
that encourage SMEs to provide their products or services in both official languages (e.g., to expand into

First Nations

The program supports collaboration between First Nations, provincial and territorial ministries or departments of education and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the capacity development of First Nations organizations to deliver education, including establishing education systems and service delivery agreements responsive to First Nations students and community education needs.

Applicants who may be eligible to receive funding through the Partnerships component of the program are:

First Nations
any First Nations organization mandated by First Nations

The Elementary and Secondary Education Program supports elementary and secondary education for First Nations students, schools and communities by working in partnership with First Nations to help close the education outcome gaps between First Nations peoples and other Canadians.

Following Budget 2016, investments to improve elementary and secondary education on reserve supported a new co-developed funding and policy approach to fundamentally transform education funding in order to better meet the needs of First Nations students on reserve.

Funding is given directly to First Nations or to organizations designated by a First Nation, based on the number of students listed in the nominal roll. To be included on the nominal roll, a student must be eligible, registered for school and be in regular attendance on the last instructional day of September in a school year.

In partnership with First Nations communities, provincial and territorial governments and non-government organizations, Indigenous Services Canada’s Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) helps communities on reserve access emergency assistance services.

To be eligible for funding under the Emergency management Assistance Program (EMAP), the emergency event must have impacted, or the proposed project must directly support, First Nations located on:

a reserve, as defined in s. 2 (1) of the Indian Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. I-5
lands set aside in Yukon as per Cabinet Directive (Circular No. 27) entitled Procedure for Reserving Land in the Yukon and Northwest Territories (1955)
lands formerly defined as a reserve or lands set aside which now form part of modern treaty settlement lands

This program (formerly Band Employee Benefits) provides funding to eligible First Nation and Inuit employers to support the employer’s share of contributions to eligible employees’ pension plans. These may include the costs of employer sponsored pension plans, the Canada/Quebec Pension Plan (CPP/QPP) and any additional employee benefits.

First Nation and Inuit employers with employees involved in delivering programs funded by the department.

The Entrepreneurship and Business Development (EBD) Program is one of two program contribution streams of the Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program (NIEOP). EBD assists Indigenous entrepreneurs and Indigenous businesses through project-based support for activities that help facilitate the establishment or growth of Indigenous businesses.

First Nations

The Estates Management Funding Program provides funding to support capacity-building for estate planning and administration for First Nations.

The Estates Management Funding Program is open to any person, community or organization interested in advancing Indigenous estate governance capacity. Priority will be given to Indigenous individuals, communities and organizations.

Shelters and transition homes that serve First Nations, Inuit, Métis, urban and Northern communities across Canada provide vital services to Indigenous women, children, families and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people facing violent situations.

Eligible recipients include:

First Nations, governments and communities in Canada (including bands, district, tribal councils and associations)
Inuit representative organizations, Inuit governments and Inuit communities
Métis representative organizations and Métis settlements
Indigenous organizations
National Indigenous Organizations
Provincial and territorial governments
Municipalities
Non-governmental and voluntary associations and organizations, including non-profit corporations*
Educational or research institutions and associations*

First Nations

This program funds First Nations-led climate change adaptation projects across Canada for communities and organizations located south of the 60th parallel.

The program works with First Nations to identify context-specific priorities for climate change adaptation projects. Priority areas identified through discussions with First Nations include sea level rise, flooding, wildfires, drought , winter road failures, risks to archeological and cultural sites, forestry and fishery management, water source vulnerabilities and other emerging priorities.

First Nation communities
First Nation organizations including:
First Nation associations
Band councils
Tribal councils
Self-governing First Nations governments
other organizations understood to be First

The FNDF Grant Program was developed by First Nations and the Government of Alberta as part of the First Nations Gaming Policy. It is supported by a percentage of revenues from government-owned slot machines operating in First Nations casinos in Alberta.

Only recognized First Nations with Reserve land located within the province of Alberta that have signed an FNDF Grant Agreement are eligible to apply to the FNDF Grant Program. There are currently 47 Alberta First Nations participating in the FNDF Grant Program

The FNIF supports the delivery of on-reserve infrastructure that falls under the Other Community Infrastructure program. The goal of the FNIF is to improve the quality of life and the environment in First Nations communities. The fund helps improve and increase public infrastructure for First Nations located on reserves, on Crown land and on land set aside for the use and benefit of a First Nation.

The fund invests in projects that are on reserves, on Crown Land or on lands set aside for the use and benefit of First Nations. It has 3 classes of eligible recipients:

Indigenous beneficiaries
First Nations or Inuit governments
bands or settlements such as land, reserves, trusts
district councils
chief councils
tribal councils
Organizations
societies
institutions
corporations where the major stakeholders are First Nations, Innu or Inuit
partnerships, such as public-private partnerships
Private and public groups
associations
corporations
universities, colleges and training institutions
local authorities
municipalities
provincial and territorial governments and agencies

This program supports First Nations and Inuit communities in expressing, preserving, developing, revitalizing and promoting their culture, language and heritage, through the creation and operation of First Nations and Inuit cultural education centres.

