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Winter Funding and Grants Round-Up
Have a project in mind and need funding to make it a reality? We’ve gathered a list of grants and funding opportunities for First Nations on the coast.
First Nations working to manage their territories and invest in their communities may be eligible to apply for funding from Crown governments, philanthropic foundations, and corporate community investment programs. And, through Coast Funds, participating First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii may have funding available for stewardship, conservation, and economic development projects in addition to fundraising support.
On this page, Coast Funds team members have compiled a list of additional funding opportunities for First Nations with upcoming deadlines.
Disclaimer: Coast Funds has made a reasonable effort to gather and check information. However, details and timelines for grant programs can change. When looking for funding, please check eligibility and program details on the funding organization’s webpage.
Prefer to view this list in a table? Skip to the bottom.
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CONSERVATION, STEWARDSHIP, AND CLIMATE
Community and Economic Development
AddressBC: First Nations Grant Program
Provides funding to ICI Society First Nations members looking to develop a GIS dataset of civic addresses or to improve their existing civic address dataset.
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada: Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support Fund
Provides funding for locating, documenting, maintaining, and commemorating burial sites associated with former residential schools, and responding to family wishes to commemorate or memorialize their losses and the children’s final resting places.
- Grant Range: Up to $3,000,000
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
Indigenous Services Canada: Community Opportunity Readiness Program
Provides funding for First Nation and Inuit Communities for a range of activities to support communities’ pursuit of economic opportunities in addition to helping applicants to submit proposals to seek additional funding.
- Grant Range: Up to $250,000
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: Open
Indigenous Services Canada: Professional and Institutional Development Program
Supports projects that develop the capacity of First Nations and Inuit communities for core functions of government like planning and risk management, leadership, administration, and financial management.
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: Varies by region. Contact your regional office for info.
New Relationship Trust: BC Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund
To support an upcoming cannabis business by facilitating community planning and engagement activities, as well as assisting with business planning, design, and implementation tasks associated with their cannabis project.
- Grant Range: Up to $250,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2025 (rolling)
New Relationship Trust: Declaration Act Engagement Fund
Multi-year funding contributions to support First Nation’s capacity to engage with the Province 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.
- Grant Range: $260,000 to $1,040,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: Between May and December each year
New Relationship Trust: Food Security and Sovereignty
Supports the development, expansion, or strengthening of Indigenous food systems and innovation with the aim of promoting sustainability and growth in Indigenous agriculture and food sovereignty.
- Grant Range: $150,000 to $250,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: Opens May 1, 2025, closes Dec 1, 2025 (or when funds are exhausted)
New Relationship Trust: Indigenous Labour Market Fund
Funding to address three specific gaps in advancing Indigenous labour market and employment initiatives, to increase Indigenous labour market participation and job creation in BC while demonstrating respect for Indigenous culture, values, and traditions.
- Grant Range: $75,000 to $250,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: Intake starts May 1 and closes December 1, 2025
Northern Development Initiative Trust: Community Places
This fund supports the creation, restoration, or enhancement of community spaces that will improve amenities and enhance overall quality of life.
- Grant Range: Up to $30,000
- Location: Northern British Columbia (see eligibility)
- Application Deadline: January 31, April 30, and July 31
Northern Development Initiative Trust: Economic Infrastructure
Supports projects of regional and local significance that contribute to economic growth and stronger communities, including renovations or new construction of public multi-use facilities or capital investments that drive revenue and job creation within the community.
- Grant Range: $100,000 to $300,000
- Location: Northern British Columbia (see eligibility)
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
Northern Development Initiative Trust: Recreation Infrastructure
Supports community efforts to create and support recreational infrastructure, such as arenas, gymnasiums, golf courses, fields, boat launches and others, to encourage resident attraction and retention while also increasing opportunities for sport tourism.
- Grant Range: $100,000 to $300,000
- Location: Northern British Columbia (see eligibility)
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
Province of British Columbia: Residential School Response Fund
Funding for First Nations-led strategies to identify, investigate, protect, and commemorate the sites of former residential schools and hospitals in BC and for the mental health, wellness, and cultural supports required to do this work.
- Grant Range: Up to $475,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Real Estate Foundation of BC: General Grants
Funds projects led by First Nations, non-profits, and other organizations working on research, education, and policy relating to land use or real estate in BC.
- Grant Range: $5,000 to $250,000+
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: January 28, 2025
Union of BC Municipalities: Emergency Operations Centres (EOC) and Training
To support eligible applicants to build local capacity through the purchase of equipment and supplies required to maintain or improve an EOC and to enhance EOC capacity through training and exercises.
