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

Hello all! There's so many great funding sources in this issue, a few which are set to close very soon! Please read on to get your application in before time runs out. 

New funding sources we've highlighted, strive to improve lives in Indigenous Communities through activities like economic development, land use planning, climate change preparedness and more. Check out the EcoAction Community Funding Program which supports projects related to fresh water.  As always, reach out if you need help, we are happy to support!

We've featured two employment opportunities at SVS, as well as two from our friends at TALSAA.  And lastly, a link to our Impact blog series which highlights how SVS staff carried out our company-wide volunteer commitment in 2023.

Happy reading, friends!

Indigenous Funding Programs

NATION-WIDE HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMS

NEW! Indigenous Capacity Support Program

Application deadline: not yet announced

The objective of the ICSP is to support the development of local and regional capacity to promote meaningful participation and leadership of Indigenous peoples in project Environmental and Impact Assessments, regional and strategic assessments, and follow-up activities.

For more information on the program, here is the link to the funding guidelines: Guidelines: Indigenous Capacity Support Program - Canada.ca

There are 3 streams available:

• Stream 1: Program Partners
  • Typically reserved for Tribal Councils, etc.
  • If interested in this funding, it is best to arrange a call with the funders to discuss interest .and availability
  • Up to $500,000 per fiscal year
• Stream 2: Community of Practice Events
  • Purpose is to bring impact assessment practitioners together
  • If interested in this funding, it is best to arrange a call with the funders to discuss interest and availability
  • Up to $300,000 per event
• Stream 3: Strategic Opportunities
  • This funding stream anticipates a call-out for applications in January 2024
  • Intended to support Indigenous communities or organizations
  • Up to $300,000 per fiscal year

To prepare for the call out in January, if you are interested in applying, please reach out to discuss the program and make a plan. 

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

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.

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. 

Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program (FHIMP) Announcement of Opportunities for the Fiscal Years 2024-2025, 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 – Indigenous Traditional Knowledge

Application deadline: February 28, 2024 at 3pm EST

The FHIMP is a five-year program (2023-2028) to help Canadians better plan and prepare for future floods. In partnership with provincial and territorial governments, the FHIMP aims to complete flood hazard maps of higher risk areas in Canada and make this flood hazard information accessible to all Canadians. 

The purpose of the FHIMP Traditional Knowledge Stream Contributions funding is to increase the uptake, validity, and relevance of flood hazard mapping in Indigenous communities, as well as to facilitate the exchange of knowledge between Indigenous and scientific practices related to flood mapping.

The contribution fund will support the development of tools to support communities, traditional knowledge studies, and rights-based engagement processes.

More information here. 

NEW! EcoAction Community Funding Program

Application deadline: March 22, 2024

This fund supports non-profit and non-government organizations in Canadian communities to take on local, action-based projects that produce measurable, positive effects on the environment and to build the capacity of communities to sustain these activities in the future. This year, funding is available for new projects that engage Canadian communities and clearly demonstrate measurable, positive results related to the following key environmental priority: Fresh Water.

For more info, click here. 

NEW! New Relationship Trust Indigenous Labour Market Fund

Application deadline for Stream 1: December 1, 2024

The Indigenous Labour Market Fund (LMF) is intended to support and enhance a next generation approach of Indigenous initiatives to address three specific labour market issues or gaps impacting Indigenous people across B.C.

1. Labour Market Studies: to cover costs associated with the update or development of comprehensive plans or studies that identify Indigenous led initiatives to increase the recruitment, placement, advancement and ultimately greater participation and success of Indigenous peoples in various sectors and regions across B.C.

Learn more here. 

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.

Indigenous Youth and Community Futures Fund

Application deadline: March 7, 2024

Through the Indigenous Youth & Community Futures Fund (IYCFF), Laidlaw invests in opportunities for Indigenous youth to connect with their land, languages and cultures, and each other. They want to support change-makers to engage in acts of decolonization, nation and community building, and cultural resurgence. 

More specifically, the IYCFF grants are for Indigenous youth to develop and lead projects where they:

• learn about and are immersed in their lands, languages, rights, laws and cultures
• participate in acts of resurgence, reclamation and cultural care
• build relationships within and across diverse Indigenous communities and nations

You can apply for up to $30,000 for small-scale projects that can last between 6 to 12 months. 

Information Session:

For more information on the Indigenous Youth and Community Future Fund, please check out the Information session webinar from 2023.

Upcoming information session on Wednesday, February 7th at 12 PM to 1 PM EST. To secure your spot for the session, click here to register.

Laidlaw Foundation, in collaboration with various foundations, will host an information session in Thunder Bay on February 15, 2024, at the Baggage Art Centre. For those interested, please contact abernard@laidlawfdn.org for further details.

More information here. 

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. 

WESTERN CANADA FUNDING: 

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. 

Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia

Application deadline: February 7, 2024

The Real Estate Foundation of BC makes grants to support projects that advance sustainability, equity, and social justice in relation to land use and real estate practices in BC.

REFBC grants can support:

• Law and policy reform
• Applied research
• Community engagement
• Professional education
• Public education

REFBC is particularly interested in projects that support Indigenous rights and interests in land use and real estate.  More information here.

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

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 and smaller funding pots:

• • Native Language Immersion Initiative Grant. The NLII program is designed specifically to build the capacity of and support Native language immersion education programs in tribal communities. Deadline March 4, 2024.  For more information click here.
    

     

  • 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. 

• • 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.

     

  • 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.

• • 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