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

Hello readers,

As the weather turns cooler our thoughts turn to the upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th.  SVS staff will be taking opportunities on this day to listen, learn, reflect, and act.  We have taken inspiration from Rise Consulting's 2026 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Resource Guide.  It includes podcasts featuring Residential School Survivors, books and educational resources, reflection questions, and suggestions for meaningful action. Here is the link to the guide for those interested. 

For those attending the Assembly of First Nations Climate Gathering, please note that SVS will be conducting a Mapping workshop on Oct. 6th.  See below for more information! Also today we bring you our usual funding roundup including information on FireSmart funding for BC Clients, read on for more info.

As always, we are here to support communities in the pursuit of their goals, so, please reach out for assistance and let us know what you are working on! We'd love to chat.

Indigenous Funding Programs

NATION-WIDE HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMS

Funding for Indigenous engagement on Major Projects

From the Government of Canada website:

First Nations, Inuit, Métis Peoples and Modern Treaty and Self-Governing nations are key partners in the development of major projects in Canada.

The Government of Canada has allocated $40 million over two years to enhance the capacity of Indigenous Peoples to participate in consultations on major projects.

If you would like to inquire about funding opportunities linked to projects referred to the MPO, please contact us at indigenous-autochtones@mpo-bgp.gc.ca.

Other funding streams are listed here.

Conservation Impact Bond

Announcing the launch of the Conservation Impact Bond’s third offering, the Zone Impact Bond (ZIB III), that connects ethical, ecological, and economic priorities to accelerate nature climate solutions. 

More info here.

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. 

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.

Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program.  Deadline March 31, 2027. 

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. 

NORTHERN CANADA FUNDING

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 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.

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! FireSmart funding applications for 2027 wildfire preparedness

Opens October 1st, 2026. 

Summary

• The 2027 FireSmart Community Funding and Supports (FCFS) program intake opens on Oct. 1, 2026
• As part of Budget 2026, $15 million is available to support core FireSmart activities and projects in communities throughout B.C.
• Since 2018, approximately $190 million has been invested in the FCFS program
• More than 300 communities have received funding, including 158 First Nations and 155 local governments

More information here. 

The Canada Water Agency:  Fraser River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative. Deadline October 14, 2026

As part of the Federal Freshwater Action Plan, the Government of Canada is taking action to restore and protect freshwater ecosystems of national significance through Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives (FEIs) that support partner-led actions addressing regional freshwater challenges and priorities. The Fraser River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative will provide financial support for eligible projects that improve the water quality and aquatic ecosystem health of the Fraser River Basin. 

The Fraser River FEI will fund projects implemented by domestic partners within the Canadian portion of the Fraser River Basin that address water quality and aquatic ecosystem health and at least one of the following program priorities:

• Advancing Science and Knowledge
• Collaboration and Engagement
• Taking Action to reduce Nutrients, Contaminants and/or Sediments

More information here.

Government of Alberta- Aboriginal Investment Fund. Deadline October 15, 2026

The Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF) can partially or fully fund capital costs for Indigenous community-owned economic development projects that are shovel-ready within the funding year, meaning they are prepared to begin construction or operations with the necessary planning, approvals and financing in place.

From building new facilities and infrastructure to purchasing essential equipment, ABIF helps communities establish, expand and strengthen business operations. These investments support job creation, business growth and long-term economic sustainability across Indigenous communities in Alberta.

More information here.

New Relationship Trust: Indigenous Labour Market Fund.  March 31, 2027 (or until funds are exhausted)

The Indigenous Labour Market Fund (LMF) supports Indigenous communities across B.C. in identifying and addressing employment gaps, training opportunities, and barriers to participation in the workforce. This funding is designed to enhance Indigenous-led initiatives that improve employment outcomes and build long-term capacity in ways that complement, but do not duplicate, existing WorkBC and ISET services. 

More information here.

Alberta Drought and Flood Protection Program. Applications open fall 2026. 

The province's $25-million-per-year grant program covers up to 70 per cent of eligible project costs for municipalities, Métis Settlements and First Nations building flood and drought resilience.

More information here.

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. 

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. 

ONTARIO-SPECIFIC FUNDING 

NEW! Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping. Deadline April 2027

This program offers up to 50% matched federal funding to provinces and territories for eligible flood mapping projects to reduce the costs of creating or updating maps.

Under the FHIMP, in collaboration with the federal government we will provide up to $15 million in funding over the next 4 years for flood mapping projects in Ontario.

Eligible projects include those that support:

• flood hazard assessment, priority setting and scoping
• the acquisition of data used in hydrological and hydraulic modeling
• the development of flood hazard modelling and mapping
• the dissemination of flood hazard information
• research that directly helps in developing flood hazard maps

Funding is available on a first come, first serve basis, with applications being assessed against

Click here to learn more about the 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.

Opportunities for engagement, loans and grants

• • 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 

• • 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.
    

     

Upcoming Mapping Workshop

Will you be attending the Assembly of First Nations Climate Gathering? If so, we hope to see you at our Mapping Workshop.  Participants will learn skills to advance their community goals. 

Welcome to the team Naomi!

Naomi is an experienced social researcher as well as an inquisitive, curious person always ready to jump in and take on a challenge. We're so happy to have her on the SVS team! Learn more about Naomi here.

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
• 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