Aboriginal Funds For Species At Risk (AFSAR)

• Minimum funding request suggested for new and multi-year projects is $10,000.
• Funding typically ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 per project.
• A minimum of 20% matching contributions from non-federal sources is required for each $1 of AFSAR funding (i.e., $0.20 match for each $1 provided).
• For multi-year projects, the 20% matching requirement must be met by the project's completion; annual matching can be below 20% as long as the overall total is achieved by the end.

• The applicant must be an Indigenous community or organization located in Canada; or a partner organization (Indigenous or non-Indigenous) formally mandated by an Indigenous community or organization.
• The proposed project must target the conservation and recovery of aquatic species at risk listed as Endangered, Threatened, or of Special Concern under SARA Schedule 1, or unlisted but assessed species by COSEWIC.
• The project must align with national and relevant regional priorities as outlined by the program.
• The project activities must provide direct benefit to aquatic species at risk and may take place on federal, Indigenous, provincial Crown, or private lands.
• The application must demonstrate a minimum of 20% matching contributions from non-federal sources (either cash or in-kind).

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.

• 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.