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Funding Round-Up: Summer Grants for First Nations

group of young people around a bright campfire at night. boy is holding a traditional drum.
Haida Rediscovery camps are an opportunity for youth to reconnect with their lands, waters, and culture. (Photo: Rediscovery Society)

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

Learn more >

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

Learn more >

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

Learn more >

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

Learn more >

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

Learn more >

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

Learn more >

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.

Learn more >

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

Learn more >

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

Learn more >

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

Learn more >

Government of Canada

Several funding programs available, depending on project focus, region, and timing.

Search here >

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

Learn more >

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

Learn more >

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.

Learn more >

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

Learn more >


Know about a funding opportunity that isn’t on this list? Let us know at info@coastfunds.ca.