Funding, Opportunities & Cultural Grants

Provides a 1-year paid internship for up to 25 Indigenous youth in British Columbia, ages 19–29. The program helps youth develop leadership skills through work placements, initially with a BC Government ministry for 9 months, followed by 3 months with an Indigenous organization.

The National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund invests up to $3 million a year in the development of 15 to 20 new Canadian works in theatre, dance, music and inter-disciplinary performing arts, providing artists with time, space and resources to create and further develop productions for touring.

Supports clean energy projects that advance Indigenous-led climate action, support local economic development, create skilled jobs, and reduce pollution while improving air quality.

Supports community projects that create stability by addressing food security, housing stability, and access to health services. Examples include improving long-term access to healthy food, safe and affordable housing, and equitable access to relevant health supports and services.

The Investment Readiness Program provides up to $30,000 across four funding streams: project development, sector development, economic development strategies, and regional collaboration.

PIEER supports Indigenous governing bodies coordinating home energy upgrades for multiple community members. The program provides incentive funding for energy efficiency retrofit measures and additional funding for enabling measures to increase the value and reach of the incentives.

Supports First Nations communities in reducing climate change impacts on health. Communities can strengthen climate health resilience by improving environmental, social, cultural, and economic factors affecting health. CHAP funds community-driven climate action projects that focus on health and wellness outcomes or on developing strategies to reduce climate change impacts on community health.

Each fiscal year, the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages invests in a limited number of innovation projects that create something new or significantly improve existing initiatives in the Indigenous languages space, specifically supporting Indigenous language education and revitalization. The Commission does not fund language programming, infrastructure, or operational costs.

This fund facilitates the return or long-term loan of culturally significant materials to Indigenous cultural entities worldwide. Eligible expenses include insurance, packaging, shipping, and other costs associated with the return of items.

Movable Cultural Property Grants help designated organizations acquire cultural property of outstanding significance and national importance to Canada, including property for which an export permit has been denied or that is important to Canada’s national heritage and available for purchase outside the country.

Movable Cultural Property Grants help designated organizations acquire cultural property of outstanding significance and national importance to Canada, including property for which an export permit has been denied or that is important to Canada’s national heritage and available for purchase outside the country.

The National Creation Fund invests up to $3 million a year in the development of 15 to 20 new Canadian works in theatre, dance, music and inter-disciplinary performing arts, providing artists with time, space and resources to create and further develop productions for touring.

The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF) supports the improvement of physical conditions for arts, heritage, culture and creative innovation, including renovation and construction projects, the acquisition of specialized equipment and feasibility studies related to cultural spaces.

A federal funding program that provides support for community‑initiated capital projects that restore, renovate, or transform buildings or exterior spaces of local historical or cultural significance for community use.

Support initiatives that help emerging artists by bridging the gap from academic to professional career.

The Residential School Day Scholars Class Action Settlement is for Day Scholars who attended an Indian Residential School but did not sleep there at night between the years of 1920-1974 (depending on the school). The fund will grant up to $10,000 to Indigenous Individuals who aim to revitalize their languages and cultures; to promote their heritage and commemoration; to promote their healing and wellness journeys and education and training goals. There are [up to] three granting announcements each year.

This program supports projects that: attract investment and talent, increase productivity and economic growth, grow new, existing and transitioning sectors, increase the economic participation of British Columbians and respond to changing economic circumstances.

Creating, Knowing, Sharing: The Arts and Cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. See Grants and Deadlines: https://canadacouncil.ca/funding/grants/deadlines

This program offers 3 funding streams to acknowledge and respect that First Nations have varying levels of structures, capacity, experience and pathways to supporting their Guardians program within their own context and vision. Stream 1: Planning and Capacity for New and Emerging Guardians Programs (up to $50,000). Stream 2: Individual First Nation Community Training for Emerging and Established Guardians and Stewardship Program within one community (Up to $150,000). Stream 3: Regional First Nation Community Training for Emerging and Established Guardians and Stewardship Program for multiple communities (Up to $300,000).

