Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Mineral development advisor stream

• Band Council Resolution, if applying for more than one community.
• Project work plan.
• Project budget.
• Completed application form in TPON.
• Supporting information requested in the application.

Who is eligible?

• Aboriginal communities in Ontario
• Aboriginal organizations in Ontario
• Tribal Councils
• Economic development organizations representing communities

Eligible expenses

• Salary and wages, including mandatory employer-related costs.
• Training, conference, seminar, and workshop fees, with related travel.
• Professional fees for consultants, technicians, or project management support.
• Meeting, workshop, and presentation costs such as venue rental, printing, and related supplies.
• Equipment rental or purchase, administration costs, and other project-related expenses.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Projects outside the stream objectives or unrelated to mineral exploration and development.
• Costs already fully funded by other sources.
• Economic arrangement negotiations and land claims or litigation research.
• Salary or honoraria for individuals already paid by the applicant in another role.
• Capital assets, business development costs, and other provinces’ or Canada’s consultation activities.

Eligible geographic areas

• Ontario

• Applications are reviewed by internal ministry reviewers.
• The ministry assesses eligibility, project fit, risk, and financial capacity.
• Funding decisions are made at the ministry’s discretion.
• Successful applicants must sign a Transfer Payment Contribution Agreement.
• The ministry may verify, audit, and request reporting after approval.

• 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.