Grant and Funding Programs Offered by NWT On The Land Collaborative (NWT)

The NWT On The Land Collaborative is a territorial funding partnership created to strengthen community-led land-based programs throughout the Northwest Territories. It brings together Indigenous, territorial and federal governments, charitable foundations, corporations and non-profit organizations to pool financial resources and in-kind support. By centralizing access to funding, the Collaborative reduces the administrative burden on communities and makes it easier for local organizers to launch and sustain on the land initiatives.

The Collaborative focuses on projects that get people out on the land, connect participants with their territories, cultures, languages and traditions, build or strengthen partnerships, enhance community capacity, and support environmental and program sustainability. Grants are available to Indigenous governments and organizations, municipalities, schools, non-profit organizations and eligible individuals based in the NWT, with a minimum request of $1,000 and no formal maximum, subject to the overall fund.

The organization runs annual granting cycles with clearly advertised opening and closing dates and decision meetings. Applicants complete a standard application form describing their community, proposed activities, participants, timelines and budget. Additional resources such as posters, guidelines and templates for letters of recommendation are provided to help applicants prepare strong proposals. Funding partners also offer non-financial support, including training, camp supplies and connections to other funding sources.

Applications are first screened for eligibility by regional Community Advisors, who are appointed by regional Indigenous governments. They ensure proposals meet basic criteria and may help refine project ideas. Eligible applications then undergo a structured evaluation using common criteria related to clarity, land-based focus, strengthening northern roots, building capacity, partnerships, sustainability and accountability. Funding partners meet in person to reach consensus on the final list of approved projects.

The Collaborative supports a wide range of land-based projects, such as culture camps, family and youth programming, language revitalization on the land, skill-building in harvesting and traditional practices, and healing and wellness activities held away from communities. It welcomes both small and large projects and allows organizations to apply for multiple distinct initiatives. Past reports and the Grant Recipients section highlight dozens of approved projects each year across all regions of the territory, along with summaries of outcomes and learning.

Grantees have responsibilities related to financial reporting, storytelling, photos and evaluation, while funders commit to respectful engagement, listening, accessibility and information sharing. Reporting templates and photo release forms are provided, and successful completion of reports is required for future funding. Through this cycle of funding, learning and relationship-building, the NWT On The Land Collaborative aims to strengthen northern communities’ connections to land, culture and language over the long term.

The Collaborative publishes annual reports detailing highlights, featured projects, approved project lists and aggregate funding numbers. Its governance structure includes community advisors, funding partners and an administrative team drawn from key institutions such as the Government of the Northwest Territories and partner organizations. Decisions are made by consensus, with each partner having an equal voice regardless of financial contribution, reflecting a commitment to equity, local leadership and Indigenous ways of working.