First Nations and Inuit cultural education centres, member centres supported under the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres, and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.

Inuit cultural education centres and the Inuit Tapirrit Kanatami may also be eligible to apply for the Inuit Cultural Education Centres Grant Program.

The First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care (FNIHCC) program provides funding and advice on developing home and community care services to Indigenous people living in First Nations and Inuit communities.

First Nations and Inuit people, of all ages, with disabilities, chronic or acute illnesses and the elderly:

who live in a First Nations reserve, a First Nations community North of 60 or an Inuit community
who have undergone a formal assessment of continuing care service needs and have been assessed as requiring one or more services

The First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program is 1 of 2 programs under the First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy.

This program supports activities that assist youth in gaining the essential skills to help them gain employment, function well in the workplace and learn about job and career options.

Activities can include career promotion, science and technology activities, co-operative education placements and internships and mentored work placements.

First Nations and Inuit governments and organizations
First Nations schools or federal schools on reserve
Not-for-profit associations
Private sector employers

This program aims to strengthen First Nations’ capacity to assess the health of their people and environment before large industrial projects are started.

This program is open to applicants south of the 60° parallel in:

Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island)

Groups that can apply for funding include:

First Nations communities on reserve
First Nations organizations
bands
districts
councils
tribal councils and associations
governments of self-governing First Nations communities

British Columbia is not included in this program as they receive health information and services through the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA). First Nations in British Columbia can apply to a similar program through FNHA’s Environmental Contaminants Program.

To be eligible for funding, First Nation communities must be recognized under the Indian Act.

ISC provides funding to First Nations child and family services agencies, which are established, managed and controlled by First Nations and delegated by provincial authorities to provide prevention and protection services. In areas where these agencies do not exist, ISC funds services provided by the provinces and Yukon but does not deliver child and family services.

Please refer to the FNCFS Transitional Terms and Conditions: Contributions to provide children, youth, young adults, families and communities, with prevention and protection services for details on eligible recipients.

Indigenous Services Canada provides funding through the FNECP to help First Nations communities improve their health. The program supports these communities in identifying, investigating and characterizing the impact of exposure to environmental hazards.

The groups that can apply for funding include:

First Nations communities on reserve and First Nations organizations south of the 60° parallel from:
Alberta
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
Ontario
Quebec
Atlantic Canada
bands
districts
councils
tribal councils and associations
governments of self-governing First Nations communities and regions
First Nations non-government and voluntary associations and organizations
these include non-profit corporations that work on behalf of, or in partnership with, a First Nations community

First Nations Land Management enables First Nations to transition away from the application of the 44 sections of the Indian Act relating to land and environmental management. First Nations can then develop their own laws about land use, the environment and natural resources, and take advantage of cultural and economic development opportunities with their new land management authorities.

Any First Nation with reserve lands within the meaning of section 91(24) of the Constitution Act of 1867 or with lands set aside in Yukon can opt-in.

A funding program that considers non-repayable contributions to First Nation clients for eligible capital and operating costs to start, expand or acquire a viable business.

First Nations

FedDev Ontario is here to help Indigenous-owned businesses, organizations and not-for-profits achieve their goals and support the increased participation of First Nation, Métis and Inuit Peoples in the southern Ontario economy.

Includes Indigenous:

businesses and entrepreneurs
economic development corporations (IEDCs)
not-for-profit organizations or associations

PrairiesCan’s role is to advance economic development through supporting economic growth, innovation and diversification. We are here to provide assistance in developing proposals for funding that creates jobs, develops skills, increases revenue and growth, and that can bring economic benefits to Indigenous communities.

Includes Indigenous:

businesses and entrepreneurs
economic development corporations (IEDCs)
not-for-profit organizations or associations

Through this program, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) works with First Nations and Inuit communities to provide funding for infrastructure that supports the delivery of health-related programs and services.

First Nations and Inuit communities across Canada and related organizations in health service delivery may be eligible to apply.

The Health Services Integration Fund (HSIF) is an initiative supporting collaborative planning and multi-year projects aimed at better meeting the health-care needs of First Nations and Inuit.

First Nations in Canada: communities, bands, district, tribal councils and associations
Inuit associations, councils and hamlets
Canadian national Indigenous organizations
Non-governmental and voluntary associations and organizations, including non-profit corporations
Educational institutions, hospitals and treatment centres
Municipal, provincial and territorial governments
Health Authorities and health agencies

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)’s High-Cost Special Education Program helps eligible First Nations students with high-cost special education needs to access quality programs and services that are culturally sensitive and reflective of generally accepted provincial or territorial standards.

