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Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP)
Seed funding for innovative Northern teams
Last Update: April 29, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000,000
Timeline
- Closing date : January 19, 2026
Location
Nord-du-Québec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, Canada
Overview
The Arctic Inspiration Prize provides seed funding for Northern teams with innovative ideas. It supports new projects in areas such as education, health, culture, traditional knowledge, climate change, food security, and the economy, with awards of up to $1 million, $500,000, or $100,000 depending on the category.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
- Develop a new program or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
- Up to 20% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : January 19, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Public administration
Location
- Nord-du-Québec
- Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Primary and Secondary Education
- Higher Education
- Other Education
- Research
- Other Health Services
- Social Services
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Civic and Advocacy Organizations
- Grant-making Foundations
- Other Philanthropic Intermediaries and Voluntarism Promotion
- Children and Youth Organizations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- General public
- Children & youth
- Young adults
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Artists / creatives
- Academia / students
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
- Mixed revenue (<50% earned)
- Mixed revenue (50%+ earned)
- Fee-for-service model
Scope
- Regional
- National
- International
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- New projects that create positive change in Northern communities
- Projects in education, health, culture, traditional knowledge, science, climate change, food security, or the economy
- Projects ready to be launched with community support
Documents Needed
- Completed nomination template
- Nomination letter from an official Ambassador/Nominator
- Letter of intent or Inspiration Proposal, if submitted
- Supporting letters for partner contributions
- Budget details in the required template
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Diverse Northern teams
- Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations in the Arctic North
- Youth-led teams for the Youth Prize
Who is not eligible
- Individuals acting alone
- Teams that are not diverse for the $1 Million and AIP categories
- Organizations or individuals not exclusively Northern as nominees or fund recipients
- Projects led by team members or connected organizations serving as Ambassadors/Nominators
Eligible expenses
- Project activities supported by seed funding
- In-kind and cash contributions from partners
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects that only collect and store knowledge
- Single activities such as conferences, workshops, or meetings, unless part of a broader plan
- Continuation, expansion, or duplication of an existing project by the same team
Eligible geographic areas
- Yukon
- Northwest Territories
- Inuvialuit Settlement Region
- Nunavut
- Nunavik
- Nunatsiavut
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first reviewed for eligibility by AIP staff.
- Eligible nominations are reviewed by regional selection committees.
- Finalists are then reviewed by the national selection committee.
- Winners are announced at the awards ceremony.
Additional information
- An optional Inspiration Proposal can be submitted first for feedback on eligibility.
- All nominations must include a letter from an official Ambassador/Nominator.
- The current nomination template must be used and fully completed.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP)?
The Arctic Inspiration Prize provides seed funding for Northern teams with innovative ideas. It supports new projects in areas such as education, health, culture, traditional knowledge, climate change, food security, and the economy, with awards of up to $1 million, $500,000, or $100,000 depending on the category.
How much funding can be received?
Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP) Funds up to 20% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP) program?
To be eligible for the Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP) program, you must:
New, innovative project
Northern-led team
Relevant to Arctic communities
What expenses are eligible under Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP)?
New projects that create positive change in Northern communities
Projects in education, health, culture, traditional knowledge, science, climate change, food security, or the economy
Projects ready to be launched with community support
Who can I contact for more information about the Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP)?
You can contact Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP) by email at aip@rhf-frh.ca or by phone at 867-222-0220.
Where is the Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP) available?
The Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP) program is available Nord-du-Québec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon.
Is the Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP) is a Grant and Funding