FireSmart Community Funding and Supports (FCFS) provides up to $300,000 each year to high-risk local governments and First Nations in B.C. FCFS funds FireSmart planning and activities that reduce the community’s risk from wildfire.

The new campaign, titled Summer Plans, includes digital guides, infographics, informational videos, checklists, and other tools to help reduce the risk of wildfire damage.

The Digital Skills for Youth program provides training for young professionals with post-secondary education who want to gain experience or join the environmental digital skills sector.

This program supports post-secondary grads in gaining environmental sector experience with up to 80% wage coverage, up to $25,000.

Funds co-op placements for students in STEAM and business fields by providing 50-70% wage coverage.

The program supports youth (15-30) in gaining experience in the natural resources sector.

Youth in Heritage is a flexible Wage Subsidy program providing 50% up to $3,200 in wage subsidies for youth employees. You can apply at any time; our applications close once all grants have been allocated. We support both youth who are already employed and provide funding for jobs still accepting applications to help meet employers where they are at.

The program provides coverage for professional mental health counselling to complement other mental wellness services that may be available to clients or in communities. The program provides eligible clients with coverage for benefits not available under other federal, provincial, territorial or private health insurance.

Jordan's Principle makes sure all First Nations children living in Canada can access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. Funding can help with a wide range of health, social and educational needs, including the unique needs that First Nations Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA children and youth and those with disabilities may have.

The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program was established as part of the 2006 Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement. It provides cultural and emotional support, and mental health counselling services to Survivors of Indian Residential Schools and the families of former students.

This funding is to help reduce administrative burden and pool resources in support of Indigenous communities. This initiative helps Indigenous communities participate in complex economic opportunities.

Exhibition Circulation Fund: This funding opportunity assists museums with the costs related to the hosting of travelling exhibitions originating from another museum or from a federal heritage institution and the borrowing of artefacts from any of the National museums of Canada. Indigenous governing bodies or organizations with a mandate to preserve and support Indigenous heritage are eligible to apply.

The Arts and Cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples - Indigenous Organizations: The Indigenous Organizations component of Creating, Knowing and Sharing funds First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations that engage in contemporary, customary or traditional artistic and cultural activities. These activities can include non-Indigenous artists and collaborations with non-Indigenous organizations. Grants support the exploration of innovative strategies for Indigenous creative and cultural expression, and related administrative activities.

This component provides funding to community-based events that promote intercultural or interfaith understanding, promote discussions multiculturalism, diversity, racism and religious discrimination, or celebrate a community’s history and culture such as heritage months recognized by Parliament.

This fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for arts, heritage culture and creative innovation. The fund supports renovation and construction projects, the acquisition of specialized equipment and feasibility studies related to cultural spaces.

The Foundation considers projects in our key granting priorities. The main interests of the Trottier Foundation are in the following areas Climate and the Environment; Science; Health; Education; and, Community and International. Cross-cutting or intersecting projects are viewed positively, but are not required.

The McLean Foundation is committed to supporting work that is not as likely to be funded by others, but that can make a positive difference. We look for projects that show promise of improving the wellbeing of people, communities, and our environment which may initially lack broad public appeal. We support work within and across sectors including: Arts, Environment, Education, Social Welfare and Health. We are flexible in the types of funding we provide. You can apply for a specific project, an existing program, or general operations 

As a private philanthropic foundation, we aim to use our resources to help address some of society’s most important challenges. We have chosen to focus our funding on issues of generational importance, that are impacting communities across the country, and where we believe we can contribute to creating significant change. Our three main focus areas of Communities, Reconciliation and Climate represent what we believe to be some of the most pressing issues facing our society today.

We welcome proposals from registered charities and community-based, non-profit organizations that have an explicit mandate to reduce poverty and build strong civic communities by advancing economic and social rights in Canada.

