Welcome to Shared Value Solution's funding and news digest. We hope it finds you well.

December is upon us and there are so many great new funding opportunities to explore! In this issue of the Talon, we highlight many new sources of funding to improve the lives of communities through well being studies, economic development programs, land use planning, and creative solutions for protecting lands and waters.

Among all of this exciting news, we are also all busy gearing up for the holiday season! We have included our Indigenous gift giving guide which highlights some of our favourite vendors and craftspeople. 

SVS offices will be closed Dec 25-January 1st but please do reach out for assistance with any of the funding opportunities we have highlighted - we would love to chat!

Happy reading, friends!

Indigenous Funding Programs

NATION-WIDE HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMS

NEW! Indigenous Partnership Funding

Application deadline: open from now until January 30th, 2024

The Indigenous Partnership Fund supports ongoing consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). 

The Fund supports consultation and cooperation between the Government of Canada and Indigenous partners on:

• measures to ensure that the laws of Canada are consistent with the UN Declaration
• implementation of an action plan to achieve the objectives of the UN Declaration
• development of annual reports on progress

Click here to learn more!

Listen, Hear Our Voices

Application deadline: January 31, 2024

Digitization and archival work are an important part of your Nation's path to data sovereignty.
The Listen, Hear Our Voices Initiative, powered by Library and Archives Canada, is offering funding to support Indigenous communities and organizations in their crucial efforts towards preserving documentary heritage.
This funding is designed to support Indigenous communities and organizations in:

- Digitizing existing documentary heritage related to Indigenous languages and cultures
- Building capacity and resources to digitize and preserve documentary heritage related to Indigenous languages and cultures

Value of the Funding:

- Up to $25,000 is available for smaller projects (12 months to complete the project)
- Up to $100,000 is available for larger projects (12 months to complete the project)

Our Data Sovereignty Team (Taylor Sparklingeyes and Claire Avisar) are offering free application support.

Program Link: https://lnkd.in/dm3Xs2_S

NEW! NALMA is now accepting applications for their 2024-2025 Land Use Planning (LUP) Funding Initiatives.

Applications Deadline: February 2, 2024

This Initiative is intended for First Nations operating under the Indian Act.

3 categories of funding:

Category 1: Pre-Planning – Background Report

Category 2: Land Use Plan Development, Implementation and Monitoring

Category 3: Updating an Existing Land Use Plan

Click here for more information.

Indigenous Leadership Fund

Application deadline: open from October 30, 2023 to March 31, 2027

The Indigenous Leadership Fund is being offered by Environment and Climate Change Canada as a new program under the Low Carbon Economy Fund. The program will fund Indigenous-owned and led renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon heating projects. 

This fund will support projects that are:

• Indigenous-owned and led
• Advance Indigenous climate leadership
• Support the self-determined climate, social, and economic priorities of Indigenous peoples. 

Eligible projects will meet the following criteria:

• Incorporate or make use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, or low-carbon heating technologies and practices
• Offer broader environmental, social, and economic benefits
• Use proven technologies and practices 

Applicants are encouraged to submit projects that: 

• help reduce GHG emissions in 2030
• align with Canada’s goals for net-zero emissions by 2050

Click here for more information about this opportunity.

Aboriginal Fund for Special at Risk (AFSAR)  Funding for 2024-2025 projects is now open

Application deadline: December 15, 2023

The application submission period for projects commencing in 2024-2025 is now open. There are two separate platforms for funding:

• Terrestrial Projects - Delivered by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
• Aquatic Projects - Delivered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

The objectives of AFSAR are to:

• Support and promote the conservation, protection and recovery of target species and their habitats on Indigenous lands or lands where traditional food, social, and ceremonial activities are carried out by Indigenous Peoples; and
• Support the engagement and leadership of Indigenous Peoples in the conservation and recovery of species at risk, their habitats and SARA processes

This program will be accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) until November 10, 2023. Completed application forms will be accepted until December 15, 2023. 

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program

Application deadline: varied

The Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program supports the mandate of the Department of Canadian Heritage by building on Canada's strength as a diverse and inclusive society.

The Program has three funding components: Events, Projects and Organizational Capacity Building.

Click here for more info!

Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities Program

Application deadline: Ongoing

The Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities (CRCC) program will provide funding to enable communities and sectors to work together at a regional scale to co-develop coordinated actions that increase climate resilience in coastal regions. 

The CRCC program will fund up to 25 pilot projects between 2023 and 2028 with a total budget of $41 million dollars under the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan. 

There is an Indigenous-led application process where applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. 

Click here for more information. 

The 2 Billion Trees (2BT) Program

Application deadline: Various Application Deadlines

The 2 Billion Trees (2BT) program aims to support new tree-planting projects. Over a period of 10 years, up to $3.2 billion will be invested in tree-planting efforts to support provinces, territories, third-party organizations (for-profit and not-for-profit), and Indigenous organizations to plant two billion trees across Canada.