Band councils, federal schools, provincial ministries of education, provincial school boards or districts, private education institutions and organizations designated by band councils.

Indigenous Services Canada’s (ISC’s) Housing Support Program (HSP), formerly known as New Approach for Housing Support (NAHS) Program, supports First Nations in British Columbia to better and more effectively leverage funding, develop housing plans and policies and manage housing in their communities.

First Nations
First Nation councils
tribal councils
authorized band-housing authorities
block-funded First Nations although eligibility is subject to ISC BC Region’s Access to Additional Capital Guidelines for Block-Funded Recipients
self-government and treaty First Nations although eligibility is subject to the terms of their fiscal financial agreements

Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth) makes foundational investments in economic infrastructure, sector development and capacity building to help position Northerners in the territories to take advantage of Canada’s innovation economy.

This program supports businesses and other public or private organizations with an emphasis on ensuring equitable access to funding to underrepresented groups such as Indigenous people, women and youth. Investments will help strengthen existing economic sectors and develop new economic sectors with the goal of enhancing and diversifying economic activity throughout the territories.

Priority will be given to recipients who can demonstrate proven capacity to deliver projects in the North and who can demonstrate interest/engagement in territorial economic development.

As part of the Government of Canada’s work to advance economic reconciliation, Canada is supporting Indigenous businesses with federal government procurement opportunities.

To be considered for a federal government contract that is limited to bidding under PSIB, a business must be:

listed on the Government of Canada’s Indigenous Business Directory
or
listed on a modern treaty business list or directory (See modern treaty business directories or lists)

Other requirements for businesses who would like to be considered for award of contracts limited to bidding under PSIB’s Set-Aside Program can be found in Annex 9.4 of Public Services and Procurement Canada’s Supply Manual.

The Indigenous Capacity Support Program helps enhance meaningful engagement and leadership of Indigenous Peoples in consultations on assessments. This funding is provided outside the context of specific project reviews.

Eligible recipients include Indigenous communities and Indigenous organizations.

The objectives of the Climate Leadership Plan are to:

bend the curve of Alberta’s emissions and allow us to stabilize and begin to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
position Alberta as one of the world’s most progressive and environmentally responsible energy producers
reinvest revenue generated under the plan back into the economy to create jobs and to promote economic diversification – green jobs, green energy, green infrastructure
provide supports such as rebates for those affected by the transition to a low-carbon economy

First Nations
Municipalities

The Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative (ICCI) supports alternatives to custody and reintegration projects responsive to the unique circumstances of Indigenous people in Canada. ICCI projects provide culturally relevant services that may include counselling, treatment, life skills coaching, family reunification, and addressing the effects of residential schools and involvement with child welfare systems.

Eligible applicants are:

Indigenous not-for-profit organizations (on and off-reserve, First Nation, non-status Indian, Métis, Inuit and urban);
Municipal and other local governments working in collaboration with Indigenous organizations and/or communities;
Indigenous governments including:
A “council of the band” within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Indian Act, R.S.C. 1985, c.I-5; and
A government of a First Nation, Métis, or Inuit community established or acknowledged by an act of Parliament or a legislature.
Canadian universities and colleges.

An Indigenous not-for-profit organization is one that has been designed and developed by Indigenous people or Indigenous governments.

Crown Corporations, for-profit groups and individuals are not eligible for funding under the Terms and Conditions – Aboriginal Community Safety Development Contribution Program (ACSDCP).

Any other types of organization are not eligible for funding under this program (no exceptions).

Canada Infrastructure Bank is collaborating with First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities across Canada to explore opportunities.

We have a target to invest at least $1 billion in revenue-generating Indigenous infrastructure projects across our five priority sectors: clean power, green infrastructure, public transit, broadband, and trade and transportation.

We collaborate with Indigenous partners across Canada through providing:

Loans for community-based infrastructure and infrastructure projects with Indigenous partners;
Loans to Indigenous communities to support them in purchasing equity stakes where the CIB is also investing;
Project acceleration funding to assist with project development; and
Advisory services.

Persons or organizations developing Indigenous infrastructure projects.

The Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program provides $6 million per year in contribution funding to support Indigenous Peoples in the design, implementation or expansion of community-based climate monitoring projects. Specifically, the program supports Indigenous-led projects that monitor climate and the environmental effects of climate change within community boundaries and on traditional territories using Indigenous Knowledge Systems and western science.

Indigenous communities, Nations, governments and representative organizations are eligible to apply.

The objective of the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) is to advance reconciliation in the forest sector by supporting Indigenous-identified priorities to accelerate Indigenous awareness, influence, inclusion, and leadership.

