Over the next three years, Coast Funds is committed to delivering on the mandate participating First Nations have set for us. In our 2026-2028 Strategic Plan, our board of directors has identified four key goals, along with objectives, that our team will prioritize over the next three years. These goals and objectives challenge us to continue our journey of growth and service, while keeping true to our roots.

Goals and Objectives

Goal #1: Support First Nations in advancing their goals for stewardship, conservation, and healthy and resilient economies.

Support First Nations’ capacity to achieve their goals for stewardship, conservation, and healthy, resilient economies through project financing, partnership development, and support for regional initiatives.

Objectives:

1. Deliver stewardship financing to strengthen First Nations’ capacity to develop, sustain, and expand stewardship, conservation, and restoration programs encompassing terrestrial and marine ecosystems, cultural heritage, and protected areas.
2. Partner with First Nations to advance the recognition, establishment, and effective management of Indigenous-led terrestrial and marine conservation areas, including IPCAs and marine protected areas in the Great Bear Sea.
3. Deliver economic development and community infrastructure financing to increase Nations’ investment in strategic acquisitions, businesses, and cultural and economic resilience.
4. Collaborate with First Nations and diverse partners to mobilize sustainable financing and resources for Nations’ community well-being, stewardship, and economic development priorities.
5. Support regional initiatives that foster community well-being, conservation, and economic development through collective action and shared leadership.

Goal #2: Deepen engagement with First Nations and develop robust knowledge management systems to share learning, support First Nations’ decision-making, and amplify their impact.

Strengthen relationships, communication, and shared learning with First Nations through transparent engagement and robust knowledge management systems that enhance collaboration and collective impact.

Objectives:

1. Highlight the collective impact of First Nations’ project investments through the community well-being monitoring framework to build shared understanding about the conservation economy.
2. Collaborate with First Nations to share their project stories, facilitate peer learning, and celebrate successes.
3. Strengthen relationships with First Nations through regular engagement, transparent communication and structured feedback that inform organizational priorities.
4. Establish knowledge management systems to organize and share lessons learned, support decision-making, and amplify collective impact.

Goal #3: Reinforce strong financial stewardship, governance, and organizational practices.

Grow Coast Funds’ long-term impact by strengthening financial stewardship practices, evolving governance systems, and building organizational resilience grounded in First Nations’ priorities and Indigenous Knowledge.

Objectives:

1. Ensure responsible financial stewardship that upholds accountability, transparency, and ensures long-term sustainability.
2. Grow funds under management to increase Coast Funds’ capacity to support First Nations’ stewardship and economic development priorities.
3. Pursue opportunities to develop and apply innovative conservation finance tools that enhance growth and impact for First Nations.
4. Evolve governance practices to strengthen accountability, effectiveness, and alignment with First Nations’ priorities.
5. Embed Indigenous Knowledge and cultural practices in Coast Funds’ decision-making and organizational culture.

Goal #4: Support First Nations in the successful implementation of the Great Bear Sea project finance for permanence initiative.

Collaborate with First Nations and partners to implement the Great Bear Sea PFP, advancing long-term conservation, sustainable finance, and stewardship outcomes across Nations’ marine territories.

Objectives:

1. Support realization of the PFP financial model, including implementation of the conservation plan to unlock all site-based funding for First Nations.
2. Support the development of sustainable finance mechanisms that provide lasting resources for stewardship and economic resilience.
3. At the direction of eligible First Nations, support their onboarding to the Great Bear Sea PFP.
4. Support MPA Network partners to develop the broader GBS PFP outcomes monitoring framework.
5. Develop a marine program to support marine conservation and stewardship activities.