FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

The Capital and Innovation Program supports community-owned infrastructure and knowledge-based projects that strengthen economic development, community wellbeing, and long-term sustainability in coastal communities. Through this program, the Island Coastal Economic Trust invests in projects that help communities diversify local economies, build climate resilience, create new revenue opportunities, and develop lasting community assets.

The Local Festivals component of the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program provides funding to community-based organizations and Indigenous governments to support recurring festivals that celebrate local arts, culture, heritage, and community identity.

The Trail Catalyst Fund supports projects that improve, maintain, restore, and strengthen trail networks across Canada. Administered by Trans Canada Trail, the fund helps communities, organizations, and Indigenous groups enhance trail infrastructure, promote environmental stewardship, increase accessibility, support workforce development, and integrate Indigenous knowledge into trail planning and stewardship.

The Business Advisory Supports program helps rural and remote businesses access professional expertise to address business challenges, strengthen operations, and support employment opportunities. Funding is available to offset the costs of hiring third-party professional advisors, with a focus on helping businesses respond to tariff-related impacts, improve resilience, and sustain or create jobs in Northern British Columbia.

The Community Action Fund (CAF) supports Indigenous-led direct action and grassroots organizing efforts that protect Indigenous rights, lands, waters, communities, and Nations. The fund prioritizes urgent, community-based initiatives that are responding to immediate issues and advancing Indigenous self-determination through non-violent direct action and movement-building activities.

Provides financial support to eligible individuals and families living on reserve, as well as Status Indians residing in Yukon, who are unable to meet their basic living needs. As a program of last resort, it helps cover essential daily living expenses while also providing pre-employment and employment supports that help individuals build skills, prepare for work, and move toward greater self-sufficiency.

Support Indigenous and northern communities in strengthening local food systems, food sovereignty, and access to traditional and culturally appropriate foods.

The Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund supports projects that strengthen local food systems and improve food security across Northern Canada. The program helps businesses, Indigenous communities, and organizations develop innovative and practical solutions that increase local food production, strengthen supply chains, create jobs, and support long-term economic development.

Supports the translation of research abstracts into Indigenous and northern languages to improve accessibility and knowledge sharing among northern and Indigenous communities.

The On-Reserve Shelter Enhancement Program – Renovation supports First Nations communities in maintaining safe and accessible housing for individuals and families fleeing domestic violence. Funding helps cover repairs and renovations to existing emergency shelters and second-stage housing on reserve, ensuring these essential spaces remain safe, functional, and available to those in need.

Supports First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists, cultural carriers, groups, collectives, and organizations with small-scale artistic and cultural activities. The program is designed for activities that require smaller amounts of funding and faster access to support.

Supports travel for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists, cultural carriers, groups, and organizations to attend significant artistic and cultural events, undertake artistic research, access new markets, and build national and international presence.

Supports First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists, cultural carriers, groups, organizations, and communities in activities that strengthen Indigenous arts practices, cultures, and creative expression. Funding supports projects lasting up to one year.

Supports Indigenous participation in complex economic development opportunities across multiple sectors. The program helps Indigenous communities and organizations build partnerships, improve coordination, and increase economic participation in major projects and regional development initiatives.

Supports Indigenous community-owned businesses and economic development projects in Alberta. The program helps communities build infrastructure, purchase equipment, expand operations, and create long-term economic opportunities.

Supports Indigenous screen-based creatives with travel costs related to professional development, project advancement, and industry participation. Funding can support travel for festivals, markets, conferences, training opportunities, community engagement, and artistic collaborations across Canada and internationally.

Supports the growth of Nunavut’s film, television, and digital media industry by providing a rebate to production companies for eligible production goods and services purchased and consumed in Nunavut. The program encourages local employment, training opportunities, and the development of Inuit and northern storytelling.

Provides financial support to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students across Canada to pursue post-secondary education, including college, university, skilled trades, and technology programs. Through a single application, students are considered for hundreds of bursaries, scholarships, and awards.

Supports employers in Prince Edward Island to train new or existing employees through short-term, job-specific training that builds skills and meets workforce needs. The program helps strengthen workforce capacity and supports long-term economic growth.

Provides funding to support community-led projects focused on violence prevention and increasing safety for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit+ people, as well as their families and communities. Projects that build partnerships and strengthen community relationships are strongly encouraged.