Indigenous individuals and entities, including:
Indigenous communities and governments (Indian Act bands, self-governing First Nations, Métis community organizations, modern treaty implementation organizations including economic development corporations constituted under a modern treaty, etc.)
tribal councils or entities that fulfill a similar function (e.g., general council)
national and regional Indigenous organizations, as well as tribal organizations
Indigenous organizations (with 50% or greater Indigenous ownership) that are legally registered or incorporated for-profit and not-for-profit corporations, businesses, joint ventures, partnerships, associations, co-operatives and institutions
Non-Indigenous entities, validly incorporated or registered in Canada, who are working with or on behalf of one or more endorsing Indigenous partner organization(s), including:
not-for-profit organizations
academia and research associations
provincial, territorial, municipal and regional governments

Indigenous Guardians funding provides Indigenous Peoples with a greater opportunity to exercise responsibility in stewardship of their traditional lands, waters, and ice.

Funding for Guardians initiatives supports Indigenous rights and responsibilities in protecting and conserving ecosystems, developing and maintaining sustainable economies, and continuing the profound connections between natural landscapes and Indigenous cultures.

Indigenous communities, Indigenous Nations, governments, and representative organizations are eligible for funding under Indigenous Guardians.

The Indigenous Habitat Participation Program (IHPP) contribution component provides funding in three areas:

Engagement funding to support Indigenous peoples in providing input to the implementation of the fish and fish habitat protection provisions of the amended Fisheries Act. This includes engagement on:
Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program (FFHPP) changes
developing new policies
making regulations
Funding for collaborative activities to ensure Indigenous peoples can partner with Fisheries and Oceans Canada on fish and fish habitat conservation and protection activities related to:
planning
protection
monitoring
conservation
data collection
Funding for capacity building to support (available in inland areas only):
establishing organizational structures
coordinating and managing activities across multiple communities or groups
increasing access to training and skills development programs for Indigenous peoples

You may be eligible for the IHPP contribution funding if you are:

an Indigenous community, band or settlement
a district council, chiefs’ council or tribal council
an Indigenous association, organization or society
an Indigenous fisheries:
commission
council
authority
board
an Indigenous economic:
institution
organization
corporation
co-operative
a partnership or aggregation of Indigenous groups
a service provider working with Indigenous organizations in fish and fish habitat (mandated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada)

The Indigenous Habitat Participation Program grants provide funding to Indigenous communities who want to support and participate in consultation activities.

These consultations are on Department of Fisheries and Oceans Crown conduct (decisions, such as arrangements, approvals, authorizations and permits) in relation to fish and fish habitat conservation and protection under the Fisheries Act and Species at Risk Act.

You may be eligible for the Indigenous Habitat Participation Program Grant funding if you:

are an Indigenous group with potential or established Aboriginal or treaty rights, including:
Indigenous governments
Indigenous communities, bands and settlements
district councils, chiefs’ councils and tribal councils
bodies or entities established by rights-holding communities to represent them
might be adversely affected by the Fisheries Act or Species at Risk Act project decision
have received a notification for consultation from Fisheries and Oceans Canada

The Indigenous Intellectual Property Program (IIPP) grant is designed to support increased engagement in the IP system by Indigenous peoples in Canada. The grant funds eligible Indigenous organizations to support participation in World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) sessions, small-scale initiatives and projects related to intellectual property (IP), Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and Indigenous Cultural Expressions (ICEs).

Indigenous (i.e., First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit) organizations that fall under the following categories may be eligible to receive an IIPP grant:

Recognized representative Indigenous bodies at the national level;
Indian Bands/Inuit Settlements;
District Councils/Chiefs Councils;
Indigenous Associations/Organizations;
Tribal Councils;
Other Indigenous Communities;
Indigenous Economic Institutions/Organizations/Corporations/Businesses;
Beneficiary organizations of comprehensive land claims and/or self-government agreements with any group of Indigenous people;
Indigenous Cultural Education Centres;
Indigenous Co-operatives; or
Boards and Commissions.

The Capacity-Building Fund is designed to support capacity-building efforts in Indigenous communities, particularly as they relate to building increased knowledge and skills for the establishment and management of community-based justice programs. The objectives of the Capacity-Building Fund are:

to support the training and/or developmental needs of Indigenous communities that currently do not have community-based justice programs;
to supplement the on-going training needs of current community-based justice programs where the cost-shared budget does not adequately meet these needs, including supporting evaluation activities, data collection, sharing of best practices and useful models;
to support activities targeted at improved community reporting in IJP communities and the development of data management systems;
to support the development of new justice programs, paying particular attention to:
the current geographic/regional imbalance in programming;
the commitment to develop new programs in the under-represented program models, such as dispute resolution for civil and family/child welfare; and,
to support one-time or annual events and initiatives (as opposed to on-going projects and programs) that build bridges, trust and partnerships between the mainstream justice system and Indigenous communities.

