Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Mineral development advisor stream

• 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.

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

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.