- Grant Range: Up to $30,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Union of BC Municipalities: Public Notification and Evacuation Route Planning
Provides funding to develop evacuation route plans and/or public notification plans that provide information for First Nations, other local governments, and community members in the event of an emergency.
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: April 25, 2025
Union of BC Municipalities: Urban Communities Partnering for Reconciliation
Provides funding to Indigenous organizations and local governments who want to create opportunities for in-person dialogue and relationship building which can help advance collaborative reconciliation plans, protocols, agreements, or future projects.
- Grant Range: Up to $15,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: August 31, 2025 (or until funding is exhausted)
Conservation, Stewardship, and Climate
2 Billion Trees Program
This program aims to motivate and support new tree planting projects. Over a period of 10 years, by 2031, 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.
- Grant Range: N/A
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: Various application deadlines. Details.
First Nations Health Authority: Environmental Contaminants Program
Supports BC First Nation community-based research projects that explore the link between human health and environmental contaminants.
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Government of Canada: First Nations Adapt Program
Supports First Nation communities and organizations located south of the 60th parallel to assess and respond to the impacts of climate change, and increase climate resilience, in support of self-determined priorities.
- Location: locations south of 60th parallel (boundary between provinces and northern Territories)
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Habitat Conservation Trust Fund: Grants
Various grants are available to support conservation projects focusing on wildlife restoration, land acquisition, community engagement, and biodiversity education in BC.
- Grant Range: From $5,000 to $150,000, depending on the opportunity
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: February 25, April 15, and Fall 2025
McConnell Foundation: Climate, Reconciliation, Community
Supports programs and activities that enhance climate, reconciliation, and community.
- Grant Range: Modest partnership: $200,000 to $300,000, Medium partnership: $500,000 to $600,000, Larger partnership: $800,000+
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA): Land Use Plans
To assist in the development of Indigenous land use plans. NALMA may also provide First Nation communities with technical support and training throughout the planning process, as needed.
- Grant Range: $25,000; $75,000, $175,000 (depending on category and length)
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: February 21, 2025
Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions: Community Climate Action Events
Provides funds to non-profit organizations, Indigenous organizations, and First Nations planning events that drive tangible climate action.
- Grant Range: $2,500 to $5,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Pacific Salmon Foundation: Community Salmon Program
Provides funds to volunteer and community–driven organizations that undertake salmon conservation and restoration projects.
- Grant Range: Up to 50 per cent of project costs
- Location: British Columbia and Yukon
- Application Deadline: February 15, 2025
Telus: Indigenous Communities Fund
Supports Indigenous-led social, health and community programs focused on, but not limited to, focused on, but not limited to: health, mental health and well-being; access to education and resources; preservation of the land and water; community building and enhancement; and intergenerational language and cultural revitalization.
- Grant Range: $5,000 to $25,000
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: Spring – February 4 to March 4, 2025, and Fall – September 11 to October 9, 2025.
Arts and Culture
First Peoples Cultural Council: Youth Empowered Speakers Program
Provides funding to support a BC First Nations student aged 18-35 who is interested in learning their Indigenous language while working towards a career as a language immersion teacher, early childhood immersion educator, or a community language revitalization leader.
- Grant Range: $18,320 to $32,320
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
Government of Canada: Local Festivals – Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage
Provides funding for festivals that present the work of local artists, artisans, or heritage performers, including the celebration of LGBTQ2S+ communities and Indigenous culture.
- Grant Range: Up to $200,000
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Indigenous Screen Office: Sector Development
Supports a wide array of initiatives and projects that aim to strengthen and grow the Indigenous screen sector. Workshops, labs, incubators, research projects, community-based programs, and funding for organizations whose mandate is to develop the Indigenous screen sector should consider applying to this program.
- Grant Range: Up to $100,000 (see guidelines)
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: On a rolling basis or February 1, 2025
Na‐mi‐quai‐ni‐mak: I Remember Them Community Support Fund
To support Indigenous communities, survivor organizations, and registered non‐profits in healing, memorials, and remembrance within their communities. Na-mi-quai-ni-mak funds projects for survivors of the Indian residential school system.
- Grant Range: Up to $25,000
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Northern Development Initiative Trust: Cultural Infrastructure
Supports creation or improvement of arts, heritage, culture, and creative innovation spaces.
- Grant Range: $100,000 to $300,000
- Location: Northern Development’s region. Details.
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
Oshki Wupoowane: The Blanket Fund
Provides 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 community initiatives.
- Grant Range: Up to $175,000 per year (multi-year grants are available).
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: Open
We Matter: Indigenous Youth Rise Arts Grant
Supports Indigenous youth art and media projects in life promotion, art and culture, and/or youth advocacy.
