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

Hello readers!

This week we're thinking of the many people affected by forest fires in this extreme heat and hope that you and your loved ones are safe from harm.  The Talon includes funding for climate change initiatives as well as funding to build resiliency and prepare for emergencies. 

Today's Talon also includes funding to support economic development and Indigenous language initiatives across the country. Also, if your Nation is considering establishing an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area, or IPCA for short, there is funding available to support you! Read on to learn more.

Also included is a link to our introductory blog post on Indigenous Data Sovereignty. In this post we give an overview of this complex issue and how it continues to impact Nations. Join us for this series which will offer helpful resources and tools for Nations and communities on their journeys towards data sovereignty. 

Finally, we are thrilled to welcome two new members to the SVS team- read in the SVS News section to learn more about Brooke Moore and Randy Pitawanakwat.

As always, we are here to help with any questions about funding and applications. Please reach out!

Happy reading.

Indigenous Funding Programs

NATION-WIDE HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMS

The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program provides funding for renewable energy and capacity building projects and related energy efficiency measures in Indigenous, rural and remote communities across Canada.

The program is working to reduce the use of fossil fuels for heating and electricity by increasing the use of local renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. This creates environmental, social and economic benefits to support healthier and more sustainable communities.

Investing in clean energy solutions in Indigenous communities is a small but important link to energy security, reconciliation, self-determination and economic development for Indigenous Peoples.

More info here. 

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.

Telus Indigenous Communities Fund

Application deadline: 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. 

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: September 19, 2024

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.

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. 

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

BC Nations, click here for a round up of all the funding available to you! And see below for our highlighted funding.

Click here for a round up of funding dedicated to Pacific Salmon Conservation. 

Indigenous Climate Health Action Program (British Columbia specific)

Application deadline: available until the funding has been allocated. For projects starting Spring 2025 and onwards

• Food security and food sovereignty
• Access to the land
• Mental health
• Traditional medicine
• Traditional harvesting
• Water quality and quantity

Click here for more information.

Pacific Salmon Commission

Application deadlines vary

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. 

Professional and Institutional Development Program

Application deadline: varies 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. 

Click here to learn more.

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.

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! Na-mi-quai-ni-mak Community Support Fund. Small grants to support community-based healing and remembrance.  Click here for info. 
    
    
  • NEW! Contaminated Sites on Reserve Program. This program provides funding to First Nations to identify, assess and remediate contaminated sites on reserve lands and other lands under the department’s responsibility.Application deadline: The program operates on an open intake basis.  More information here.
    
    
  • Support for hunting, harvesting and community-led food programs. 

    Through flexible funding opportunities delivered by Indigenous organizations, the Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund:

    • create less reliance on store bought food
    • encourage the restoration of harvesting culture and practices
    • supports local food production and community food sharing
      
      More information here.

• • Contaminated Sites On-Reserve Program is responsible for managing contaminated sites on reserve lands. See here for more info.
    
    
  • Caribou Conservation Stewardship Program supports projects that maintain and recover populations of Boreal Caribou in Ontario. It is part of the Species at Risk in Ontario Stewardship Program. See here for more info.
    
    
  • Ontario grants to support healthy food systems for children and youth.  Look here for a list of funding sources.
    

     

  • Students, check out this searchable list of 537 bursaries, scholarships and incentives for Indigenous students across Canada.  Look here.
    
    
  • The Short-Term Projects component of Creating, Knowing and Sharing funds First Nations, Inuit and Métis professional and aspiring artists, cultural carriers, arts/cultural professionals, groups, collectives and arts/culture organizations. Grants provide support for any combination of eligible Creating, Knowing and Sharing activities for projects lasting up to 12 months. Find out more 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/ 
    
    
  • 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.

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