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 Community Gaming Grants program distributes $140 million annually from commercial gambling revenues, to not-for-profit organizations. Grants support the delivery of ongoing programs and the completion of capital projects that directly benefit communities throughout B.C.

The Climate Agri-Solutions Fund helps farmers implement these practices through cost-shared funding up to $100,000. The program also supports outreach, education and training to give farmers the opportunity to learn how these practices can effectively store carbon and reduce greenhouse gases on their farms. See the website for information on different streams available.

Up to $5,000 in funding for B.C. businesses exporting to the U.S.

Supports B.C. based small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) impacted by US tariffs by facilitating access to the technical experts and advisory services they need to become CUSMA compliant. Eligible service providers include customs brokers, trade consultants, trade lawyers, and compliance specialists based in Canada or the United States.

​The intent of this funding stream is to support eligible applicants to develop Evacuation Route Plans and/or Public Notification Plans that provide information for First Nations, local governments, and community members in the event of an emergency.

This program supports First Nations in British Columbia to better and more effectively leverage funding, develop housing plans and policies and manage housing in their communities.

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC)'s Climate Help Desk is a dedicated service where communities can submit inquiries and receive direct support and guidance on their infrastructure and climate-related needs. It offers a broad range of services, including information on sector best practices for incorporating low-carbon and climate resilience measures in infrastructure and housing projects; advice on the use of specialized tools and resources to integrate low-carbon and climate resilience into projects; and comprehensive responses to questions about climate requirements in HICC's funding programs.

This program provides funding to support planning, construction, expansion, renovation, maintenance, and management of community health facilities. These activities provide First Nations, Inuit and ISC-employed healthcare staff the space required to safely and efficiently deliver health care programs and services in First Nations and Inuit communities.

This program provides health support services for individuals affected by the trauma associated with their attendance at an historic Federal Indian Day School.

This funding opportunity allows children to take part in activities that encourage a love of learning, establish positive health and wellness habits, and boosts self-confidence through connections to language, community and culture.

If you are a parent or legal guardian who consider to/or have taken time away from work and suffered a loss of income to cope with the death or disappearance of your child or children, you may be eligible for federal income support. The benefit provides eligible parents with payments of $500 per week, paid every 2 weeks, for a maximum of 35 weeks over a period of 3 years.

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. The program’s objectives include reducing risks to human health and the environment; ensuring that reserve lands are available for economic and community development or traditional use; and reducing federal liability associated with contaminated sites.

This is a one-stop shop for advice and referral to help navigate the relevant information, tools and support available to start or expand activities in the agriculture and agri-food sector. The service strives to ensure you do not miss out on support and other business opportunities available.

This program addresses the financial needs of Indigenous communities when they are in pursuit of, and wish to participate in, an economic opportunity. The program is a consolidation of the former community economic opportunities program, the major projects investment fund, and the community-based components of the Indigenous business development program.

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.

Public Safety Canada (PS) is working to build a safe and resilient Canada and has a renewed commitment to this goal through the Canada Community Security Program (CCSP). The CCSP provides time-limited funding and support for communities at risk of hate-motivated incidents and hate-motivated crimes to enhance physical security at their gathering spaces.

This initiative works to prevent incidents of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, provides to enhance accessibility to Restorative Justice Programming, and responds to the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

For First Nations communities, provincial and territorial governments and non-government organizations, this program helps communities on reserve access emergency assistance services. EMAP provides funding to First Nations communities so they can build resiliency, prepare for natural hazards and respond to them using the 4 pillars of emergency management.

Computers for Schools plus (CFS+) is not just for schools! We provide digital devices and accessories to schools, low-income Canadians, not-for-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities. To obtain digital devices and accessories, please contact your local CFS+ Affiliate.

The Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative supports workforce planning and skills training in communities significantly impacted by a mass layoff. It provides funding for community-based projects that help workers develop the skills they need to transition to new jobs. Who can apply: Not-for-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, municipal governments, Indigenous organizations or governments, and educational institutions.

