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

Hello readers!

Today we bring you news of a Guardians Funding program closing May 14th. Read on to learn more! We also share news of funding for maintaining the health and safety of the water in your community, an opportunity to advance environmental conservation, as well as a fund dedicated to land based learning. See below to learn more! 

Link to our latest blog post What You Need to Know about Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas which answers some essential questions about IPCAs. The post is from our eBook: 'Protecting What Matters: Environmental Monitoring Ideas Bundle for Indigenous Nations- download this info-packed, free resource here. 

Finally, please read below about the opportunity to join our team as an Indigenous Data Sovereignty Consultant.

Indigenous Funding Programs

NATION-WIDE HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMS

NEW! Tier 1 Guardians Funding. Deadline May 14, 2025

This First Nations National Guardians Network funding stream is designed to support First Nations that are exploring or beginning their Guardians program. Whether your community is just starting conversations about stewardship or building early plans for a Guardians initiative, Tier 1 can help lay the foundation.

More information here.

Two Billion Trees Program.

The 2 Billion Trees (2BT) program aims to motivate and support new tree planting projects.

More information here.

CANADA HOUSING INFRASTRUCTURE FUND. Deadline May 19th, 2025

The Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) is a $6 billion fund that aims to accelerate new construction, rehabilitation and expansion of housing-enabling drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste infrastructure, directly supporting the creation of new housing supply and improved densification.

For a project to be eligible, applicants must demonstrate in their application that there is a housing need, or that growth is expected in the community where the project will take place.

More information here.

NEW! Agricultural Clean Technology Program. No deadline

The Research and Innovation Stream will support pre-market innovation, including research, development, demonstration and commercialization activities, to develop transformative clean technologies and enable the expansion of current technologies, in 3 priority areas green energy and energy efficiency, precision agriculture, and bioeconomy. More info here.

Braiding Knowledges Canada: Land Based Learning Fund. Deadline June 2, 2025

Through BKC’s inaugural call for Land-Based Learning proposals, we invite proposals describing collaborative partnerships supporting youth, students, researchers, knowledge holders, and leaders in land-based learning initiatives focused on the braiding of knowledge systems. Eligible projects include Land-based Learning Initiatives in Canada, including urban, rural, and remote learning camps, that involve youth and have an emphasis on the braiding of knowledges. 

More information here.

Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund. Deadline June 27, 2025

The CMIF is providing up to $1.5 billion in federal funding until 2030 for clean energy and transportation infrastructure projects necessary to enable the sustainable development and expansion of critical minerals in Canada.

More information here.

Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund. No Deadline.

The Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund supports food and agriculture businesses, as well as other public and private organizations. Investments from NICI support new and existing food initiatives aimed at strengthening and diversifying economic activity in the North. Projects that address food security in Indigenous communities or with other vulnerable people will be given priority. More info here. 

Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund. No deadline

The purpose of the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund - Emission Reductions Intake is to fund projects that will contribute to Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan targets by:

• halting or reducing activities that cause greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through land use or land cover change
• restoring areas into functional ecosystems that sequester and store carbon

More information here.

Canada Water Agency's freshwater-related funding opportunities. Varied deadlines

Varied funding opportunities for water quality, ecological health of freshwater bodies.

See here for more info.

Indigenous Fishery Monitoring Fund. No deadline

Eligible Indigenous Peoples, communities, and groups can now apply to the Indigenous Fishery Monitoring Fund to support their participation in implementing the Fishery Monitoring Policy as they to continue to build capacity in fisheries monitoring and catch reporting activities.

Look here for more info.

Documentary Heritage Communities Program. No deadline given

We provide funding to local documentary heritage organizations for projects that meet one or both of these goals: Access and awareness, and Improving capacity for preservation

More information here. 

Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages: Indigenous Language funding

Click here to learn about funding to support Indigenous language initiatives across Canada.

Wildfire and Natural Disaster Support. Varied deadlines

• Emergency Management FireSmart program https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1643385529147/1643385549632
• Emergency Management Assistance Program: https://hubs.ly/Q01XhYWj0

Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program. No deadline

The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities 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 currently accepting applications under the following streams:

• Biomass heating, district heating, and combined heat and power systems

Please note: Due to high demand, remaining funding for this stream is limited, eligible projects received will be added to a waitlist, should funds become available:

• Research, Development, and Demonstration projects

Please note: Due to high demand, CERRC has paused application intake for the following streams:

• Capacity Building projects
• Deployment of renewable energy projects

More info here. 

Lands and Economic Development Services Program. Varied Deadlines

The Lands and Economic Development Services Program 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. No deadline

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

More information here. 

Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program. Varied deadlines

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. No deadline

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. 

Community Opportunity Readiness Program. No deadline

The Community Opportunity Readiness Program 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. Varied deadlines

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 for more information about this funding opportunity. 

First Nations Health Authority: Indigenous Climate Health Action Program. No deadline

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​First Nations Health Authority’s Indigenous Climate Health Action Program (ICHAP) supports First Nations leadership in reducing climate change impacts on health. Preference given to communities that have not received ICHAP funding in the previous year. 

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity. 

The Blanket Fund. Varied deadlines

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. 

NORTHERN CANADA FUNDING

NEW! Climate Change Preparedness in the North. No Deadline

Climate Change Preparedness in the North Program (CCPN) provides project funding and guidance to build Northern adaptation capacity and to implement adaptation measures increasing the climate resilience of existing community infrastructure, in support of self-determined priorities. Read more here.

NEW! Northern REACHE Program. No Deadline

The Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity program, also called the Northern REACHE program, funds renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, and related capacity building and planning in: Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut. The program objective is to reduce Northern communities' reliance on diesel for heating and electricity by increasing the use of local renewable energy sources and energy efficiency.  More info here. 

EASTERN CANADA FUNDING

NEW! Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative. Deadline not specified

The Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative provides support to pursue new approaches for building houses, including designing and upscaling modular homes, the use of 3D printing, panelized construction, as well as implementing net-zero and climate resilient homebuilding practices. More information here.

NEW! Innovative Communities Fund. Deadline not specified

Through the ICF, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) works with communities to find opportunities for growth. We invest in initiatives that lead to long-term employment and a stronger local economy. More info here. 

WESTERN CANADA FUNDING

BC Nations, click here for a round up of all the funding available to you! 

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

NEW! Community to Community Program. Deadline September 5, 2025

The Regional Community to Community (C2C) program continues to fund C2C forums and events. In addition, the program supports the advancement of First Nation/local government reconciliation and relationship building through the development of agreements (such as protocols, MOUs, and service agreements), joint plans and/or strategies and the joint review of bylaws and/or policies in order to develop recommendations for amendments or new bylaws and/or policies. 

Pacific Salmon Commission. Varied deadlines

The Pacific Salmon Commission Secretariat oversees and manages various grant programs that support the implementation of the Pacific Salmon Treaty. The amount of available funds for each program varies annually and grants are awarded upon review of applications by the respective fund committee.

More information here. 

Professional and Institutional Development Program. Varied deadlines

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). No 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 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.

More info here.

First Nations Recycling Initiative. 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. No deadline

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

• Increasing organic waste processing capacity in British Columbia
• Keeping organic waste out of landfills

More information here.

Local Government Climate Action Program. No deadline

The Local Government Climate Action Program provides funding for local governments and modern treaty Nations to plan and implement climate action that will reduce emissions, create new opportunities for people in the clean economy and prepare communities for future climate impacts.

For more information, click here. 

Indigenous Community Energy Coach Program & Indigenous Community Heat Pump Incentive. No deadline

The Province of BC 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. 

ONTARIO-SPECIFIC FUNDING 

NEW! Health and Safety Water Stream. Deadline July 10, 2025

The Health and Safety Water Stream will help municipalities and First Nations build, expand or rehabilitate aging water, wastewater, stormwater, flood and erosion infrastructure. These projects will help preserve the current housing supply and protect communities during extreme weather events.

More information here.

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. Varied deadlines

Click here to learn about a range of programs supporting economic development, including tourism and small businesses.

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation Funding Opportunity. No deadline

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

• • Indigenous Capacity Support Program.  No Deadline

    Under this Program, short-term funding is available outside of specific project assessments to support community understanding of environmental assessment (EA) and impact assessment (IA) processes and related issues. The aim is to help communities meaningfully participate in EA/IA processes. 

    
    
  • Seed Funding: CMHC's Seed Funding program provides financial support for individuals or organizations involved in the initial phases of creating an affordable housing project. More info here.
    
    

  • Participant funding opportunities during an impact assessment: 

    This page links to notices about how to get involved in an active assessment. Notices are organized by location of the assessment, either by province, territory, or outside of Canada. You can also find open application periods for participant funding. Click here for info. 

     

  • Na-mi-quai-ni-mak Community Support Fund. Small grants to support community-based healing and remembrance.  Click here for info. 
    
    
  • 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.

• • The Contaminated Sites On-Reserve Program is responsible for managing contaminated sites on reserve lands. See here for more info.
    
    
  • The 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.

• • 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/ 

• • 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.

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
• 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