Closed
Education Partnerships Program (EPP)
Supports First Nations education partnerships and capacity building
Last Update: April 30, 2026
Funding available
Up to 15% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : December 19, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
This program supports First Nations education partnerships and capacity building. It can fund activities such as partnership development, governance strengthening, strategic planning, and education systems work, with up to 15% for administration costs.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
Eligible Funding
- Up to 15% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : December 19, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Primary and Secondary Education
- Civic and Advocacy Organizations
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Indigenous peoples
- Academia / students
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Education partnership development and implementation
- Governance and leadership strengthening
- Organizational capacity and strategic planning
- Regional education agreement development and negotiation
- Information sessions, technical tables, and education system transformation work
Documents Needed
- Completed proposal form
- Letters of support
- Quotes for professional development and IT
- Supporting documents for partnership or community support
- Required financial information in the proposal
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- First Nations
- Designated First Nations organizations
- Regional First Nations organizations designated to administer the stream
Who is not eligible
- Organizations providing education services under a self-government agreement
- Service purchase arrangements that are not true partnerships
Eligible expenses
- Short-term salaries and benefits
- Travel, accommodation, mileage, and meal allowances
- Meeting, communications, and professional fees
- IT software, hardware, licenses, and maintenance
- Learning materials, legal advice, and administration costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Tuition-related costs and basic program activities
- Self-government agreement activities
- School infrastructure, construction, operation, or maintenance
- Foreign travel
- Health-related activities, gifts, prizes, and donations
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Regional areas selected by participating First Nations
Selection criteria
- Applicant capacity and experience
- Community, school, and partner support
- Implementation plan quality
- Alignment between requested funding and activity costs
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare the proposal
- Complete the official proposal template.
- Gather all relevant supporting documents.
- Step 2: Submit the application
- Submit through the ISC Services Portal if access is available.
- If portal access is not available, contact the regional office.
- Send the proposal to SAC using the official form for the applicable stream.
- Step 3: Await review
- The proposal is reviewed by SAC or the designated regional body.
- Written funding decisions are provided to applicants.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for eligibility and merit.
- Missing or unclear information may lead to requests for revisions or rejection.
- Applications are assessed by SAC or the designated regional First Nations organization, depending on the stream.
- Applicants receive written funding decisions.
- Approved applicants sign a funding agreement.
Additional information
- Applications are submitted through the ISC Services Portal or through the regional office.
- Supporting documents such as letters of support and quotes may be required.
- Approved funding is provided through a 1-year contribution agreement.
- Final reports are required each fiscal year.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Education Partnerships Program (EPP) Program
What is the Education Partnerships Program (EPP)?
This program supports First Nations education partnerships and capacity building. It can fund activities such as partnership development, governance strengthening, strategic planning, and education systems work, with up to 15% for administration costs.
How much funding can be received?
Education Partnerships Program (EPP) Funds up to 15% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Education Partnerships Program (EPP) program?
To be eligible for the Education Partnerships Program (EPP) program, you must:
First Nations or designated organizations
Written community support
Education-focused mandate
What expenses are eligible under Education Partnerships Program (EPP)?
Education partnership development and implementation
Governance and leadership strengthening
Organizational capacity and strategic planning
Regional education agreement development and negotiation
Information sessions, technical tables, and education system transformation work
Who can I contact for more information about the Education Partnerships Program (EPP)?
You can contact Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) by email at education-education@sac-isc.gc.ca.
Where is the Education Partnerships Program (EPP) available?
The Education Partnerships Program (EPP) program is available across Canada.
Is the Education Partnerships Program (EPP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Education Partnerships Program (EPP) is a Partnering and Collaboration