Open
Source verified July 23, 2026
Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Mineral development advisor stream
Funding for Indigenous mineral consultation capacity
Latest source updateLast Update: July 18, 2026Latest change: The Aboriginal Participation Fund’s mineral development advisor stream now shows updated eligibility, timing, funding, scope, and contact details.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 18, 2026
Latest change: The Aboriginal Participation Fund’s mineral development advisor stream now shows updated eligibility, timing, funding, scope, and contact details.
Aboriginal Participation Fund stream updated
The Aboriginal Participation Fund’s mineral development advisor stream now shows updated eligibility and project scope focused on Ontario-based critical minerals work, including research, development and commercialization activities tied to battery supply chain, deep exploration and mining, and mineral recovery. The stream also now shows a new submission deadline of August 25, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET, along with updated funding terms of up to $500,000 per project covering 50% of eligible costs. Contact information and program guidance links were also updated.
Funding available
$ 329,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Indigenous Participation Fund supports Indigenous communities in Ontario with consultation and mineral-sector capacity. It funds staff, training, travel, meetings, equipment, professional services, and related administrative costs.
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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
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 329,000 $
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
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
- Consultation support related to mineral exploration and mine development.
- Participation in consultation on mineral sector projects.
- Training and learning opportunities on mineral development.
- Staff-led coordination of responses to mineral activity notices.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form.
- Budget for eligible costs.
- Most recent annual audited financial statements.
- Letter of support for joint applications.
- Band Council Resolution or authorization evidence.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous communities in Ontario.
- Representative Indigenous organizations.
- Tribal Councils.
- Political-Territorial Organizations.
- Indigenous organizations with province-wide scope.
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and benefits for key staff.
- Training, development, travel, meals, and accommodation.
- Meeting costs, facilities, equipment, and supplies.
- Professional fees, including legal review of the funding agreement.
- Administration costs up to 10% of approved funding.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects not aligned with the program objectives.
- Costs not directly related to the approved project.
- Fully funded costs from other sources or in-kind contributions.
- Honoraria for salaried staff, capital assets, and business development costs.
- Legal fees other than review of the funding agreement before signing.
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Applicant profile and prior mineral activity: 30%
- Stream objectives and proposed work plan: 50%
- Proposed budget: 20%
- Risk assessment and financial appraisal are also completed
How to apply
- Step 1: Log in to TPON
- Use a My Ontario Account to access the portal.
- Register a new organization or join an existing one if needed.
- Step 2: Open the program
- Select See Funding Opportunities.
- Choose Open Programs and then Consultation Supports.
- Step 3: Complete the application
- Download the program materials and complete the form.
- Attach the signed application, budget, audited financial statements, and support letter if applicable.
- Step 4: Confirm submission
- Submit the application online and confirm it has been received.
- If needed, submit by email or mail using the ministry template.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed and applicants are notified within three months.
- Approved applicants must enter into a Funding Agreement before funding is paid.
- A valid insurance certificate and authorization evidence are required before agreement execution.
- Rejected applicants receive written reasons and may request a meeting or reapply if circumstances change.
Additional information
- A complete application is submitted through Transfer Payment Ontario.
- First-time users need a ONe-key account and TPON registration.
- A separate ONe-key account is required for each individual applicant.
- Applicants should review the full program guide before applying.
Contacts
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Advanced exploration and development supportSupport for Indigenous mining consultation capacity
- Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Early exploration supportSupport for Indigenous consultation capacity
- Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Education and relationship-buildingFunding for Indigenous mining-sector learning
- Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Mining conferences funding Sub-StreamFunding for Indigenous mining conference attendance
- Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Values mapping and related projectsSupports consultation capacity for Indigenous communities
Frequently Asked Questions about the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Mineral development advisor stream Program
What is the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Mineral development advisor stream?
Indigenous Participation Fund supports Indigenous communities in Ontario with consultation and mineral-sector capacity. It funds staff, training, travel, meetings, equipment, professional services, and related administrative costs.
How much funding can be received?
Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Mineral development advisor stream Funds up to $329,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Mineral development advisor stream program?
To be eligible for the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Mineral development advisor stream program, you must:
Indigenous communities in Ontario
Rights may be impacted by mineral activity
Representative Indigenous organizations
What expenses are eligible under Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Mineral development advisor stream?
Consultation support related to mineral exploration and mine development.
Participation in consultation on mineral sector projects.
Training and learning opportunities on mineral development.
Staff-led coordination of responses to mineral activity notices.
Who can I contact for more information about the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Mineral development advisor stream?
You can contact Government of Ontario by email at IndigenousParticipationFund@ontario.ca or by phone at 705-670-5619.
Where is the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Mineral development advisor stream available?
The Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Mineral development advisor stream program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Mineral development advisor stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Mineral development advisor stream is a Grant and Funding