We hope many of you are enjoying a successful hunting season! The weather is getting colder and our thoughts turn to next year's season and what opportunities lie ahead for communities.
Today we are brining you many new funding sources- ways to improve the lives of people in communities, prepare for climate change, develop economies and create sustainability. Check out the many opportunities we have included in this issue, including the Indigenous Leadership Fund, the 2 Billion Trees Program and funds geared towards economic development. Whatever your plans are for your community, we hope you find something useful here! As always, please contact us for help in accessing or navigating any of these funds and applications!
Also included in this week's Talon are three exciting employment opportunities to share with your networks- please share widely.
Happy reading, friends!
NEW! 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:
Eligible projects will meet the following criteria:
Applicants are encouraged to submit projects that:
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:
The objectives of AFSAR are to:
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.
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:
Click here for more information.
2024 First Nations Guardians Fund is now open!
Application deadline: December 8th, 2023
Looking for ways to train more youth to become Guardians? Interested in finding ways to get more equipment for your Guardians initiatives? The 2024 First Nations Guardians Fund is an opportunity to do all that and more!
There are three tears of funding:
For the first time, the First Nations Guardians Fund will be distributed by the First Nations-led Network (the only one in the world!). The application process is being managed by First Nations experts and informed by Guardians input, putting decision-making and leadership in the hands of First Nations experts, Guardians, and leaders.
Click here for more information about this funding opportunity.
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.
The Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities (CRCC) Program-
Application deadline: December 13, 2023
This 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 received $41 million under the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan, which accompanied the release of the National Adaptation Strategy.
More information here.
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:
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:
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.
Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) Grant Program
Application deadline: December 8, 2023
The Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) is a grant program for 2023-2024 that will provide access to the following:
Click here for more info!
NEW! North American Partnership for Environmental Community ActionApplication Deadline: January 24, 2024
The CEC established NAPECA to engage and partner with tribal nations, Indigenous Peoples and communities, including Indigenous governments, councils and organizations, academia, and registered non-governmental organizations in Canada, Mexico and the United States to promote a shared responsibility and stewardship for the environment.
Since 2010, this grant program has been instrumental in fostering collaborative efforts to address pressing environmental challenges while promoting sustainable development and fostering cross-border cooperation. NAPECA encourages model environmental initiatives that will help build long-term partnerships to improve environmental conditions at the community level and support local priorities.
Click here for more information!
New! First Nations Well-Being Fund
Application deadline: December 31st, 2023
The First Nations Well-Being Fund offers funding to 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
Stream 2 - Planning Projects Overview - Maximum of $50,000
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:
Funding amounts:
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 Indigenous Food Security & Sovereignty (IFS) Grant
Applications due: Dec. 1, 2023
The Indigenous Food Security & Sovereignty (IFS) Grant provides non-repayable funding contributions to First Nation communities, Indigenous organizations, businesses, and entrepreneurs in British Columbia that want to participate in and receive financial support to develop, expand, or strengthen their Indigenous food systems and innovation to enhance sustainability and growth of the Indigenous agriculture and food sovereignty.
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.
NEW! New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund
Application deadline: November 30th, 2023
The Department of Environment and Local Government is accepting applications for Environmental Trust Fund projects for 2024-25. The fund supports projects focused on protecting, preserving, and enhancing the province’s natural environment.
The 2024-25 priority action areas for the fund are:
Click here for more information about this funding opportunity.
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 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.
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:
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:
Click here for more information about this funding opportunity.
Ontario Power Generation Regional Biodiversity Grant Program
Application deadline: November 30th, 2023
Ontario Power Generation announced its regional Biodiversity Grand Program to support Indigenous Nations and non-profit groups in Ontario in creating and restoring habitats and habitat corridors.
There are 5 habitat categories that will be considered for funding: woodland, wetland, grassland, lakes and rivers, and urban forest. Preference for three-year projects will be given to those focusing on woodland habitat.
Funding amounts: $50,000 per year for up to 3 years (150k total).
Click here for more information about this funding opportunity.
Community Emergency Preparedness Grant
Application deadline: November 30th, 2023
The Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG) will help ensure Ontarians are safe, practiced and prepared before, during and after emergencies. The grant will provide funding to help community organizations purchase:
Funding amounts: $5,000 to $50,000.
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?
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.
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.
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)
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.
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 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.
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.
We’re looking to fill a full time parental leave contract, starting November 2023.
Duration: 1-1.5 years with a potential for permanent employment after that.
Come join a team of enthusiastic and passionate people working to have a meaningful impact on the environment and in the communities we serve. In this role, you will be working with a cross-functional teams to ensure our clients goals are met within each project. Ideal candidates will have a Post-secondary degree in water resource management, environmental engineering, or equivalent, be licensed as a professional engineer in at least one Canadian province or territory and have 5+ years of professional experience in project management leading multidisciplinary teams.
Click here to learn more!
Some of the responsibilities of this role include directing and conducting environmental assessments and/or peer reviews of large-scale environmental assessments in Canada and building and maintaining client relationships through a comprehensive understanding of client needs, priorities, and objectives while providing excellent client service.
The ideal candidate will have a BSc, Masters or PhD in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Planning, Indigenous Studies, Environmental Studies, Political Science or similar equivalent, along with 10+ years professional experience. We are also looking for demonstrated experience supporting and facilitating relationship building with Indigenous groups as well as industry and government negotiations related to natural resource development and management.
Click here to learn more!
In this role, you will manage projects focused on technical peer reviews of regulatory environmental permitting and approvals reports and applications for pipelines, energy, mining, waste, and other major infrastructure development projects as well as build and maintain client relationships.
The ideal candidate will have a BSc, Masters or PhD in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Planning, Indigenous Studies, Environmental Studies, Political Science or similar equivalent, along with 5+ years professional experience. We are also looking for a strong understanding of Canadian federal, provincial, and territorial legislation and regulatory approvals and permitting processes, including consultation and duty to consult requirements.
Click here to learn more!
Check out our collection of informative eBooks that are available for free download:
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: