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2026 Winter Funding Opportunities for First Nations
A staff-curated list of external grants and funding opportunities available for First Nations’ projects in stewardship, sustainable energy, training, culture, and economic development.
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 staff members have 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.
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CONSERVATION, STEWARDSHIP, AND CLIMATE ACTION
Community and Economic Development
Government of Canada: Community Economic Development and Diversification in British Columbia
Supports projects that harness local ambitions, assets, knowledge, and economic opportunities to create more prosperous and resilient communities.
- Grant Range: Up to 50% of eligible project costs
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Government of Canada: Regional Innovation Ecosystems in British Columbia
Supports business needs throughout the innovation continuum, and foster an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation, growth and competitiveness.
- Grant Range: N/A
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Government of Canada: Regional Tariff Response Initiative in British Columbia
Supports BC businesses facing trade and tariffs disruptions to pivot to new paths to growth by helping them boost productivity and reduce costs, build more resilient supply chains, and reach new markets.
- Grant Range: Multiple funding streams
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Indigenous Clean Energy: Charge Up
Supports the installation of electric vehicle charging stations for Indigenous communities and businesses.
- Grant Range: Up to 75 per cent (up to set maximums) of eligible project costs
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Indigenous Services Canada: Community Opportunity Readiness Program
Supports 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: 30 to 80 per cent of project cost, maximum variable by project type
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
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.
- Grant Range: N/A
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: Varies by region. Contact your regional office for info
McConnell Foundation: Reconciliation Focus Area
Supports projects that further the transition to a reconciliation economy, including Indigenous-led solutions and collaborative funding projects.
- Grant Range: N/A
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
New Relationship Trust: BC Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund
Supports 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: Until funds are exhausted
New Relationship Trust: Declaration Act Engagement Fund
Supports First Nation’s capacity to engage and consult with BC on the implementation of the Declaration Act Action Plan and commitments to align provincial legislation consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
- Grant Range: Up to $1,040,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: Until all eligible BC First Nation communities have accessed the fund
New Relationship Trust: Equity Matching – Entrepreneurs
Supports Indigenous entrepreneurs with equity-matching grants to reduce the cash burden for entrepreneurs in meeting their equity requirements of a business loan.
- Grant Range: $5,000 to $25,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: Until funds are exhausted
New Relationship Trust: Indigenous Labour Market Fund
Supports 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: Until funds are exhausted
Northern Development Initiative Trust
Supports economic development in central and northern British Columbia.
- Grant Range: Multiple funding streams
- Location: Northern British Columbia, multiple regions
- Application Deadline: Varies by application
Province of British Columbia: Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Legacy Fund
Supports capital projects that restore, renovate or transform existing community spaces.
- Grant Range: Up to $500,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Rural and Remote Employment Initiatives Fund: Business Advisory Supports
Supports small businesses with the costs associated with third-party professional supports in addressing tariff-related impacts and/or the creation of employment opportunities.
- Grant Range: Up to $30,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: Until funds are exhausted
Telus Friendly Futures Foundation: Community Board Grants
Supports organizations reducing education and health barriers for youth (under 29). Preference given to programs demonstrating the use of technology to help youth reach their full potential.
- Grant Range: Up to $20,000
- Location: Canada-wide, multiple regions
- Application Deadlines: January 30, April 10, July 31, October 2, 2026
Telus: Indigenous Communities Fund
Supports Indigenous-led social, health and community programs 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 Deadlines: February 4 to March 4, 2026, September 10 to October 7, 2026
Union of BC Municipalities: Emergency Operations Centres Equipment and Training
Support to build local capacity to provide emergency support services through the purchase of essential equipment and supplies required to maintain or improve an Emergency Operations Centre and training of staff.
- Grant Range: Up to $30,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: February 27, 2026
Union of BC Municipalities: Indigenous Cultural Safety and Cultural Humility Training
Supports cultural safety and humility training for providers of emergency management programs and services.
- Grant Range: Up to $30,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
Union of BC Municipalities: Public Notification and Evacuation Route Planning
Supports the development of emergency evacuation route and public notification plans.
- Grant Range: Up to $40,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: April 24, 2026
Conservation, Stewardship, and Climate Action
BC Parks Foundation: BC Conservation Fund
Supports area-based conservation initiatives, focused on community support, conservation planning and long-term stewardship of new protected areas.
- Grant Range: $100,000 to $250,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: February 20, 2026
Braiding Knowledges Canada: Land-Based Learning Initiatives
Supports land-based education programs and initiatives between 2026 to 2027. Programs may include urban, rural, and remote learning camps, that involve youth and have an emphasis on the braiding of knowledges.
- Grant Range: $15,000 to $75,000
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: January 12, 2026
EcoCanada: Youth in Natural Resources
Offers wage funding to employers hiring young professionals for full-time placements and job training in natural resource sectors, supporting environmental protection, and positive outcomes.
- Grant Range: Up to $30,000
- Location: Canada-wide
- 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 the 60th parallel (boundary between Canadian provinces and territories)
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation Education
Supports outdoor education programming for K- 12 classes.
- Grant Range: Up to $800 per class application
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
Habitat Conservation Trust Fund: Grants
Supports conservation projects focusing on wildlife restoration, land acquisition, community engagement, and biodiversity education in BC.
