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Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects
Funding for Indigenous-led clean fuel projects
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
$ 50,000,000
Timeline
- Open Date : February 11, 2022
- Closing date : February 23, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
Up to $50 million per project is available for Indigenous-led clean fuel production capacity projects. The program supports new builds, expansions or conversions, as well as feasibility and engineering studies in Canada.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase production or service capacity
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Optimize production processes
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : February 11, 2022
- Closing date : February 23, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
- Manufacturing
Location
- Canada
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
- Construction of new clean fuel production facilities
- Expansion or conversion of existing clean fuel facilities
- Feasibility studies for new or expanded facilities
- Basic engineering and front-end engineering design studies
- Studies on blending hydrogen into natural gas systems
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Supporting documentation
- Signed attestation from an authorized representative
- Audited financial statements or certified interim financial statements
- Applicant Guide and forms
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous organizations
- Registered Indigenous businesses or communities
- Not-for-profit organizations
- For-profit organizations
- Indigenous communities, development corporations, utilities, industry groups, research bodies, standards organizations, and academic institutions
Eligible expenses
- Wages and benefits
- Professional services such as engineering, construction, installation, training, and commissioning
- Capital costs, including equipment, infrastructure, upgrades, permits, and environmental assessments
- Travel, accommodation, meals, and transportation related to the project
- Overhead costs up to 15% of eligible expenditures
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Land purchases
- Fines and penalties
- Lobbying activities to obtain funding
- In-kind contributions
- Travel for non-essential activities such as conferences
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Completeness of the application
- Compliance with mandatory information requirements
- Merit assessment against program criteria
- Further due diligence before final approval
How to apply
1
Determine Eligibility
Read the Applicant’s Guide specifically for Indigenous-led projects.
2
Request Application Materials
Request the Indigenous-led projects’ Applicant Guide and Forms.
3
Prepare Project Proposal
- Complete the project proposal using the forms provided.
- Ensure all required information and documentation are included in the proposal.
4
Submit Application
- Submit your completed project proposal via email or mail.
- Address the submission to:
- c/o Clean Fuels Fund – Building New Domestic Production Capacity – Indigenous-Led Projects
- 580 Booth Street
- Ottawa, ON K1A 0E4
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed on a continuous intake basis
- Submissions go through completeness, mandatory information, merit criteria, and Investment Committee review
- Applicants are notified with a conditional approval or a regret letter
- Successful applicants then enter contribution agreement negotiations and due diligence review
- Payment claims are reviewed after the agreement is in place
Additional information
- Applications are accepted on a continuous intake basis until funding is no longer available.
- Projects must be completed and facilities commissioned by March 31, 2026.
- Successful applicants enter into a contribution agreement before funding is paid.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects Program
What is the Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects?
Up to $50 million per project is available for Indigenous-led clean fuel production capacity projects. The program supports new builds, expansions or conversions, as well as feasibility and engineering studies in Canada.
How much funding can be received?
Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $50,000,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was February 23, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects program?
To be eligible for the Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects program, you must:
Canadian legal entity
At least 50% Indigenous ownership
Project in Canada
What expenses are eligible under Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects?
Construction of new clean fuel production facilities
Expansion or conversion of existing clean fuel facilities
Feasibility studies for new or expanded facilities
Basic engineering and front-end engineering design studies
Studies on blending hydrogen into natural gas systems
Who can I contact for more information about the Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects?
You can contact Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) by email at cleanfuelsfund-fondsdecarburantspropres@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.
Where is the Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects available?
The Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects program is available across Canada.