Indigenous Funding Stream: for Indigenous governments/communities/organizations interested in tree planting and/or capacity-building projects.

Upcoming decision dates for the Tree Planting Stream and the Indigenous Funding Stream:

• Apply by January 18, 2024, for a decision by July 2024
• Apply by May 16, 2024, for a decision by November 2024
• Apply by September 19, 2024, for a decision by March 2025

Click here for more information.

New! The CEC North American Partnership for Environmental Community Action (NAPECA) grant program - Call for Proposals

Application deadline: TBD

The CEC will launch a new cycle of the North American Partnership for Environmental Community Action (NAPECA) grant program in the second half of November 2023. This year’s Call for Proposals will focus on climate adaptation and Indigenous Knowledge (IK). 

Click here for more information about this opportunity. 

Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP) – Funding Opportunity

Application deadline: Open

The Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP) provides project-based funding for First Nation and Inuit Communities’ pursuit of economic opportunities. The funding objective is that First Nation and Inuit communities implement economic and business development initiatives that will leverage private sector funding either immediately, or in the future.  

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

Professional and Institutional Development Program

Application deadline: Different per region.

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.

The Professional and Institutional Development Program funds projects that develop the capacity of communities to perform 10 core functions of governance, including:

• leadership
• membership
• law-making
• community involvement
• external relations
• planning and risk management
• financial management
• human resources management
• information management and information technology
• basic administration

Contact your funding services officer in your Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) regional office for the deadline in your region.

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

First Nations Health Authority: Indigenous Climate Health Action Program

Application deadline: Open

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​FNHA’s Indigenous Climate Health Action Program (ICHAP) supports First Nations leadership in reducing climate change impacts on health. 

Climate change affects physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health in many ways. Through ICHAP, communities can strengthen their climate health resilience by working together to improve the environmental, social, cultural, and economic factors that affect their health and wellness. 

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

Wildfire and Natural Disaster Support

Application deadline: Various depending on the funding opportunity program

The WWF will fund grants and contracts between $50,000 to $150,000 per year for up to three years to support Indigenous communities and organizations as they consider, establish, or maintain IPCAs.

IPCAs are defined and managed by Indigenous communities, and stewarded through Indigenous laws and knowledge systems. In the wake of the COP15 United Nations biodiversity summit, support for IPCAs will be increasingly important, as countries strive to protect 30 percent of the planet while upholding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

For more information, contact:

• Rebecca Spring, senior communications manager: rspring@wwfcanada.org
• Tina Knezevic, communications specialist: tknezevic@wwfcanada.org
• Laurence Cayer-Desrosiers, manager, communications (French language inquiries): lcdesrosiers@wwfcanada.org

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

The Blanket Fund

Application deadline: new applications will be accepted in 2024

The Blanket Fund will provide support for Indigenous cultural, artistic, and educational activities. Offered through two grant streams (Reconciliation Action Grants and Capacity Building Grants), The Blanket Fund can be accessed by both grassroots Indigenous communities and organizations, and by Indigenous individuals undertaking related initiatives. 

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

Click here for more information!

First Nations Baseline Assessment Program on Health and the Environment

Application Deadline: February 16, 2024

The First Nations Baseline Assessment Program on Health and the Environment aims to support First Nations in assessing the baseline status of human health and the environment in their communities prior to the implementation of large scale industrial projects on their traditional territories. Projects that focus on intergenerational knowledge translation with Elders and youth are particularly welcomed.

This program supports projects for a maximum of 2 years.

Selected research proposals can receive up to $125,000 per project in funding over 2 years between April 2024 and March 2026. An applicant can only submit one proposal in a given year.

More information here. 

NORTHERN CANADA FUNDING:

WESTERN CANADA FUNDING: 

New! First Nations Well-Being Fund

Application deadline: December 31st, 2023

The First Nations Well-Being Fund offers funding to BC First Nations and Tribal Councils to support projects related to community well-being and poverty reduction. Areas of focus for funding will include, but are not limited to, food security, social and cultural supports, employment, education and training, families, children and youth, mental health, and transportation.

Stream 1 - Community Projects Overview - Maximum of $100,000

• Local food security initiatives
• initiatives that provide employment opportunities
• Training and skills-building opportunities 
• Cultural initiatives that will strengthen the community and support decolonization

Stream 2 - Planning Projects Overview - Maximum of $50,000

• Project planning and community engagement 

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity.

Funding for Engagement on the Fish Habitat Restoration Priorities Plan

Application deadline: January 31, 2024

The Indigenous Habitat Participation Program (IHPP) will be available to support engagement on the development of Regional Restoration Priorities Plans led by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the Pacific Region (i.e., British Columbia and Yukon Territory).

