How much funding can be received?

The Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) provides up to $4.9 million annually to support Aboriginal communities in Ontario, enabling their participation in the mining sector through education, relationship-building, and values mapping. Eligible activities include reviewing exploration plans, participating in educational opportunities, and engaging in relationship-building initiatives with industry and government.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant funds initiatives under the Education and Relationship-Building Stream designed to enhance understanding and collaboration within the mining sector. Eligible projects aim to increase knowledge of, and interaction with, industry and governmental bodies, and foster community engagement.

Participation at conferences, seminars, and workshops focused on the mining sector to enhance engagement and interaction capabilities.
Implementation of community awareness workshops about mineral exploration and development activities.
Facilitation of technical tables related to the mining sector.
Opportunities for relationship-building between Aboriginal communities, industries, and government entities, including support for issues management.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by the applicant's status as an Aboriginal community or organization in Ontario, with specific requirements related to relationship-building in the mineral sector.

The applicant must be an Aboriginal community in an area of high mineral exploration and/or development activity.
Alternatively, the applicant can be a joint submission by two or more Aboriginal communities in such an area.
Aboriginal organizations, such as Tribal Councils or economic development organizations representing communities in these areas, are also eligible.
If applying on behalf of more than one community, a Band Council Resolution supporting the application from each community is required.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Projects eligible for the Aboriginal Participation Fund's Education and Relationship-Building Stream should involve Aboriginal communities or organizations focusing on enhancing understanding and relationships within the mining sector.

Aboriginal communities or organizations in Ontario in areas of high mineral exploration and development activity.
Single applicants or joint applicants involving two or more Aboriginal communities or organizations, such as Tribal Councils or economic development organizations.
Applicants that have a demonstrated need to build relationships regarding mineral exploration and development.
Applicants must provide supporting resolutions, like a Band Council Resolution, when more than one community is involved.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project within the Education and Relationship-Building Stream.

Salary wages and mandatory employer-related costs (MERCs).
Conference, seminar, or workshop fees, and related travel expenses for specified community members.
Professional fees for consultants or technicians for technical expertise, such as a project manager.
Travel costs for activities directly related to the proposed project following the OPS Travel, Meal and Hospitality Directive.
Honoraria for Elders and other knowledgeable individuals for their attendance at meetings or cultural activities.
Costs associated with meetings, presentations, and workshops, including printing materials and venue rental.
Equipment purchase or rental costs necessary for project implementation, like office equipment.
Administrative costs such as space and equipment rental, utilities, and office supplies.
Other project-supporting costs considered on a case-by-case basis, at the ministry’s discretion.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is specifically designed for Aboriginal communities and organizations in Ontario. It aims to support their involvement in mineral exploration and development activities.

Aboriginal communities in Ontario.
Organizations representing Aboriginal communities within Ontario.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects under the Aboriginal Participation Fund's Education and Relationship Building Stream are grounded in specific criteria with allocated point scores, which are applied to ensure projects meet the program’s objectives efficiently and effectively.

Applicant Profile (30%): Evaluation of mineral exploration and/or development activity. Consideration of any funding the applicant received in the past from ENDM or other Ontario sources, and whether the project is building on a previously funded initiative.
Stream Objectives and Proposed Work Plan (50%): Assessment of how the project meets stream objectives through the answers to the relevant questions, including a detailed work plan for the funding year.
Proposed Budget (20%): Evaluation of the proposed budget for reasonableness and alignment with anticipated activities and cost guidelines.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Registration
Create a "ONe-key" account on the Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) portal at least three weeks before the application deadline.
If previously registered on TPON, ensure your account information is current.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Information
Review the entire program guide for the Aboriginal Participation Fund, specifically the Education and Relationship-Building Stream.
Prepare a detailed application with a comprehensive project plan, budget, and justification.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Log into the TPON system.
Complete all sections of the application form, ensuring pre-populated information is correct.
Attach a detailed work plan outlining project milestones and activities.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Review the completed application for accuracy and completeness.
Submit the application through the TPON portal before the deadline.
Ensure you receive a confirmation email upon submission.
Step 5: Await Further Instructions
Monitor email for any communications from the ministry regarding application status or requests for additional information.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Additional relevant details for the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF):

Applicants must create a “ONe-key” account to access the Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) portal and should register at least three weeks in advance of the application deadline.
The ONe-key account is registered at an individual level, not the organization level, and a separate account may be required if the person submitting the application is different from the one registered.
Successful applicants will be required to sign a Transfer Payment Contribution Agreement and meet specific obligations such as carrying commercial general liability insurance coverage.
Applicants are advised to refer to the posted program guidelines and contact relevant ministry officials like the Transfer Payment Coordinator for assistance.
Applications can be submitted at any point over the fiscal year, but applicants should verify that the stream is still open to applications.
The ministry is bound by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act; any information provided in connection with an application may be subject to disclosure.

grant_single_labels|contact

(705)

Apply to this program

Empowering Aboriginal Communities through the Aboriginal Participation Fund

The Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) is a strategic initiative designed to enhance the capacity of Aboriginal communities and organizations in Ontario to engage in the mineral exploration and development sectors. It aims to support these communities by fostering understanding of the mining sector, enabling participation in regulatory processes, and building relationships with government and industry partners.

Detailed Insights into the Aboriginal Participation Fund

The Aboriginal Participation Fund is a pivotal program initiated by Ontario's Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines to address the gap in Aboriginal participation in the mining industry. The fund consists of three key streams: Mineral Development Advisor Positions and Support Funding, Values Mapping and Related Projects, and Education and Relationship Building. These streams collectively aim to bolster community capacity in regulatory consultations, advance technical understanding, and foster beneficial relationships across stakeholders in the mining ecosystem.

The first stream, Mineral Development Advisor Positions and Support Funding, provides financial resources which enable Aboriginal communities to critically review and participate in the evaluation of exploration plans, permit applications, and closure plans. This strategic involvement ensures Aboriginal perspectives and interests are incorporated into mining activities, promoting not only cultural sensitivity but also shared economic benefits.

The Values Mapping and Related Projects stream encourages communities to undertake projects that focus on identifying and mapping local values—cultural, environmental, and social. This empowers Aboriginal communities to articulate their unique interests and priorities in consultations with mining companies and government agencies, thus ensuring that their voices are heard and respected in discussions about mineral development projects impacting their lands.

The third stream, Education and Relationship Building, supports initiatives that aim to raise awareness and understanding of the complex mineral exploration and development processes among Aboriginal communities. It emphasizes the importance of relationship-building between Aboriginal communities, the government, and the mining industry, by facilitating dialogue and collaboration that can lead to more meaningful participation and potentially lucrative partnerships.

Overall, the APF aims to change the dynamic between Aboriginal communities and the mining industry by moving towards more inclusive and equitable engagements that respect Aboriginal rights and facilitate sustainable economic growth. By providing a structured yet adaptable framework, the fund seeks to ensure that communities are better equipped not only to protect their interests but also to actively partake in and benefit from the vast opportunities that the mining sector presents.

The program is methodically designed to implement a transparent and efficient funding process, enhancing both the application procedure and accountability measures. This ensures that financial resources are managed effectively and that the objectives of the fund are met, ultimately leading to tangible outcomes for the participating communities. By supporting Aboriginal communities in building the necessary skills and capacities, the APF is a forward-thinking initiative that aligns with broader governmental objectives, such as the Aboriginal Affairs Strategy and The Growth Plan for Northern Ontario.