Any of the following may be eligible for funding under the Capacity-Building Justice Fund:

Inuit, Métis, First Nations, bands, Tribal Councils, local, regional and national Indigenous organizations;
regional/municipal governments including their agencies and institutions;
non-profit community organizations, societies, and associations which have voluntarily associated themselves for a non-profit purpose;
provincial and territorial governments;
individuals.

The Community-Based Justice Fund provides support to community-based justice programs, which are cost-shared with provincial and territorial governments. The objectives of the Community-Based Justice Fund component are:

to allow Indigenous people the opportunity to assume greater responsibility for the administration of justice in their communities;
to help reduce the rates of crime and incarceration among Indigenous people in communities with cost-shared programs; and,
to foster improved responsiveness, fairness, inclusiveness, and effectiveness of the justice system with respect to justice and its administration so as to meet the needs and aspirations of Indigenous people in the areas of appropriate models for:
diversion;
development of pre-sentencing options;
sentencing alternatives (circles);
use of Justices of the Peace;
family and civil mediation; and,
additional community justice services such as victims support or offender-reintegration services which support the overall goals of the IJP or, where affiliated with a successful program under any of the above.

Any of the following may be eligible for contribution funding under the Community-Based Justice Fund:

Inuit, Métis, First Nations, bands, Tribal Councils, local, regional and national Indigenous organizations;
regional/municipal governments including their agencies and institutions;
non-profit community organizations, societies, and associations which have voluntarily associated themselves for a non-profit purpose; and,
provincial and territorial governments (in the case of flow-through agreements).

The Indigenous Participant Funding Program (IPFP) funds projects and initiatives designed to support the capacity of Indigenous communities and organizations to participate in Canadian Navigable Waters Act (CNWA) and Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act (WAHVA) processes which include measures aimed at supporting the objectives of the Government’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

This program supports the participation of Indigenous communities and organizations in Canada by providing funding through grants and contributions.

Indigenous government, Tribal council or other form of regional government
Nationally or regionally representative Indigenous organization
Indigenous development corporation
Indigenous Community, Band, or Settlement
District Council, Chiefs’ Council, or Tribal Council
Indigenous Association, Organization or Society
Indigenous Commission ,Council, Authority or Board
Indigenous Economic Institution, Organization, Corporation, or Co-operative
Partnership or aggregation of Indigenous communities or organizations

The Indigenous Partnership Fund supports ongoing consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration), the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UN Declaration Act) and measures included in the UN Declaration Act Action Plan.

Implementation, in consultation and cooperation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis, will contribute to the Government of Canada’s continued efforts to break down barriers, combat systemic racism and discrimination, close socio-economic gaps, and promote greater equality and prosperity for Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous-led organizations located in Canada, including:

Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) governments and organizations, including bands, tribal councils, Indigenous self-governments, local, regional and national representative organizations
Incorporated not-for-profit Indigenous controlled organizations
Incorporated for-profit Indigenous controlled organizations, when the work being performed under the transfer agreement is not-for-profit
Indigenous-controlled unincorporated organizations

Through the Indigenous-led Natural Climate Solutions stream, funding supports First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nations, communities and organizations to build capacity and to undertake on-the-ground activities for ecological restoration, improved land management, and conservation. These activities aim to effectively sequester carbon and maximize co-benefits for biodiversity, climate resiliency, and human well-being.

Indigenous Nations, communities, governments, and representative organizations are eligible for funding under the Indigenous-led Natural Climate Solutions stream.

Through the ICF, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) works with communities to find opportunities for growth. We invest in initiatives that lead to long-term employment and a stronger local economy.

The fund enables communities to:

develop thriving industry sectors
strengthen infrastructure in rural areas
invest in projects to help communities overcome economic issues and take advantage of new opportunities

ACOA also fosters economic development in communities facing specific circumstances. Through the ICF, the Agency supports community projects undertaken by Indigenous groups and non-profit organizations in official language minority communities (OLMCs).

Eligible recipients include:

non-commercial and non-profit organizations
Indigenous bands and Indigenous-controlled non-profit entities
co-operatives and local development associations
municipalities and their agencies
educational institutions
industry or sector associations

This program provides grants to Inuit individuals and Inuit cultural education centres to develop and promote Inuit cultural heritage.

Inuit individuals ordinarily resident in:
Nunatsiavut (Labrador)
Nunavik (Quebec)
Nunavut
Inuvialuit Settlement Region in Northwest Territories
Community-based Inuit cultural education centres

This program supports Inuit individuals and communities in expressing, preserving, developing and promoting their cultural heritage.

The program also helps Inuit share their cultural heritage with other Canadians, promoting cross-cultural awareness between Inuit and non-Inuit communities.

Inuit individuals ordinarily resident in:
Nunatsiavut (Labrador)
Nunavik (Quebec)
Nunavut
Inuvialuit Settlement Region in Northwest Territories
Community-based Inuit cultural education centres

This program supports Inuit individuals and communities in expressing, preserving, developing and promoting their cultural heritage.