Objectives for the Pacific Region Regional Plan include:

• Identifying information sources that set priorities for fish habitat restoration;
• Collecting information from regional partners and stakeholders on restoration activities being undertaken;
• Identifying key threats and impacts to fish and fish habitat in Pacific Region;
• Identifying important species, areas, and ecosystem functions that will inform goals and priorities for fish habitat restoration;
• Identifying goals and supporting actions fish habitat restoration; and
• Identifying fish habitat restoration priorities and outline the approach used to prioritize the goals.

Funding amounts: 

• 1 community: $10,000
• 2 communities: $30,000
• 11-30 communities: $45,000

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF) - Equity Funding

Application deadline: April 30th, 2024

The FNCEBF aims to promote increased Indigenous community participation in the clean energy sector within their asserted traditional territories and treaty areas through agreements between the BC Government and the eligible applicant to support capital costs related to the implementation of community energy efficiency and demand-side management projects within their community. 

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

The Declaration Act Engagement Fund (DAEF)

Application deadline: new applications accepted between May and December each year

The Declaration Act Engagement Fund (DAEF) provides multi-year (4 year) non-repayable funding contributions to First Nations to support their capacity to engage with the Province of B.C. on the implementation of the Declaration Act Action Plan and alignment of Provincial laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples both of which must be done in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples in B.C.

The Declaration Act Engagement Fund will accept new applications during New Relationship Trust’s annual funding cycle between May and December each year. Applicants will only have to apply once to the program.

Government funding to help at-risk birds and other species in St. Lawrence Lowlands

On Tuesday Guilbeault announced $1.5 million of taxpayer money will be going to Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) projects along the St. Lawrence River.

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

MANITOBA-SPECIFIC FUNDING

Manitoba Government Provides Funding to Protect Fish and Wildlife

The Manitoba government is helping protect the province’s natural resources by awarding over $1 million in funding for 35 fish and wildlife improvement projects from the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund, Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt announced.

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity.

ONTARIO-SPECIFIC FUNDING

NEW! Indigenous Economic Development Fund

Application deadline: December 19, 2023

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 in Ontario.

The fund supports projects that:

• Diversify Indigenous economies
• Increase access to employment and training opportunities
• Provide start-up and expansion financing for small and medium-sized businesses
• Support financing, skills training, and other economic development initiatives through collaboration between Indigenous communities and the private sector

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity.

NEW! Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program

Application deadline: December 21, 2023

The Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program (ICCGP) funds the development of community capital projects that contribute to a sustainable social base and support economic participation in Indigenous communities, both on and off reserve.

The program has funding for three project stages in the capital project process:

1. Feasibility study completion
2. Design completion
3. Construction, renovation, or retrofitting

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation Funding Opportunity

Application deadline: no deadline

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is providing funding through their Innovation Stream to support research development and commercialization of new and innovative technologies in Northern Ontario.  

Who is Eligible? 

• Private-sector businesses
• Private-sector businesses in partnership with a public-sector academic or research institution

What Projects are Eligible? 

Eligible projects include applied research and development projects, as well as a demonstration and commercialization of new and innovative technologies.  

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

Opportunities for Engagement: 

• • Nova Scotians Invited to Shape Future of Environmental Assessment Process: more information here.

  • Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia

    The Regional Assessment will be conducted for areas offshore Nova Scotia. The Committee will engage Indigenous groups, federal and provincial authorities, non-government organizations and the public during the conduct of the Regional Assessment. The Regional Assessment will help inform future project-specific federal impact assessments and decisions for offshore wind projects in these areas.

    https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/83514

  • Trans Mountain Expansion Project - Hearings are being streamed. The Commission will hear from Stk'emlúpsemc te Secwépemc Nation as the Pipsell area holds spirtual and cultural significance: CER – Hearings, Workshops, Information Sessions, and Conferences (cer-rec.gc.ca)

  • Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is accepting applications from individuals interested in serving as an appointee or nominee on boards, commissions, and other organizations within its portfolio. Click here for more info. 
  • The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) announced today that it will waive the change of name fee for Indigenous residents of the NWT on an ongoing basis. Waiving the change of name for residential school survivors and their families advances the GNWT’s commitment to improve the lives of Indigenous residents and help further the cause of reconciliation. More info here.
  • Small grants to support community based healing and remembrance. More information here: https://nctr.ca/memorial/na-mi-quai-ni-mak/na-mi-quai-ni-mak-community-support-fund/ 

  • Grants available for Emergency Response and Recovery for small Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs in Central Interior BC. The program provides a monetary contribution to assist clients, Indigenous-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and First Nation communities who have experienced business disruption and financial loss due to the 2021 floods. Applications will be accepted until the BC Emergent Response and Recovery Grant fund is fully allocated.