- Grant Range: $2,000 to $5,000
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: February 15, 2025
Sustainable Energy
Agricultural Clean Technology Program: Research and Innovation Stream
Supports the development and adoption of clean technology that will help drive the changes required to achieve a low-carbon economy and promote sustainable growth in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.
- Grant Range: $100,000 to $1,000,000
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
BC Hydro: Indigenous Communities Conservation Program
Supports Indigenous communities by providing energy efficiency upgrades to homes, installation training, and free energy-saving products.
- Grant Range: (rebate-based)
- Location: British Columbia (See Details)
- Application Deadline: Open
Environment and Climate Change Canada: Indigenous Leadership Fund
Supports Indigenous-owned and led renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon heating projects to reduce emissions.
- Grant Range: Up to $6,000,000
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: Open
Fisheries and Oceans Canada: Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative
Provides funding to increase First Nations’ access to commercial fisheries in British Columbia and Yukon. The program seeks to build BC and Yukon First Nations communities’ capacity to fish and to operate commercial fishing enterprises (CFEs); improve the business and operational capacities of First Nations’ CFEs and aquaculture businesses; and strengthen community economic self-sufficiency.
- Location: The application process is open to First Nations in the Pacific Region that currently do not participate in PICFI, as well as individual shareholder Nations of CFEs.
- Application Deadline: January 15, 2025
Fortis BC: Indigenous Communities Conservation Program
Supports Indigenous communities looking to improve energy efficiency and comfort in community members’ homes.
- Grant Range: $100,000 to $1,000,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Government of Canada: Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program
Funds projects that contribute to Indigenous-led climate action through biomass heating, district heating, and combined heat and power systems, as well as research, development, and demonstration projects.
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: Intakes are open until the funding is fully committed or the program closes in 2027.
Government of Canada: Lands and Economic Development Services Program (LEDSP)
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.
- Grant Range: Up to $50,000
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: Open
Government of Canada: Zero-Emission Vehicles Awareness
Provides funding for Indigenous-led awareness and education projects for cleaner transportation and clean fuels.
- Grant Range: Up to $4.5 million
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: Ongoing basis, projects must be completed by no later than March 31, 2026
Green Municipal Fund: Accelerating Community Energy Systems
Funds Indigenous community research studies that help advance community energy systems (CES) and identifies opportunity areas for low-carbon community energy systems (including renewable and district energy systems) and develops mechanisms to support implementation.
- Grant Range: Up to $200,000
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: February 21, 2025
Island Coastal Economic Trust: Capital and Innovation Program
Funding to support the development of vital regional and community-based public amenities and services to support sustainable economic diversification and growth, innovation, as well as enhanced quality of life.
- Grant Range: Up to $200,000
- Location: Vancouver Island, the southern Great Bear Rainforest, the Sunshine Coast, and islands and inlets from the Salish Sea to Cape Caution. Details.
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Project Zero: Circular Economy Accelerator
Supports hands-on operations for businesses who seek to adopt circular economy principles, reduce waste and emissions, increase revenue, and develop innovative practices.
- Grant Range: N/A
- Location: Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast
- Application Deadline: N/A
Province of British Columbia: CleanBC Plastics Action Fund (Indigenous Projects Stream)
Supports plastic waste reduction projects to promote a circular economy in British Columbia through recycling, remanufacturing, reuse, and repair projects.
- Grant Range: $75,000 to $150,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: Open
Natural Resources Canada: Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program – Indigenous Clean Energy
The Indigenous Clean Energy stream supports Indigenous communities and/or Indigenous organizations to increase meaningful and equitable Indigenous participation in decarbonizing the electricity system.
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: EOI due January 31, 2025
Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities
Provides funding for renewable energy and capacity building projects to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels for heating and electricity in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities across Canada.
- Grant Range: $100,000 to $1,000,000
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Training or Equipment
BC First Nations Forestry Council: Indigenous Forestry Scholarship Program
Funding is available for First Nations, Inuit, or Métis students interested in enrolling in full-time postsecondary program related to: forestry technician, natural resources, environmental technology, business management, business administration, geographic information systems, and forestry trades. The program also offers work placements and one-on-one mentorship with industry partners.
- Grant Range: Covers living expenses while students complete their full-time studies.
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: Not listed
Government of Canada: Finder Tool
Indigenous bursaries search tool. You can search for bursaries by keyword, location, program of study, or Indigenous group.
Scholarships Canada: Finder Tool
Matches applicants to scholarships based on the information provided when applicants create an account.
Union of BC Municipalities: CEPF – Emergency Support Services Equipment and Training
Funding helps build local capacity to provide emergency support services through volunteer recruitment, retention, and training, including in-house training, and the purchase of emergency support services equipment.
- Grant Range: Up to $25,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
Know about a funding opportunity that isn’t on this list? Let us know at info@coastfunds.ca.
