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

Hello readers!

In today's Talon, learn about seed grants available to BC Nations looking to fund the start of their wildlife conservation project and, a new fund for Northern Nations to advance strategic transportation projects. There are also many national funds available to Indigenous communities interested in building climate resiliency, economic development, workforce opportunities and more!

Also a reminder to check out our Climate Adaptation Resource Library which features planning guides, information booklets, risk management information, and more.  https://hubs.ly/Q042H8Y20

Lastly, we are hiring a Human Resources Business Partner to join our team. Click here to learn more.

Indigenous Funding Programs

NATION-WIDE HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMS

NEW! The Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation 

This program supports Indigenous groups in acquiring equity ownership in major projects.

Major projects are defined as large-scale or capital-intensive initiatives that involve the development, construction, or acquisition of significant in situ physical assets. They should derive their revenue and cash flow primarily from the operation, leasing, or commercial use of those assets over time.

A major project may be at the advanced planning stage with development or construction expected to begin in the near future, under development or construction, or an operational asset that was considered a major project when it was built. The acquisition of a major project may include an operating business.

Eligible major projects may exist or be developed in any industry sector (other than gaming).

More info here.

First Nation Infrastructure Fund. Deadline fall of 2026

The First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF) helps First Nations communities upgrade and increase public infrastructure to improve the quality of life and the environment in First Nations communities.

More info here.

Professional and Institutional Development Program. Deadlines vary according to 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 for more info. 

Urban, Rural and Northern (URN) Indigenous Housing Program. No deadline

The URN Indigenous Housing Program provides capital funding to support First Nations governments and bands with off-reserve members create safe, culturally grounded, and affordable housing.

Funding is available for new builds, renovations, planning, land acquisition, and culturally significant spaces that help Indigenous communities secure stable housing for priority populations like Elders, youth, women, and families.

More information here. 

Emergency Management Assistance Program. No deadline

In partnership with First Nations communities, provincial and territorial governments and non-government organizations, Indigenous Services Canada's Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) helps on reserve and other eligible First Nations communities access emergency assistance services.

Learn more here.

Emergency Management FireSmart program. Deadline March 31, 2026

The Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) provides funding to First Nations communities so they can build resiliency, prepare for natural hazards and respond using the 4 pillars of emergency management:

• mitigation
• preparedness
• response
• recovery

More information here.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

NORTHERN CANADA FUNDING

NEW! Arctic Infrastructure Fund. No deadline given

The launch of the Arctic Infrastructure Fund call for proposals marks the next step in advancing strategic northern transportation projects. Starting today, eligible partners, including Arctic and northern communities, territorial and Indigenous governments and organizations, and industry, are invited to submit proposals for infrastructure initiatives that will:

• strengthen defence readiness and Canada's ability to operate in the Arctic;
• improve transportation links that enable economic development and access to domestic and global markets; and
• enhance community connectivity, and access to essential goods, services, and emergency response.
• advance Indigenous reconciliation, including recognizing that First Nations, Inuit and Métis are best placed to identify their community needs.

Info here.

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.

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. 

First Nations Adapt. No deadline

The First Nation Adapt (FNA) program provides financial support for projects led by First Nation communities and organizations located south of the 60th parallel. FNA funds projects that assess the impacts of climate change and increase climate resilience in support of self-determined priorities. The program accepts project proposals year-round.

More info 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.

EASTERN CANADA FUNDING

Indigenous Initiatives Fund (Quebec only). Different Deadlines for each stream

The Indigenous Initiatives Fund IV (IIF IV) is a financial assistance program for Indigenous communities in Québec that covers a five-year period (2022‑2023 to 2026-2027). It has seven separate components, administered by the Secrétariat aux relations avec les Premières Nations et les Inuit:

• Economic Development
• Community Infrastructure
• Loan Guarantees
• Community Action
• Social Development
• Consultation
• Assistance for Indigenous people in Urban Environments

More information here.

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.

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. 

Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. Various Deadlines

We fund a variety of conservation work including:

• Projects that restore, maintain, or enhance native freshwater fish and wildlife populations and habitats
• Projects that acquire land or interests in land to secure the value of these areas for conservation purposes
• Projects that involve people and communities to change behaviours/practices, build capacity to deliver a project or engage volunteers to implement a project
• Education grants, programs and resources to support learning about and experiencing BC’s biodiversity

More information here.

The BC Watershed Security Fund. 

This fund supports projects that advance the resiliency of watersheds under a framework of reconciliation and collaboration relationships. Projects in the early research and planning phase are supported. Funding themes include: 

• Watershed collaboration, planning and governance 
• Watershed and ecosystem restoration 
• Nature based infrastructure 
• Watersheds & food systems 
• Monitoring and assessment 
• Land & water based learning, intergenerational knowledge

More information here. 

New Relationship Trust funding. Various Deadlines

🔹 Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty Grant
🔹 Nation Building Grant
🔹 Elders Grant
🔹 Youth Grant
🔹 Language Grant
🔹 K-12 Education Grant
🔹 BC First Nations Student Scholarships and Bursaries
🔹Indigenous Labour Market Fund

If your community is planning new projects or expanding ongoing work, now is the time to apply.

More information here!

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. 

BC Community Climate Funding Guide

Offers a simpler way for Indigenous Communities and local governments to find funding for their climate action projects. More info here.

ONTARIO-SPECIFIC FUNDING 

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

•  

   

  • NEW!  BC Clients: Consider applying for a Seed Grant of up to $5,000 to fill information gaps, prepare technical information, and explore the feasibility of your project idea. The Seed Grant is a first step towards applying for an annual FWCP grant in a future year after you have filled the information gaps and confirmed the feasibility of your project idea. We accept applications for Seed Grants all year, subject to available funding. Seed Grants 

• • 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.
    

     

• • 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.

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 13 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