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Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration support
Support for Indigenous communities managing exploration notices
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 20,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Funding of up to $20,000 is available for one year to support Aboriginal communities in Ontario with early exploration notice processing. The program supports capacity building, community engagement, and training related to mineral exploration and development activities.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
- Improve governance or administrative structure
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 20,000 $
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Processing and responding to early exploration notices.
- Community training on mineral exploration and development.
- Community meetings, presentations, and workshops.
- Coordination of responses to exploration permit applications.
- Site visits related to early exploration activity.
Documents Needed
- Band Council Resolution or Board Motion, for joint applicants
- Transfer Payment Ontario application form
- Supporting information for the work plan
- Proposed budget
- Required supporting information as applicable
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Aboriginal communities in Ontario.
- First Nation community groups in Ontario.
- Métis community groups in Ontario.
- Tribal Councils in Ontario.
- Other Aboriginal organizations with community support, in specific circumstances.
Who is not eligible
- Organizations without community support for joint applications.
- Applicants outside Ontario.
- Projects unrelated to mineral exploration and development.
Eligible expenses
- Salaries, wages, and mandatory employer-related costs.
- Community outreach, meetings, workshops, and site visits.
- Translation, facilitation, and other professional fees.
- Office equipment, rental, utilities, supplies, and communications costs.
- Community training on mineral exploration and regulatory requirements.
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
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.
How to apply
1
Review grant guidelines
- Read the entire application guide for the Aboriginal Participation Fund—Early Exploration Support
- Contact a Transfer Payment Coordinator for guidance if needed
- Clarify eligibility and program details before proceeding
2
Register with TPON portal
- Create a ONe-key account if not previously registered
- Register on Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) at least three weeks before the application deadline
- Ensure accurate entry of organization and contact information during registration
3
Complete application form
- Complete the application form on TPON, ensuring all sections are accurately filled
- Provide detailed project objectives, work plan, and budget information
- Answer all required questions about eligibility, funding needs, and previous support received
4
Gather supporting documents
- Prepare all required supporting documents, such as Band Council Resolution or Board Motion for joint applicants
- Assemble expense details aligning with the provided budget template and cost guidelines
- Ensure required proof of community support is included, if applicable
5
Review and finalize application
- Review the completed application form and all supporting materials for completeness and accuracy
- Consult with a Transfer Payment Coordinator if any clarification or assistance is required
- Ensure you meet all requirements outlined in the application guide and checklist
6
Submit application on TPON
- Submit the completed application and supporting documents via the TPON system before the deadline
- Verify receipt of submission by checking for confirmation email
- Retain submission receipt records for your files
7
Await application results
- Wait for review and evaluation by the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines
- Be prepared to provide additional information if requested
- Monitor communications for notification of results
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
Frequently Asked Questions about the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration support Program
What is the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration support?
Funding of up to $20,000 is available for one year to support Aboriginal communities in Ontario with early exploration notice processing. The program supports capacity building, community engagement, and training related to mineral exploration and development activities.
How much funding can be received?
Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration support Funds up to $20,000 of admissible expenses.
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:
Ontario Aboriginal communities in high mineral activity areas.
Need based on exploration notice volume.
Joint applicants need community support.
What expenses are eligible under Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration support?
Processing and responding to early exploration notices.
Community training on mineral exploration and development.
Community meetings, presentations, and workshops.
Coordination of responses to exploration permit applications.
Site visits related to early exploration activity.
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 aboriginalparticipationfund@ontario.ca or by phone at (705) 670-5826.
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