The program also helps Inuit share their cultural heritage with other Canadians, promoting cross-cultural awareness between Inuit and non-Inuit communities.

Inuit individuals ordinarily resident in:
Nunatsiavut (Labrador)
Nunavik (Quebec)
Nunavut
Inuvialuit Settlement Region in Northwest Territories
Community-based Inuit cultural education centres

The JEDI Aboriginal Development Fund (JADF) was developed to help promote economic development in the First Nation communities of New Brunswick. The JADF provides funding to entrepreneurs/existing businesses and communities to support business and community economic development planning.

First Nations

The Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) is a $700-million federal program to support regional job creation and position local economies for long-term growth. This includes up to $70 million dedicated to businesses created after January 2020 that meet the eligibility criteria

Indigenous-led organizations and/or businesses are strongly encouraged to apply. Under the initiative, RDAs may contribute up to 100 percent of eligible project costs for projects with Indigenous clients.

The Lands and Economic Development Services Program (LEDSP) provides support to First Nation and Inuit Communities to assist with enhancing the economic development, land and environmental capacity of communities and to support the establishment of the conditions for economic development to occur, increasing their participation in the economy.

First Nation and Inuit communities and their governments, including Tribal Councils;
Other persons performing delegated land management functions under Sections 53 and/or 60 of the Indian Act on behalf of First Nations;
Organizations and associations controlled by Aboriginal people except for those with charitable or religious purposes; and,
Non-Aboriginal organizations and associations, except for those with charitable or religious purposes.

Core funding for economic development is provided annually by INAC through a funding agreement between a First Nation or Inuit community.

Operational (core) funding is available for:

economic development activities, including (but not limited to):
capacity development
community economic development planning
development of proposals to raise financial resources

First Nations and Inuit communities and their governments, tribal councils

Project-based funding is available for:

economic development, land management and environment management activities, including (but not limited to)
capacity development
planning
land designations that support economic development
development of proposals to raise financial resources
program management services pertaining to community economic development

First Nations and Inuit communities and their governments
tribal councils
organizations and associations controlled by First Nations and Inuit communities, except for those with charitable or religious purposes
non-Indigenous organizations and associations, except for those with charitable or religious purposes

Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is providing funding to support Indigenous nations, governments and non-profit organizations in:

digitizing existing documentary heritage related to Indigenous languages and cultures
building the skills, knowledge and resources needed to digitize and preserve documentary heritage related to Indigenous languages and cultures

To be eligible to apply, you must be:

an Indigenous nation (First Nations, Inuit or Métis Nation)
Indigenous government
Indigenous non-profit organization

The Low Carbon Economy Challenge (the Challenge Fund) leverages Canadian ingenuity to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and generate clean growth.

The Challenge Fund continues to support a wide range of Canadian recipients to implement projects that deploy proven, low-carbon technologies resulting in material GHG emissions reductions across sectors, focusing on its cost-effectiveness objective to maximize GHG emissions reductions.

To be eligible, projects must result in reductions in GHG emissions in 2030 and align with Canada’s goals for net-zero emissions by 2050. These reductions must be:

sources of GHG emissions controlled by the applicant or project partner (direct) and/or grid electricity emissions (acquired)
beyond what is required by existing regulations, standards, or codes and ongoing work by project proponents (incremental)
directly and immediately the result of activities funded by the program

The maximum federal cost share for specific recipients is as follows:

25% for for-profit businesses
50% for not-for-profit organizations
50% for public sector body or board
50% for provinces and provincial entities
50% for research, academic and educational institutions
50% for regional/local/municipal governments or their entities located in a province
75% for regional/local/municipal governments or their entities located in a territory
75% for territories and/or territorial entities
75% for Indigenous recipients (including Indigenous for-profit organizations)

Announced in June 2021, the $200 million Natural Infrastructure Fund supports projects that use natural or hybrid approaches to protect the natural environment, support healthy and resilient communities, and contribute to economic growth and jobs.

A minimum of 10% of the overall program envelope will be allocated to Indigenous-led projects. Indigenous governing bodies include but are not limited to:
• A band council within the meaning of Section 2 of the Indian Act;
• A First Nation, Inuit or Métis government or authority established pursuant to a Self-
Government Agreement or a Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement between Her Majesty
the Queen in right of Canada and an Indigenous People of Canada, that has been approved,
given effect and declared valid by federal legislation;
• A First Nation, Inuit, or Métis government established by or under legislation whether federal,
provincial or territorial, that incorporates a governance structure;
b) Not-for-profit organizations whose central mandate is to improve Indigenous outcomes; and
c) Indigenous development corporations

The Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF) provides grants and financing to Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, communities and organizations. The fund helps promote economic development and improve employment opportunities for Indigenous people.

