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

Hello readers!

As we welcome back the sun and longer days, our thoughts go to monitoring and protecting the land that supports us all.  In today's issue we share new funding pots which support Nations in preparing for natural hazards and protecting their most valuable resources. Read on to find out more!

Live today!  Check out the recording of our most recent free webinar Data Sovereignty webinar: Data as Medicine: Indigenous Health Data through Protocol and Ceremony hosted by SVS's Taylor Sparklingeyes. 

We also bring you news of a free, in person Data Management workshop that we will be hosting alongside our friends at BCALM (British Columbia Aboriginal Lands Managers) on April 8th and 9th. Attendees will gain practical tools to bolster data-driven decision-making in their communities and will have the opportunity to develop their skills with Indigenous Data Sovereignty, Governance and Management. Only 40 spots available and registration is due by March 29th!  Registration info below. 

Lastly, we have an employment opportunity to share with you today.  Come join our dedicated and passionate team as we work alongside Indigenous communities across Canada. We'd love to meet you.

Happy reading, friends!

Data Sovereignty Webinar - Recording available now

Data as Medicine: Indigenous Health Data through Protocol and Ceremony

Recording available now!

ICYMI! SVS's Taylor Sparklingeyes hosted Amy Shawanda, PhD (McGill University), and Colleen Hele-Cardinal (Sixties Scoop Network) in a discussion about the profound role of cultural protocols and ceremonies in shaping Indigenous health and wellness outcomes through data-driven approaches.

If you missed the webinar, or any of the previous webinars in this series, the video is now available to watch here.

Please enjoy!  And, if your Nation has any questions about Data Sovereignty and Shared Value Solutions' services see here, or reach out to Taylor Sparklingeyes.

Attention BCALM members and BC First Nations!

Register by March 29th for this free, in person Data Management workshop.

This hands on workshop is open to British Columbia First Nations staff who work with knowledge holders or those who engage with or manage spatial and/or Indigenous Knowledge for your Nation. Registration is limited to 40 people, deadline in March 29th.

See information below on how to register, or reach out to: 

Megan Nicholas, BCALM Administrative Assistant

Email: admin@nalma.ca

Attendees will gain practical tools to bolster data-driven decision-making in their communities and will have the opportunity to develop their skills with Indigenous Data Sovereignty, Governance and Management.

• Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided April 8^th and 9^th, 2024.
• Participants will organize their own transportation and maybe eligible to apply for reimbursement for travel costs for mileage, flights, commercial transportation, and meals that are not provided by BCALM during the workshop. Reimbursement Form attached (Receipts are required for reimbursements). Maximum $3,000 per First Nation. As space is limited, only one representative per First Nation will be accepted for reimbursement.
  
  

Indigenous Funding Programs

NATION-WIDE HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMS

NEW! Emergency Management Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness program

Application deadline: March 31, 2024

The Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) provides funding to First Nations communities so they can build resiliency, prepare for and respond to natural hazards. 

This stream is proposal-based and funds non-structural projects undertaken by First Nations communities on reserve to prepare for and mitigate emergencies caused by natural disasters, such as:

• flooding
• landslides
• tsunamis
• severe weather
• drought

More info here. 

NEW! Lands and Economic Development Services Program 

Application deadline: different for each region, reach out to program officer for more info

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.  Up to $50,000 of project-based funding support.

More info here.

First Nations Waste Management Initiative

Application deadline: No deadline

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

Funding is available for a range of waste management activities, such as:

• waste management agreements with municipalities and service providers (municipal-type agreements)
• construction of transfer stations
• construction of engineered landfills in remote and isolated communities
• waste reduction and diversion initiatives such as recycling, composting and hazardous waste management programs
• waste operator training
• waste awareness and education programming
• landfill management and closing of refuse sites
• development of waste management plans and feasibility studies

More information here.

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. 

Telus Indigenous Communities Fund

Application deadline: Spring - March 29, 2024, Fall - October 11, 2024

The TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund provides flexible grant funding to Indigenous-led programs supporting Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Funding is available for projects focused on, but not limited to:

•  Health, mental health and well-being
•  Access to education and resources
•  Community building and enhancement
•  Language and cultural revitalization
•  Inter-community sharing of cultural stories

Grants are available up to $50,000 and are to support Indigenous-led initiatives that support tangible positive outcomes.

For more information, click here. 

Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA)-Net Good Grants Program

Application deadline: April 10, 2024

For many Canadians, the ability to access, stay safe and succeed on the internet is still out of reach. To help close this gap, CIRA is launching its 2024 grants program to support not-for-profits, Indigenous communities, researchers and registered charities across the country that are working to bridge that digital divide.

The program welcomes projects that focus on three core areas to bring about digital development in communities nationwide:

• Infrastructure: connectivity research, network planning and solutions to improve internet access, speed and affordability.
• Online safety: research, educational frameworks, tools, consultations and training programs that increase Canadians’ safety against cybersecurity threats.
• Policy engagement: events, research and policy ecosystem work that broadens public awareness in domestic internet policy and governance.

Click here to learn more.

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.

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 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.

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

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. 

Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion Fund (PRF)

Application deadline: applications being accepted starting February 20th and available until all the funds are committed

Funding up to $100,000 per year, over two years is available for Indigenous-led charities and non-profits to support immediate work in enhancing poverty reduction and social inclusion initiatives.

The Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion Fund (PRF) is intended to be low barrier and flexible source of funding for Indigenous charities and non-profits needing a boost in their financial and service capacity to deliver on crucial poverty reduction and social inclusion initiatives.

The PRF was funded and made possible through New Relationship Trust’s partnership and collaboration with the Vancouver Foundation and BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.

More info here.

FIRST NATIONS RECYCLING INITIATIVE

Application deadline: no deadline

The First Nations Recycling Initiative supports recycling in First Nations communities throughout British Columbia. We collaborate directly with First Nations communities across BC to provide information about BC’s existing stewardship programs and local collection events in support of community recycling programs. We work together on projects to recycle these materials: tires, appliances, paper and packaging, electronics, beverage containers, batteries, power equipment, and health products.

More info here.

Government of British Columbia- Organics Infrastructure Program

Application deadline: no deadline

The Organics Infrastructure Program (OIP) helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by investing up to $30 million into projects that support:

• Increasing organic waste processing capacity in B.C.
• Keeping organic waste out of landfills

More information here.

Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP)

Application deadline: Open

For more information, click here. 

Indigenous Community Energy Coach Program & Indigenous Community Heat Pump Incentive

Application deadline: Ongoing

The Province of B.C. offers free energy coaching services to support Indigenous communities wanting to take advantage of the CleanBC Indigenous Community Heat Pump Incentive and related energy efficiency offers.

For more information, click here. 

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.

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:

• • NEW! Don McBain Memorial Award- This award is comprised of (3) $5,000 scholarships that will be distributed annually to (3) Indigenous students from Ontario pursuing their first year of post-secondary studies. More information here. 

     

  • Merck Canada Indigenous Student Scholarship is a bursary of $5,000 CAD for Indigenous students who want to pursue an undergraduate degree in the field of their choice. Up to eight (8) scholarships will be available. More info 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/ 
    
    
  • 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