Services
Expertises
Resources
Who we are
Contact us
Open

Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration support

Support for Indigenous consultation capacity

Offered by
Government of Ontario
Official source: ontario.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Indigenous communities in areas of mineral exploration or development activity
See full eligibility

Overview

The Indigenous Participation Fund supports Indigenous communities and organizations in Ontario to build capacity for consultations related to mineral exploration and mine development. The consultation supports stream can fund salary costs, staff training and development, and professional fees.

At a glance

Funding available

Varies by project

Financing goals
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Develop team skills
  • Improve governance or administrative structure
  • Develop workforce skills
  • Strengthen organizational capacity
  • Raise awareness or mobilize a population

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
Legal structures
All legal structures

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

Early exploration support deadline updated

The application deadline for Aboriginal Participation Fund early exploration support has moved to April 30, 2026.

See more

The application deadline for Aboriginal Participation Fund early exploration support has been updated from April 16, 2026 to April 30, 2026. No other visible changes were identified to eligibility, funding terms, application steps, or contact details.

Official source: ontario.ca
April 15, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Indigenous communities in areas of mineral exploration or development activity
  • 2 or more Indigenous communities in areas of mineral exploration or development activity
  • Representative organizations with member communities in areas of mineral exploration or development activity
  • Any Indigenous community in Ontario whose credibly asserted or established Aboriginal and/or treaty rights have the potential to be adversely impacted by mineral activity
  • Representative organizations may apply for a Mineral Sector Specialist

Who is not eligible

  • Organizations without community support for joint applications.
  • Applicants outside Ontario.
  • Projects unrelated to mineral exploration and development.

Eligible expenses

  • Salary costs for key staff positions
  • Staff training and development
  • Staff travel
  • Facilities, equipment, and meeting expenses
  • Professional fees

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Technical consultants, technicians, and professional technical expertise.
  • Activities already fully funded by other sources.
  • Projects not related to mineral exploration and development.
  • Capital asset costs and business development costs.
  • Legal fees, except those related to reviewing the agreement.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Ontario

Activities funded

  • Building capacity to participate in and respond to consultations about mineral exploration and mine development
  • Taking part in consultation led by a single ministry acting as the representative of the Crown in Right of Ontario
  • Taking part in a coordinated multi-ministry consultation process on matters related to Aboriginal and/or treaty rights
  • Increasing community knowledge and understanding of the mineral development sequence, including mineral exploration, development and mining activities

How to apply

  • Step 1: Review the guide
    • Read the full application guide before starting.
    • Review eligibility, costs, and evaluation criteria.
  • Step 2: Register in TPON
    • Create a ONe-key account if needed.
    • Register in Transfer Payment Ontario at least three weeks before the deadline if you are a first-time user.
  • Step 3: Complete the application
    • Fill out the online application form in TPON.
    • Provide project objectives, work plan, and financial information.
    • Attach required supporting information, including a Band Council Resolution or Board Motion if applicable.
  • Step 4: Submit the application
    • Submit the completed application through Transfer Payment Ontario.
    • Check your email for confirmation of receipt.

Documents Needed

  • Letters of support, for joint applications

Selection criteria

  • Applicant profile and existing capacity funding received: 30%
  • Stream objectives and proposed work plan: 50%
  • Proposed budget and cost reasonableness: 20%
  • Mineral exploration activity in the area is considered.

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed by internal ministry reviewers.
  • The ministry assesses eligibility, work plan, and budget.
  • A risk assessment and financial appraisal are completed.
  • Funding is awarded at the ministry’s discretion.
  • If approved, the applicant must sign a Transfer Payment Contribution Agreement.

Additional information

  • Applicants are encouraged to contact the ministry’s Transfer Payment Coordinator before applying.
  • Applications must be submitted through Transfer Payment Ontario.
  • First-time TPON users must create a ONe-key account at least three weeks before the deadline.
  • Successful applicants must sign a Transfer Payment Contribution Agreement and carry at least $2 million in commercial general liability insurance.

Contacts

IndigenousParticipationFund@ontario.ca

Official sources

Available funding opportunities from the Ontario Government
Add helloDarwin as a preferred source on Google

Frequently Asked Questions about the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration support Program

What is the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration support?

The Indigenous Participation Fund supports Indigenous communities and organizations in Ontario to build capacity for consultations related to mineral exploration and mine development. The consultation supports stream can fund salary costs, staff training and development, and professional fees.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration support program?

To be eligible for the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration support program, you must: Indigenous communities or organizations in Ontario may apply. Joint applicants must be 2 or more Indigenous communities, or a representative organization with member communities. Joint applications require letters of support.

What expenses are eligible under Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration support?

Salary costs for key staff positions Staff training and development Staff travel Facilities, equipment, and meeting expenses Professional fees

Who can I contact for more information about the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration support?

You can contact Government of Ontario by email at IndigenousParticipationFund@ontario.ca.

Where is the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration support available?

The Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration support program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration support a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration support is a Grant and Funding