First Nations

The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program provides eligible First Nations and Inuit clients with coverage for a range of health benefits that are not covered through other:

social programs
private insurance plans
provincial or territorial health insurance

To be eligible, a client must be a resident of Canada, and one of the following:

a First Nations person who is registered under the Indian Act (commonly referred to as a “Status Indian”)
an Inuk recognized by an Inuit land claim organization as outlined in Inuit client eligibility for the NIHB program
a child less than 2 years old whose parent is an NIHB-eligible client

The Northern Capital Grants Program provides northern municipalities and settlements with financial assistance to build or purchase municipal infrastructure and capital assets. For an approved project, the grants may provide up to a maximum of eighty per cent of the cost of the project; the local municipality must cover a minimum of twenty percent of the costs.

First Nations
Municipalities

The Community Capacity-Building Program helps northern communities develop the capacity to promote, attract, and support economic growth in the existing and emerging priority economic sectors.

First Nations
Municipalities

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) supports economic development in the North through project-based funding which strengthens territorial economies and increases economic participation by Northerners. Funding may be provided to a wide variety of Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations including for-profit businesses, not-for-profit organizations, social enterprises, other levels of government and other non-federal entities, public or private, that have an interest in economic development in the North.

CanNor’s Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program (NIEOP) (cannor.gc.ca) is open to northern Inuit, First Nations and Métis communities and businesses.

The Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) provides funding and support to Indigenous groups and communities that aren’t eligible for AICFI or PICFI in all areas where DFO manages the fishery. This initiative supports development of Indigenous-owned communal commercial fishing enterprises and aquaculture operations.

Eligible recipients for contributions under the DFO Indigenous contribution programs include:
A. Indigenous Communities / Bands / Settlements
B. District Councils / Chiefs’ Councils / Tribal Councils
C. Indigenous Associations / Organizations / Societies
D. Indigenous Fisheries Commissions / Councils / Authorities / Boards
E. Indigenous Economic Institutions / Organizations / Corporations / Co-operatives
F. Partnerships or aggregations of Indigenous groups
G. Service providers mandated to work with Indigenous organizations, as determined by DFO
H. Stakeholders, organizations representing stakeholders in fisheries or the fishing industry, or other interested organizations working in support of:
(i) increasing Indigenous participation in the fisheries or the fishing and aquaculture industry;
(ii) fisheries collaborative management.
I. Additional recipients for economic access components:
(i) Holders of valid DFO-issued commercial fishing licences, quota or leases
(ii) Owners of registered fishing vessels and/or gear
(iii) Contractors or builders constructing new vessels and gear

The Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund supports community-led projects for local and Indigenous food production systems with an emphasis on innovative and practical solutions to increase food security across the North.

NICI supports food and agriculture related businesses, as well as other public or private organizations with an emphasis on ensuring fair access to funding for Indigenous communities. Investments will strengthen existing and new food related initiatives with the goal of improving and diversifying economic activity in the territories.

Priority will be given to proposed projects that address food security in Indigenous communities or other vulnerable populations.

Assistance available from FedNor includes repayable and non-repayable contributions in activity fields related to community economic development, including those that leverage key economic sectors, such as: mining and forest industries, tourism, agri-food, information and communications technology, renewable energy and manufacturing.

First Nations
Municipalities

The Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity program, also called the Northern REACHE program, funds renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, and related capacity building and planning in:

Yukon
Northwest Territories
Nunavut
Nunavik
Nunatsiavut

The program objective is to reduce Northern communities’ reliance on diesel for heating and electricity by increasing the use of local renewable energy sources and energy efficiency.

Indigenous and northern communities in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut
territorial and regional governments
Indigenous and northern organizations
academic organizations such as universities and colleges
non-governmental organizations

This program helps eligible on-reserve residents and Status Indians in Yukon:

cover daily living costs
access pre-employment supports

First Nations communities
organizations
other service providers

The Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (PICFI) is designed to increase First Nations’ access to commercial fisheries in British Columbia and Yukon.

PICFI investments include support for new business and training opportunities and increased fisheries access for eligible First Nations CFEs in the PICFI program. Funding opportunities under the PICFI program also include support for aquaculture development and these are open to all eligible First Nations in BC and the Yukon. Funding opportunities are opened yearly and each intake period is focused on one of the following PICFI program areas.

This program aims to increase the number of First Nations students pursuing post-secondary education and contribute to closing the education attainment gap between First Nations and non-Indigenous students in Canada.

The program is First Nations-directed, regionally delivered and supports First Nations-established post-secondary education institutions and First Nations community-based programming.

Band councils of recognized First Nations bands
Self-governing First Nations
Organizations designated by band councils:
bands or settlements
tribal councils
education organizations
political or treaty organizations engaged by or on behalf of First Nations and First Nations established post-secondary education institutions
The First Nations University of Canada

The program aims to improve the socio-economic outcomes for First Nations by supporting First Nations in providing eligible students with funding to access education opportunities at the post-secondary level. This is consistent with the principle of First Nations control of First Nations education.

