Funding Availability
Indigenous Capacity Support Program – Stream 3: Strategic Opportunities

A funding application period for the Indigenous Capacity Support Program (ICSP) – Stream 3 Strategic Opportunities – is now open. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) is making limited funding available through this program to support Indigenous communities and organizations so they may better participate in current and future assessments. This funding is provided outside the context of specific project reviews.

Who can apply

Indigenous communities and organizations currently involved in a federal impact assessment (IA), environmental assessment (EA), regional assessment (RA), strategic assessment (SA), and/or associated follow-up activities, or who are anticipated participating in an assessment in the near future, are invited to apply.

IAAC will consider applicants who meet the program’s criteria and eligible activities.

Eligible activities

Eligible activities include:

• general land-use studies (not project-specific)
• Indigenous knowledge studies and storage
• geographic information system (GIS) development and support
• youth internship related to EA/IA; and
• development of Indigenous governance structures to allow for more effective participation and coordination in IA

Criteria for prioritized funding

Indigenous communities and organizations that meet all the following criteria will be prioritized for funding:

• Indigenous group is currently involved in federal EA/IA/RA/SA and/or associated follow-up activities, or is anticipated to be within the foreseeable future
• Indigenous group requires capacity and has demonstrated an urgent need to participate in an assessment and/or associated follow-up activities
• Indigenous community is not currently receiving Indigenous Capacity Support funding directly or through an associated Indigenous third-party delivery organization
• The funding application meets the following criteria:
  • clearly identifies targeted and appropriate results
  • provides clear workplan and budget
  • ensures or identifies and defines required human resources are in place

Funding allocation

Maximum funding allocation:

• $150,000 for the 2025-2026 fiscal year^Footnote 1

Carryovers or transfers of funds to subsequent fiscal years will not be possible. Therefore, it is important to plan your budget accordingly to avoid any unspent funds. Please ensure the amount for which you apply can be fully expended within the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

The amount of funding per successful applicant depends on the complexity and cost of activities proposed and the availability of funds.

How to submit an application

To apply for funding, complete the application form using your preferred Word (147 kB) or PDF (1,864 kB) format and send to the Indigenous Engagement and Partnerships team.

Deadline

The funding application period will be open from October 16 to December 2, 2024. All applications received on or before December 2, 2024, will be considered.

Should Indigenous communities or organizations require funding outside of the formal funding application period, please contact the Indigenous Engagement and Partnerships team, subject to funding availability.

For more information

Additional information about the Indigenous Capacity Support Program can be found in the Program Guidelines.

For questions about this funding opportunity, please contact the Indigenous Engagement and Partnerships team.