  • The Ontario Biodiversity Council is renewing its Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy and is seeking public input. More information here. 

  • Micro-Loan Fund Available for Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs 
    The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association and participating Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs) are pleased to announce the establishment of a new $5-million Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund.
    AFIs across the country are now delivering the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund on behalf of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis women entrepreneurs from across the country are now able to access loans up to $50,000 to start or grow their business.

• • Clean Energy in Indigenous, Rural, and Remote Communities. Environment and Climate Change Canada has announced an additional $300 million for clean energy projects. This funding supports projects that help advance Indigenous-led climate action, support local economic development, and create skilled jobs while reducing pollution and improving air quality.  There is no deadline to apply.

    
    

  • Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities. The Government of Canada is providing $103.8 million over 5 years to assist First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities with implementing and developing Indigenous-designed community safety projects. There are several activities eligible for this funding, including initiatives that recognize the importance of Traditional Knowledge and practices in community safety and well-being.  There is no deadline for this funding.

    
    
  • Assistance to be Offered to Residents of Mud Lake for Relocation

    Assistance is being extended as a result of previous and potential flooding events which have been an ongoing concern for some residents. The decision to relocate or remain in the community will be up to each household. The amount of financial assistance payable to permanent residential property owners will be determined by the number of permanent residents living in the household. Residents who wish to discuss relocation assistance can contact Jacob Kimball, Manager of Legislation, at jacobkimball@gov.nl.ca or 709-729-5473 for further information.

• • The Southern Chiefs' Organization Launches New Survey Seeking Citizen Input on Reforming Justice System 
    The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) has launched a new online survey with the goal of seeking input that will assist the SCO in advocating for the creation of an effective, equitable, and safe justice system from a First Nations perspective. The survey is the latest tool, part of SCO’s overall First Nations Justice Strategy, which includes a focus on restorative justice. SCO’s Restorative Justice Program serves several First Nations and has dedicated Community Justice Workers in six communities—Bloodvein, Long Plain, O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi, Pinaymootang, Sagkeeng, and Sandy Bay First Nations. The program also serves Brokenhead, Dakota Tipi, Dauphin River, Ebb and Flow, Lake Manitoba, Lake St. Martin, Little Saskatchewan, Skownan, and beyond. 
    You can find the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SCO-IJS
    
    
  • United Brotherhood of Carpenters Canadian District Receives $37 Million to Support Employers Hiring First-Year Apprentices 
    This program will fund assist Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to hire new, first-year apprentices in the skilled trades and provide extra support for employers to assist apprentices from equity deserving groups. 
    Apprenticeships offer a great way to get the hands-on work experience needed to pursue a career in the skilled trades, and small business plays a fundamental role in Canada’s apprenticeship system. 

    Many SMEs do not have the resources to offer apprenticeship training opportunities. In an effort to change this situation, Rowe and the UBC Canadian District have launched a two-year, $37-million program funded by the government of Canada’s Apprenticeship Service to provide support to SMEs in Canadian construction and manufacturing “Red Seal” trades to help them to hire new, first-year apprentices needing a leg-up to begin lucrative careers in the well-respected skilled trades. 
    In addition to financial supports, the program provides assistance to help employers navigate the apprenticeship system, onboard new apprentices, and set up the appropriate workplace training via a digital toolkit that can be found on their website at ubc-asp.ca.

SVS eBooks for Download: Collect Them All!

Check out our collection of informative eBooks that are available for free download:

• Protecting What Matters: Environmental Monitoring Ideas Bundle for Indigenous Nations
• Channeling the Wisdom of Indigenous Knowledge 
• Pandemic-Inspired Research Innovations
• Indigenous Planning Cheat Sheet
• Indigenous Business and the Resource Sector
• Indigenous Planning Starter Kit
• Indigenous Guardians and Development
• GIS Intro Guide: Harnessing the Power of Maps
• A Lands and Consultation Department Guidebook
• Planning Starter Kit

Download our eBooks here

About Us: Shared Value Solutions

We are a Canadian B Corp, and we assist Indigenous Nations with support throughout regulatory processes surrounding major development projects like mines, hydroelectric facilities, transmission lines, highway expansions, oil and gas pipelines, natural resource transport applications, and nuclear power. 

We have deep context and experience behind the recommendations we provide, having worked for our clients on almost every major project in Canada over the last 10 years. For us, it’s all about building long-term relationships with our clients. We want to get to know you and what you want to do so we can help you move your plans forward. 

Core Services:

• Impact Benefit Agreement Negotiation Support 
• Technical Reviews and Regulatory Process Support 
• Community and Economic Development Planning 
• Indigenous Knowledge and Land Use Studies 
• Environmental Monitoring 
• Guardians Program Development 
• Climate Change Readiness 
• GIS and Mapping 
• and a whole lot more...www.sharedvaluesolutions.com