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Funding Round-Up: Summer Grants for First Nations
Have a project idea and need additional funding to make it happen? We’ve pulled together a list of grants and funding opportunities available to 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.
Through Coast Funds, eligible First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii may have funding available for stewardship, conservation, and economic development projects. On this page, Coast Funds staff members have compiled a list of additional funding opportunities for First Nations with deadlines in the summer and fall.
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.
Arts, Language, and Culture
Indigenous Screen Office
This program offers support for project development, recognizing that time and resources are critical to the creation of strong content for TV and web series, short and feature length films.
- Grant range: Individuals and groups (up to $20,000), Companies (up to $40,000 for two projects)
- Application cycle: Apply by Aug. 16, 2023
Telefilm Canada
Funding available for Indigenous filmmakers producing feature-length films for theatrical distribution.
- Grant range: Up to 100% of project budget
- Application cycle: Sep. 18 to Oct. 10, 2023
Community Development
New Relationship Trust: Nation Building Grant
Funding available for projects and activities that strengthen the institutional, governance, and community capacities in reclaiming and rebuilding resiliency, self-determination, and sovereignty within each Nation’s context.
- Grant range: $60,000 to $120,000
- Application cycle: Apply by Dec. 1, 2023
UBCM Community to Community Program
Funding available for reconciliation and relationship-building initiatives between First Nations and other local governments, including the development of agreements (MOUs, protocols), joint plans or strategies, or joint review of bylaws/policies.
- Grant range: Up to $10,000
- Application cycle: Apply by Sep. 1, 2023
Vancouver Foundation: Indigenous Neighbourhood Small Grants
Funding available for community-led projects that uplift and showcase Indigenous voices and talents, increase connection between Indigenous people and neighbouring communities, promote Indigenous leadership, and encourage community health and well-being.
- Grant range: $500
- Application cycle: Sep. 7 to Oct. 24, 2023
Economic Development
New Relationship Trust: BC Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund
Funding available to support diversity and equity in the legal cannabis space that is inclusive of Indigenous communities and businesses.
- Grant range: Maximum of $250,000 per project
- Application cycle: Apply by Sep. 30, 2023
Province of BC: Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program
Funding available for economic diversification, capacity building, clean growth, and infrastructure development in rural and Indigenous communities.
- Grant range: $100,000 to $1 million
- Application cycle: Apply by Oct. 30, 2023.
Environmental Stewardship
Climate Action Adaptation Program
NRCan’s Climate Change Adaptation Program (2022–2027) helps Canada’s regions and sectors to adapt to a changing climate. The program is soliciting proposals for cost-shared projects that will make important contributions to advancing adaptation progress in Canada.
- Grant range: Upwards of $150,000
- Application cycle: Sep. 22, 2023
First Nations Environmental Contaminants Program
The First Nations Environmental Contaminants Program (FNECP) helps First Nations communities improve their health and assess the impact of exposure to environmental hazards.
- Grant range: $125,000 per project
- Application cycle: Oct. 21, 2023
Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program
Funding supports First Nations, communities, NGOs, and academic institutions working to restore ecosystems affected by BC Hydro activities, conduct research on species of interest, and manage or improve wildlife habitat. The FWCP supports projects in three regions: Coastal, Peace, and Columbia.
- Grant range: Seed Grants (up to $5,000) and Large Grants (varies)
- Application cycle: Open – check website for deadlines
Government of Canada
Several funding programs available, depending on project focus, region, and timing.
Government Relations
New Relationship Trust: Declaration Act Engagement Fund
The Nation Building program provides multi-year funding to First Nations and Tribal Councils in British Columbia to support their nation-building activities according to their self-determined priorities.
- Grant range: Upwards of $260,000
- Application cycle: Apply by Dec. 1, 2023
Health and Well-Being
Northern Indigenous Community Wellness Funding Awards
Funding available for community-based initiatives that focus on holistic health and wellness and one or more of the following priorities: cultural safety, primary care, mental wellness and substance use, population and public health, or community wellness activities for Indigenous youth and Elders.
- Grant range: $8,000
- Application cycle: Sep. to Oct. 2023
Indigenous Youth, Scholarships, and Bursaries
BC First Nations Forestry Council: Indigenous Forestry Scholarship Program
Funding 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.
- Application cycle: Applications due Mar. 2024.
Canadian Roots Exchange: CREation Community Grants Program
Funding available for community-focused and youth-led projects taking place in communities across Canada.
- Grant range: $2,000 to $20,000
- Application cycle: Aug. 1 to 31, 2023
Know about a funding opportunity that isn’t on this list? Let us know at info@coastfunds.ca.
