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Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Values mapping and related projects

Supports consultation capacity for Indigenous communities

Offered by
Government of Ontario
Official source: ontario.ca

Record updated

Funding available
$ 60,000
Up to 80% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Aboriginal communities in Ontario
See full eligibility

Overview

This program supports Values Mapping and Related Projects for Aboriginal communities and organizations in Ontario. It helps build capacity for participation in Mining Act consultation processes through projects such as traditional knowledge and values mapping or shared territory solutions.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$60,000
Maximum share of project costs
80%
Financing goals
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Conduct research and development activities
  • Strengthen organizational capacity
  • Digitize or modernize organizational tools

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
Legal structures
Non-profit
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
Civic and Advocacy Organizations
Target groups
Indigenous peoples, Community leaders
Scope
Provincial

Archived

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

Indigenous Participation Fund – Values Mapping program expanded with detailed eligibility and application guidance

The Indigenous Participation Fund page now provides expanded content including detailed eligibility criteria for three funding streams, application guidelines, and updated contact information.

See more

The Indigenous Participation Fund section has been significantly expanded to include comprehensive details about three funding streams: Consultation Supports, Engagement and Relationship Building, and Values Mapping and Data Management. The new content provides detailed eligibility requirements including specifications for single and joint applicants, Mineral Development Advisor and Mineral Sector Specialist roles, and examples of eligible costs such as staff training, travel, facilities and professional fees. Program guidelines documents are now linked directly. The contact email has been updated to IndigenousParticipationFund@ontario.ca. Note that the page has transitioned from French to English language presentation.

Official source: ontario.ca
March 26, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Aboriginal communities in Ontario
  • Aboriginal organizations in Ontario, such as Tribal Councils
  • Joint applicants made up of two or more Aboriginal communities
  • Aboriginal organizations representing communities in high mineral activity areas

Who is not eligible

  • Projects unrelated to mineral exploration or development
  • Applicants seeking funding for business development costs
  • Projects already fully funded by other sources
  • Applications for land claims or litigation research

Eligible expenses

  • Salaries and mandatory employer-related costs
  • Professional fees for project management or technical expertise
  • Travel for project-related activities
  • Honoraria for Elders and cultural ceremonies or offerings
  • Meeting, workshop, equipment, and administration costs

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Projects outside the stream objectives or not related to mineral exploration and development
  • Initiatives already fully funded by other sources, including in-kind contributions
  • Capital asset costs
  • Business development costs
  • Research for land claims or litigation

Eligible geographic areas

  • Ontario
  • Ontario’s Far North communities are specifically noted for review by the ministry

Activities funded

  • Traditional knowledge and values mapping
  • Collection of oral histories
  • GIS training and database development
  • Shared territory solutions and related issues

How to apply

  • Step 1:
    • Read the full program guide
    • Review the stream objectives, eligible costs, and application requirements
  • Step 2:
    • Register in Transfer Payment Ontario if needed
    • Create a ONe-key account at least three weeks before the deadline for first-time users
  • Step 3:
    • Complete the application form in TPON
    • Answer the project questions and prepare the work plan and budget
    • Attach any required supporting information
  • Step 4:
    • Submit the application through Transfer Payment Ontario
    • Watch for the confirmation email sent to the primary applicant

Documents Needed

  • Completed application form
  • Project work plan
  • Project budget
  • Band Council Resolution, if applying jointly or for more than one community
  • Required supporting information, if applicable

Selection criteria

  • Applicant profile, including mineral exploration and development activity (30%)
  • Stream objectives and proposed work plan (50%)
  • Proposed budget and cost reasonableness (20%)
  • Risk assessment and financial appraisal

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed by internal ministry reviewers.
  • The ministry also completes a risk assessment and financial appraisal.
  • Funding decisions are made at the ministry’s discretion.
  • Successful applicants must sign a Transfer Payment Contribution Agreement before funds are released.
  • Recipients must report using ministry forms and may be subject to audit or verification.

Additional information

  • Applications may be submitted at any time during the fiscal year, from April 1 to March 31.
  • First-time TPON users must create a ONe-key account at least three weeks before the deadline.
  • Applicants should review the full guide and contact the ministry if the stream is still open.

Contacts

TPONCC@ontario.ca
(416) 325-6691 or 1-855-216-3090

Official sources

available funding opportunities ontario government
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Values mapping and related projects Program

What is the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Values mapping and related projects?

This program supports Values Mapping and Related Projects for Aboriginal communities and organizations in Ontario. It helps build capacity for participation in Mining Act consultation processes through projects such as traditional knowledge and values mapping or shared territory solutions.

How much funding can be received?

Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Values mapping and related projects Funds up to 80% of admissible expenses, capped at $60,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Values mapping and related projects program?

To be eligible for the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Values mapping and related projects program, you must: Aboriginal community or organization in Ontario Project in high mineral activity area Joint application for shared territory projects

What expenses are eligible under Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Values mapping and related projects?

Salaries and mandatory employer-related costs Professional fees for project management or technical expertise Travel for project-related activities Honoraria for Elders and cultural ceremonies or offerings Meeting, workshop, equipment, and administration costs

Who can I contact for more information about the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Values mapping and related projects?

You can contact Government of Ontario by email at TPONCC@ontario.ca or by phone at (416) 325-6691 or 1-855-216-3090.

Where is the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Values mapping and related projects available?

The Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Values mapping and related projects program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Values mapping and related projects a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Values mapping and related projects is a Grant and Funding