Status First Nations post-secondary students who maintain satisfactory academic standing within an eligible post-secondary institution.

This program funds projects that develop the capacity of First Nations and Inuit communities to perform core functions of government such as planning and risk management, leadership, basic administration and financial management.

First Nations
Tribal councils
Inuit communities

The Reserve Land and Environment Management Program provides funding to First Nations to develop capacity to manage reserve land, resources and environment.

First Nations and Inuit communities and their governments
tribal councils

The SIEF Contribution Program is a needs-based, conditional grant program for First Nation entrepreneurs and businesses. The program has a mandate to create jobs and to increase the economic well-being of First Nations people.

The SIEF Contribution Program is designed to support:

starting a new business,
acquiring an existing business, or
expanding a current business.

Financial assistance from the SIEF Contribution Program can support business development, capital and operating, marketing, and on-going business support costs.

To be eligible for the SIEF Contribution Program, clients and their business must be based in Saskatchewan and:

a registered Status Indian
a majority owned First Nation business/financial organization, or
a development corporation.

Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth) makes foundational investments in economic infrastructure, sector development and capacity building to help position Northerners in the territories to take advantage of Canada’s innovation economy.

First Nations
Municipalities

This program helps businesses majority-owned by Nunavut residents, municipalities, not-for-profit corporations and societies. Under the program, businesses can get a contribution to cover expansion or start-up costs. Municipalities, not-for-profit corporations and societies can get funding for training, marketing and community development. There are two funds within this program – Nunavut Business Investment Fund and Nunavut Economic Foundations.

Businesses majority-owned by Nunavut residents, municipalities, not-for-profit corporations and societies.

The Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI) provides a way for federal partners to coordinate their efforts, reduce administrative burden and pool resources in support of Indigenous communities. This approach fills gaps in other funding programs that might create a barrier to Indigenous involvement in economic opportunities. SPI initiatives can span multiple years, have regional economic impacts and serve multiple communities.

Federal departments leading SPI initiatives determine any application processes which vary depending on the initiative’s objectives. Those eligible to participate in SPI initiatives include:

Indigenous businesses, organizations, partnerships and joint ventures
Indigenous communities and local governments
academic institutions
provinces and territories

Tourism drives economic development and diversification in many regions and communities across Canada. Delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies, the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) provides $108 million over 3 years to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences. Indigenous tourism is vital to the economic development and growth of Canada’s tourism industry and is a priority under the TGP . Through the $108 million TGP , approximately 15% will support Indigenous-led tourism initiatives. Indigenous applicants are invited to apply through the process outlined below.

Eligible applicants include those operating in the tourism industry and are:

incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Indigenous-owned businesses or organizations
incorporated not-for-profit organizations including tourism associations and organizations
municipalities

The Toward Net-Zero Homes and Communities program will provide funding to:

Support the implementation of original and creative tools and methods to pursue net-zero residential building emissions by 2050
Support initiatives to empower all residents, including professionals and other levels of government, to contribute to Canada’s transition to net-zero residential building emissions by 2050
Support Indigenous, rural and remote, and under-resourced communities in their efforts to reduce residential GHG emissions

Program continues to accept applications from Métis and Inuit communities and organizations. Funds designated for these groups are exclusively available in the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 fiscal years. Only 1-year projects can be funded. Intake for projects from First Nations communities and organizations is closed, as the funding allotment is fully subscribed.

The Tribal Council Funding program provides core operational funding to tribal councils to deliver programs and services to their member First Nations and to support their capacity development.

A complete list of eligible tribal councils can be found in the Tribal Council Funding table.

Tribal councils are eligible if they have:

been clearly mandated to govern by band councils or an equivalent executive body of member First Nations

and

agreed to deliver services or capacity development to member First Nations, as designated by their member First Nations

This program provides non-repayable financial support for First Nations students, registered under the Indian Act, who are enrolled in accepted university and college entrance preparation programs.

The results of this program will enable First Nations students to achieve levels of post-secondary education comparable to non-Indigenous students in Canada.

Status First Nations post-secondary students who maintain satisfactory academic standing within an eligible post-secondary institution.

UPIP is designed to assist status and non-status First Nations, Inuit and Métis living in or transitioning to urban centres. Funding is also available for organizations that serve rural and northern areas that act as hubs for those living on reserves or in smaller northern settlements.

Each stream of UPIP funding has its own eligibility requirements. Common requirements for all streams include:

recipients must be located in an urban centre
all initiatives and projects must advance the objectives of Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples

In addition, all non-Indigenous organizations, including municipal governments, health and education authorities and institutions, require demonstrated support from Indigenous organizations or Indigenous community groups to be eligible for funding.