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Funding announced for Indigenous community projects across Canada

July 2, 2020  By Greenhouse Canada (compiled by)


Bearspaw Kananaskis Travel Centre offers highway travellers an Esso gas bar and a Tim Hortons — adjacent to the Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino. Source: Alberta Agriculture

A number of funding opportunities to support the growth and resilience of Indigenous populations rolled out across Canada this past month. Projects that seek to enable sustainable access to food and/or strengthen local food systems are eligible.

Canada-wide: The Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund

Application period: June 16 to July 31, 2020
Allocation available: $5,000 to $30,000

The Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund (IPRF) is a growing fund with over a 1.4 million dollars to distribute to Indigenous-led organizations & groups. This new fund is Indigenous-led, and complementary to the Government of Canada’s Indigenous Community Support Fund and other Government and philanthropic efforts.

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The IPRF will support Indigenous-led organizations running projects at the community level that serve vulnerable populations especially affected by COVID-19. Eligible projects include ongoing programs that meet the eligibility criteria outlined in this document.

Examples of eligible organizations include: community groups; registered charities; registered not-for-profit organizations; and public bodies performing a function of government in Canada.

The IPRF will provide immediate financial support for projects that are serving Indigenous populations as they manage the impacts of COVID-19. Applicants may only apply for one project at a time, but no more than 2 applications if they are distinctly separate initiatives.

Specifically, eligible projects will:

  • Clearly address a pressing social inclusion or well-being need caused by COVID-19;
  • Serve Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) and preferably led by Indigenous peoples;
  • Be carried out in a short timeframe with a reasonable budget, before December 31, 2020

Apply here: Community Foundations of Canada

 

British Columbia: Indigenous Entrepreneurs Stream
(B.C. Indigenous Agriculture Development Program)

Application period: Open; accepted on an ongoing basis until funding is subscribed
Allocation available: up to $8,000

A new stream for Indigenous entrepreneurs was added on Tuesday this week to the B.C. Indigenous Agriculture Development Program to help entrepreneurs with specialized planning and coaching services to develop and plan their food and agricultural businesses, supporting local food security in their communities.

“The Williams Lake First Nation fully supports B.C.’s agriculture sector, food security and our People’s entrepreneurial spirit, especially during this pandemic,” said Chief Willie Sellars, Williams Lake First Nation. “We are happy to see this new addition to the B.C. Indigenous Agriculture Development Program for Indigenous Entrepreneurs. With this program, our entrepreneurs will now receive assistance in business development, along with coaching provided by qualified business consultants. This new program is both beneficial and supportive for my community members and to all Indigenous agricultural entrepreneurs in B.C.”

Apply here: B.C. Indigenous Agriculture Development Program

Alberta: Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF)

Application period: June 29 to September 30, 2020
Allocation available: up to $500,000

The Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF) will provide eligible Indigenous community-owned businesses with up to $500,000 in funding for ventures that demonstrate social and economic benefits for their communities.

 ABIF supports projects that increase:

  • employment opportunities for Indigenous people
  • local revenue streams for Indigenous communities
  • the economies of Indigenous communities

 Communities must own and control 51 per cent or more of the proposed business or joint venture to be eligible. Past funding from ABIF has been used by the Blood tribe pursue a greenhouse located on the Blood Reserve, which will provide benefits and spin-off opportunities, ie. Supply local food bank, school system and future grocery store.

“Thanks to ABIF funds, Kainai Forage is able to play a key role in growing the on reserve economy and providing employment and advancement opportunities for our membership, while positioning the Blood Tribe as a broader participant in global agricultural businesses,” says Chief Roy Fox, Blood Tribe.

ABIF has supported 40 projects to date that have created almost 300 full-time jobs.

Apply here: Alberta Agriculture


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