Aboriginal Funds For Species At Risk (AFSAR)

Who is eligible?

• Indigenous communities, bands, and settlements in Canada
• Indigenous associations, organizations, and societies
• District councils, chiefs’ councils, and tribal councils
• Indigenous fisheries commissions, councils, authorities, and boards
• Indigenous economic institutions, organizations, corporations, and co-operatives
• Partnerships or aggregations of Indigenous groups
• Service providers formally mandated to work with Indigenous organizations (as determined by Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
• Non-Indigenous organizations formally mandated to apply on behalf of an Indigenous community or organization (with required support letter)

Who is not eligible

• Non-Indigenous companies or organizations, unless formally mandated to apply on behalf of an Indigenous community or organization.
• Organizations without a formal partnership or clear support from an Indigenous community or organization.
• Companies or groups whose proposed projects do not directly address aquatic species at risk as defined under SARA Schedule 1 or by COSEWIC.
• Applicants who cannot provide the required minimum of 20% matching contributions from non-federal sources.

Eligible expenses

• Administrative expenses including phone, internet, office supplies, utilities, and bank fees (including GST/HST not eligible for reimbursement).
• Meeting expenses such as hall rental and supplies, as well as printing and web-related costs for outreach materials.
• Repair, maintenance, and operating expenses for equipment, facilities, vessels, and vehicles directly used in the project (non-commercial use).
• Insurance related to eligible activities within the project agreement.
• Contracted and professional service costs, including consultations and certain legal fees (excluding litigation and under specific conditions).
• Purchase, lease or rental of equipment, supplies and materials necessary for the project.
• Purchase, lease, rental, or construction of facilities in support of project activities (excluding rolling stock, wharfage, and administrative buildings).
• Office lease or rent for spaces required during the project.
• Salaries, wages and benefits for staff working specifically on the project, within stipulated guidelines.
• Training fees and expenses, including course materials, for project-related skill development.
• Travel and related expenses for staff or contracted professional service providers involved in the project.
• Official language translation costs related to the project.

Eligible geographic areas

• Freshwater and marine areas across Canada
• Federal lands
• Indigenous lands
• Provincial Crown lands
• Private lands
• Projects may take place in the following regions: Pacific, Ontario and Prairie, Quebec, Arctic, Gulf, Maritimes, and Newfoundland and Labrador

• Alignment with program objectives, including national and regional priorities (60% of score).
• Strength of project and program administration, including quality and clarity of the proposal, workplan, budgets, and schedules (40% of score).
• Integration with other stewardship programs or recovery activities.
• Degree of support and partnership from local and regional stakeholders.
• Likelihood of success based on applicant experience and project deliverables.

• Step 1: Review Program Guidelines
  • Consult the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR) program guidelines and regional priorities to confirm project alignment.
  • Contact your AFSAR Regional Coordinator for additional guidance or clarification regarding regional priorities.
• Step 2: Submit Expression of Interest (Optional but Recommended)
  • Prepare an Expression of Interest (EOI) outlining your proposed project.
  • Email the EOI to your AFSAR Regional Coordinator by the EOI deadline for early feedback.
• Step 3: Prepare Full Application
  • Download and complete the AFSAR Aquatic Projects Application Form from the program website.
  • Prepare supporting documents, including budgets, letters of support, and project plans.
  • Ensure all required information and documentation are included and clearly presented.
• Step 4: Submit Application
  • Email the completed Application Form and all supporting documents to the appropriate AFSAR Regional Coordinator by the established deadline.
  • Confirm receipt with the Regional Coordinator if possible.
• Step 5: Await Funding Decision
  • Project proposals are reviewed by Regional Advisory Committees.
  • Successful applicants will be notified as soon as funding decisions are made.
  • Unsuccessful applicants will be notified after all decisions are finalized.
• Step 6: Complete Contribution Agreement and Reporting Requirements
  • Once approved, negotiate and sign the Contribution Agreement with Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
  • Provide required cash flow statements and agree to reporting obligations as specified in the Agreement.
  • Submit species data and public acknowledgement as per program requirements.

• Applicants are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest to receive early feedback on their proposal’s alignment with program objectives, though this does not guarantee funding.
• Upon approval, recipients must provide species occurrence or habitat data collected during the project to relevant provincial/territorial repositories and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
• All communication products related to the project must acknowledge the Government of Canada’s support and be approved by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to distribution.
• Intellectual property and Indigenous Knowledge generated from the project remain property of the recipient, though sharing terms may be negotiated in the Contribution Agreement.