- Grant Range: $5,000 to $150,000, depending on the opportunity
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: Various (earliest opening January 15, 2026)
Indigenous Stewardship Fund: Climate Emergency Fund
Supports for urgent, Indigenous-led environmental restoration projects that protect and restore salmon populations and their habitats.
- Grant Range: Minimum $50,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: N/A
Indigenous Stewardship Fund: Salmon Resiliency Fund
Support for urgent, Indigenous-led restoration projects that advance salmon restoration efforts.
- Grant Range: Minimum $50,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: N/A
Nature Canada: Women for Nature Young Nature Leaders Grant
Supports youth-led (under 30) projects centred around nature and sustainability.
- Grant Range: Up to $1,000
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: February 20, 2026
New Relationship Trust: Guardians and Stewardship Training
Supports education, training, and skill development of First Nations Guardian programs within BC.
- Grant Range: Multiple funding streams, $50,000 to $300,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: Currently accepting expressions of interest. Full application deadline for 2025/26 to be announced at a later date
Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC
Supports nature-based initiatives and projects that enhance and promote outdoor recreation.
- Grant Range: $2,000 to $10,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: January 20, 2026
Pacific Salmon Foundation: Community Salmon Program
Supports volunteer and community–driven organizations that undertake salmon conservation and restoration projects.
- Grant Range: Up to $2,500 (short form) or a minimum $2,500 (standard application)
- Location: British Columbia and Yukon
- Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
Real Estate Foundation of BC: General Grants
Supports projects led by First Nations, non-profits, and other organizations working on projects relating to land use or real estate in BC.
- Grant Range: N/A
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: February 5, 2026
Trans Canada Trail: Trail Catalyst Fund
Supports the development and stewardship of trails and trail networks. Indigenous-led projects do not need to be along the Trans Canada Trail.
- Grant Range: Up to $10,000
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Union of BC Municipalities: FireSmart Community Funding and Supports
Supports FireSmart planning and initiatives that reduce community risk from wildfires, including fuel management.
- Grant Range: Up to $200,000 per year
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: September 30, 2026
Arts and Culture
BC Arts Council: Project Assistance – Community Arts Festivals
Supports community arts and culture festivals with professional, technical, Elder, and Knowledge Keeper fees.
- Grant Range: Up to $6,000
- Location: British Columbia
- Application Deadline: February 18, 2026
First Peoples’ Cultural Council: Youth Empowered Speakers Program
Provides funding to support a BC First Nations student (18 to 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 13, 2026
Government of Canada: Local Festivals – Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage
Supports 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: January 31, April 30, and October 15, 2026
Na‐mi‐quai‐ni‐mak: I Remember Them Community Support Fund
Supports 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
Oshki Wupoowane: The Blanket Fund
Provides support for Indigenous cultural, artistic, and educational activities. Offered through two grant streams.
- Grant Range: $1,500 to $15,000 (Reconciliation Action Grant), or up to $175,000 (Capacity Building Grant)
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: Applications for Reconciliation Action Grant ongoing; Capacity Building Grant not yet available
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
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
Supports Indigenous-led climate action through biomass heating, district heating, and combined heat and power systems, as well as research, development, and demonstration projects.
- Grant Range: N/A
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: Open until 2027 or until funding is fully committed. Please note: All new applications will be placed on a waitlist.
Government of Canada: Lands and Economic Development Services Program
Supports 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
Indigenous Clean Energy: 20/20 Catalysts Program
Six-month Indigenous-led program designed to propel participants to become clean energy leaders, equipping them with the tools to develop successful clean energy projects within their own communities.
- Grant Range: Participants can access ICE Technical Service Grant, up to $10,000
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: February 27, 2026
Indigenous Clean Energy: Generation Power
Offers holistic capacity development and wage funding to employers hiring Indigenous youth (18 to 30) for full time placements related to clean energy.
- Grant Range: Up to $30,000
- Location: Canada-wide
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Island Coastal Economic Trust: Capital and Innovation Program
Supports 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, southern Great Bear Rainforest, Sunshine Coast, and islands and inlets from the Salish Sea to Cape Caution.
- 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
Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities
Supports 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 and Equipment
BC Hydro: Scholarships and Awards
Post-secondary and Indigenous scholarship programs support students in BC who aspire to become engineers, electricians, and other key professionals in the energy sector for a sustainable future.
BEAHR Indigenous Environmental Training Programs
Career-focused training combining Western science and Indigenous Knowledge to prepare Indigenous people for careers in Canada’s environmental sector.
Government of Canada: Finder Tool
Indigenous bursaries search tool. You can search for bursaries by keyword, location, program of study, or Indigenous group.
Indspire: Building Brighter Futures
Support is available to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students in remote communities, rural areas, and urban centres across Canada through bursaries, scholarships, and awards from various organizations. Use their funding page to find opportunities that suit your needs.
Island Coastal Economic Trust: Regional Initiative Bursary
Supports tuition and travel expenses for individuals attending focused, short-term economic development training or economic development conferences within the Island Coastal Trust region.
Scholarships Canada: Finder Tool
Matches applicants to scholarships based on the information provided when applicants create an account.
Know about a funding opportunity that isn’t on this list? Let us know at info@coastfunds.ca.