This funding stream supports existing professional arts festivals and performing arts series presenters to offer activities that connect artists with their Canadian communities.

This funding stream provides funding to local groups for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists, artisans, or heritage performers. This includes the celebration of LGBTQ2+ communities and Indigenous cultural celebrations.

Projects must be submitted before the anniversary date of the event or personality to be commemorated.

RBC Future Launch is a 10-year $500 million commitment to help Canadian youth prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. We are moving beyond financial investment by engaging the public and private sectors to further understand the issue and make a significant impact on the lives of young Canadians. RBC Future Launch is a catalyst for change-bringing people together to co-create solutions so young people are better prepared for the future of work.

Indigenous Youth: As part of our commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada, the Peter Gilgan Foundation has dedicated funds to reducing barriers and uplifting opportunities and wellbeing for Indigenous young people. We seek to support Indigenous-led organizations that are meeting the holistic needs of Indigenous youth in the areas of housing & safe spaces; health & healing; education & knowledge; economic opportunity & building capacity; and food security & sovereignty.

In order to receive individual funding your request must be aligned with the following funding objectives: addressing risk factors; promoting proper health care; and education & awareness. They also provide community funding for reservations with unsafe drinking water.

J.D. Irving, Limited and its affiliated companies are proud of the long established history of supporting our employees and the communities where we live and work, through charitable donations, sponsorships and employee volunteers.

Gore Mutual Foundation will be granting $250,000 to support five partnerships between a registered Canadian charity working in conjunction with one or more registered Canadian charities or registered not-for-profit organizations focused on advancing community and place-based solutions aligned with one or more of the “levers of change” acknowledged in the Climate and Equity Lab’s Public Findings report.

For registered Canadian charities and registered non–profit organizations focused on one or more of our Equity Acceleration Fund focus areas (poverty, equity, and climate change), we invite you to submit the following application for funding consideration for one of ten $10,000 grants available through Gore Mutual Foundation.

Donations and Community Partnerships: Built on our longstanding history of supporting our communities, and with the help of our clients, the CIBC Foundation serves our commitment to creating a world without limits to ambition. The CIBC Foundation has three main focus areas, including investing in financial education.

Under the financial education focus area, CIBC Foundation will consider funding projects that meet the following eligibility: Canadian registered charities, not-for-profits or qualified donees; Organizations with sound financial practices, and a sustainable funding model; Organizations who track impact with a clear evaluation and measurement process and can specify the number of individuals helped through the project; and Culturally informed programs or services that are filling evidence-based gaps in an identified community.

The Community Healing Fund, offered through the Na-mi-quai-ni-mak (I Remember Them) Fund at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) can provide a one-time grant of up to $10,000 towards community healing gatherings or workshops connected to the Indian Residential School System. Eligible recipients include non-profit organizations, Indigenous (First Nation, Metis, and Inuit) communities, Survivor organizations, schools, band offices, etc.

Are you a passionate young Canadian between the ages of 15-29 with a desire to make a positive impact in your community? The Helping Hands ChangeMakers Micro Grant Program is your chance to turn your ideas into action, create lasting change and contribute to a more inclusive and volunteer-driven Canada.

In support of PDAC’s priority to promote engagement between Canada’s Indigenous communities and the mineral development sector, PDAC has developed a comprehensive catalogue of all available federal, provincial, and territorial government capacity-building support programs that can serve to facilitate Indigenous engagement with the mineral development sector, and to contribute to active participation in related activities. There is no similar comprehensive compendium of cross-jurisdictional programming in Canada currently available to the public.

The Domestic Industry Initiatives Program provides funding to a wide range of domestic events and initiatives that aim to engage British Columbia’s creative industries sector.

We believe that by investing in programs and organizations designed to serve local community needs, our contributions will help build strong and healthy communities. 

They are where we share a common commitment to creating conditions that ensure both economic and social well-being for all. Whether we participate through individual acts of kindness or by working with others through community-wide efforts, we take care of those who are less fortunate and vulnerable.