How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 20000% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration support?

Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration support is funded by Government of Ontario, Ministry of Mines in Ontario

Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration support

Q: What are Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration support's eligibility criterias?

The applicant must be an Aboriginal community, group of First Nation or Métis communities, Tribal Council, or Aboriginal organization located in Ontario in areas of high mineral exploration and/or development activity. The community must have received two or more, but fewer than ten, exploration permit applications in the previous fiscal year. Joint applicants must have the support of represented member communities, demonstrated by a Band Council Resolution or Board Motion.

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ON, Canada

Supports early exploration activities for Aboriginal communities

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Grant and Funding

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Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction

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Government of Ontario
Ministry of Mines in Ontario

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The Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early Exploration Support provides up to $20,000 to eligible Aboriginal communities and organizations in Ontario to enhance their capacity to process and respond to early mineral exploration activity notices. Funding supports activities such as salary costs, community outreach, training, and administrative expenses related to mineral exploration and development.

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Funding of up to $20,000 is available for a one-year term per applicant.
Recipients are entitled to a percentage of the total funding amount immediately upon signing the Transfer Payment Contribution Agreement (TPCA); the exact amount is determined during negotiations.
The remaining balance of funding is released according to the payment schedule outlined in the TPCA and based on activities undertaken and expenses incurred.

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Facilitating training opportunities related to mineral exploration and development for the community.
Receiving and tracking exploration plan submissions and exploration permit applications sent to the community.
Assisting the community by explaining technical issues related to early exploration notices.
Supporting the community in understanding or assessing impacts of proposed early exploration activities.
Coordinating formal responses from the community to the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines (ENDM) regarding proposed exploration activities, within regulated timeframes.
Facilitating site visits related to early exploration activities, as appropriate and coordinated with project proponents.
Organizing community outreach activities such as meetings, presentations, and workshops related to mineral exploration and development.
Providing training for community members on the mineral exploration and development sequence and associated regulatory requirements.

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The applicant must be an Aboriginal community or organization located in Ontario in areas of high mineral exploration and/or development activity.
Single applicants can be Aboriginal communities in Ontario in areas of high mineral exploration activity.
Joint applicants can be Aboriginal communities and organizations (such as Tribal Councils) in Ontario in areas of high mineral exploration and/or development activity, with support from the communities represented and documented by a Band Council Resolution or Board Motion.
Eligible applicants include groups of First Nation communities, groups of Métis communities, Tribal Councils with support from member communities, or, in specific circumstances and at the ministry's discretion, other Aboriginal organizations with community support.
The applicant must have a demonstrable need for support funding based on the volume of exploration notices received, specifically having received two or more, but fewer than ten, exploration permit applications in the previous fiscal year.

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Aboriginal communities in Ontario located in areas of high mineral exploration and/or development activity
Groups of First Nation communities in Ontario
Groups of Métis communities in Ontario
Tribal Councils in Ontario, with the support of their member communities
Other Aboriginal organizations in Ontario, such as Provincial-Territorial Organizations or economic development organizations, with the support of the communities they represent (in specific circumstances and at the ministry's discretion)

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Salary, wages, and mandatory employer-related costs (MERCs) for project-related roles.
Community outreach expenses such as meetings, presentations, and workshops related to mineral exploration and development in the area.
Costs associated with meetings, site visits, or honoraria to Elders on early exploration notices, where not otherwise covered by the proponent.
Professional fees, such as translation or facilitation services.
Administration expenses: equipment purchase or rental costs specifically linked to project implementation (e.g., office equipment such as desks, chairs, printers, computers, software).
Costs for space and equipment rental, utilities, telephone or fax expenses, network charges, postage or courier expenses, photocopying expenses, financial institution service fees, and office supplies.
Expenses related to community or community member training focused on the mineral exploration and development sequence and associated regulatory requirements.

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Aboriginal communities and organizations located in Ontario.

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Applicant Profile (30%): Evaluation of funds received from existing capacity funding sources and assessment of mineral exploration activity in the area.
Stream Objectives and Proposed Work Plan (50%): Assessment of how the applicant will achieve stream objectives by participating in regulatory decision-making, the detail and quality of their process for responding to early exploration notices, and plans to enhance community capacity through education and training; includes review of the proposed work plan for the funding year.
Proposed Budget (20%): Review of the proposed budget to ensure it is reasonable, clearly outlines anticipated activities, and adheres to the cost guidelines provided.

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Applicants must register with Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) to access and submit the application; new users are advised to register at least three weeks before the application deadline.
The ONe-key account for TPON registration is individual-specific; each person submitting must create their own account even if someone from the same organization has previously registered.
Successful applicants must sign a Transfer Payment Contribution Agreement outlining terms and conditions for receiving funds.
Recipients are required to maintain a minimum of $2 million in commercial general liability insurance and name "Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Ontario as represented by the Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines" as a co-insured party before executing the agreement.
Funding recipients must comply with specified ministry reporting requirements and deadlines as outlined in the Contribution Agreement, using ministry-provided forms.
The Ministry reserves the right to verify or audit submitted information to ensure completeness and accuracy, confirming funds are used for intended purposes.
Unused funds or funds not used for intended purposes may be subject to recovery by the Ministry.
Approval from the Ministry is required for any changes to the proposed project after funding is granted.
All applicant and project information is subject to Ontario's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and may be disclosed in accordance with the law.
Receiving this funding does not constitute recognition of Aboriginal or treaty rights, nor does it indicate any duty or commitment to engage recipients in consultation activities.
The Ministry cannot guarantee funding for every application, and the amount provided depends on funding availability and application review.