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Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development
Supports Indigenous economic development through coordinated federal funding partnerships
Last Update: April 10, 2026
Funding available
$ 10,000,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
The Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development provide up to $10 million per project to support economic development opportunities for Indigenous communities through partnerships, infrastructure, skills development, and business expansion initiatives. The program aims to increase Indigenous participation in the Canadian economy by funding projects such as feasibility studies, capacity building, and business modernization.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Financial cooperative
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Women & girls
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Conducting market, feasibility, pre-feasibility, and diagnostic studies to explore economic opportunities.
- Developing and implementing business, strategic, or financial plans for new or expanding Indigenous businesses or joint ventures.
- Strengthening organizational capacity to lead or support economic development projects.
- Supporting the construction, design, or development of economic infrastructure related to prioritized opportunities.
- Undertaking skills development and management or technical training tailored to economic initiatives.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- First Nations communities
- Tribal councils
- Governments of self-governing First Nations
- Local governments of Inuit communities
- First Nations-controlled for-profit and not-for-profit corporations, partnerships, associations, co-operatives, and institutions
- First Nations businesses, partnerships, and joint ventures
- Provincial and territorial governments
- Academic institutions
Who is not eligible
- Projects involving community infrastructure that is not related to economic development, such as public office buildings, recreation and friendship centres, gaming houses, and public halls.
- Initiatives that do not result in an economic benefit to Indigenous people.
- Ongoing operating costs of First Nations organizations or other entities.
Eligible expenses
- Fees for consultants and qualified professionals.
- Technical services required for the project.
- Training and skills development for staff.
- Costs related to infrastructure development, including planning, design, construction, or repair.
- Capital expenditures.
- Purchase of machinery and equipment.
- Operating costs directly supporting project activities.
- Salaries, wages, and associated benefits for project personnel.
- Travel expenses, including accommodation, meals, and allowances linked to project delivery.
- Expenses for conferences, workshops, and meetings relevant to project objectives.
- Other reasonable costs necessary for project completion as agreed by program partners.
Eligible geographic areas
- No specific geographical restrictions are mentioned; eligible recipients include First Nations communities, Inuit communities, and related entities across Canada.
Additional information
- Preference will be given to projects where at least one third of funding is sourced from non-federal project participants, including financial or in-kind contributions.
- Recipients must submit a final report at project completion, in addition to annual progress and financial reports.
- Contributions to commercial entities may be repayable, depending on the project’s profitability.
- Projects may require periodic monitoring plans tailored to project risk.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development. 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 Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development?
The Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development provide up to $10 million per project to support economic development opportunities for Indigenous communities through partnerships, infrastructure, skills development, and business expansion initiatives. The program aims to increase Indigenous participation in the Canadian economy by funding projects such as feasibility studies, capacity building, and business modernization.
How much funding can be received?
Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development program?
To be eligible for the Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development program, you must:
Must be a First Nations for-profit corporation, partnership, association, co-operative, or institution majority owned and controlled by Indigenous people
Projects must result in economic benefits to Indigenous people
What expenses are eligible under Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development?
Conducting market, feasibility, pre-feasibility, and diagnostic studies to explore economic opportunities.
Developing and implementing business, strategic, or financial plans for new or expanding Indigenous businesses or joint ventures.
Strengthening organizational capacity to lead or support economic development projects.
Supporting the construction, design, or development of economic infrastructure related to prioritized opportunities.
Undertaking skills development and management or technical training tailored to economic initiatives.
Who can I contact for more information about the Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development?
You can contact Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).
Where is the Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development available?
The Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development program is available across Canada.
Is the Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development is a Partnering and Collaboration