Closed
Source verified July 8, 2026
Elders Grants
Support for BC First Nation Elders
Latest source updateLast Update: July 7, 2026Latest change: The Elders Grant now stays open for two weeks each May, uses the NRT Grant Portal with an account setup step, and adds a lottery-based approval process.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 7, 2026
Latest change: The Elders Grant now stays open for two weeks each May, uses the NRT Grant Portal with an account setup step, and adds a lottery-based approval process.
Elders Grant intake and application process updated
The Elders Grant intake window changed from closing in December or when annual funding is exhausted to remaining open for two weeks each May. The application instructions now direct applicants to the NRT Grant Portal and require creating an NRT Portal Account, and approval now uses a lottery process with follow-up next steps that may trigger another lottery if an applicant does not respond on time. Eligibility wording also shifted to exclude individuals more directly and to include BC First Nation organizations that support First Nation Elders alongside B.C. First Nations and B.C. First Nation Elder Groups.
Funding available
$ 8,000
Deadline
May 29, 2026
Opened May 15, 2026
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
The Elders Grant provides up to $8,000 per year to BC First Nations, BC First Nation elder groups, and BC First Nation organizations that support First Nation Elders. It funds activities that strengthen elder well-being, inclusion, belonging, and cultural connection.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 8,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Attendance at the National and Annual Elders’ Gathering
Documents Needed
- Completed Elder Grant Application
- Final activity report template
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- BC First Nations
- BC First Nation elder groups
- BC First Nation organizations that support First Nation Elders
Who is not eligible
- Individuals
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
Selection criteria
- Eligible applications are approved through a lottery process.
- Selection considers available funding, project capacity, and regional distribution.
How to apply
- Apply through the NRT Grant Portal by using the link below or the top right of the screen to create an NRT Portal Account.
- Contact elders@nrtf.ca if you have questions or want to discuss a potential project.
Processing and Agreement
- Applicants are notified of the funding decision following the lottery process.
- If an applicant does not respond or complete required next steps on time, NRT may run another lottery.
- An advance payment is made upon application approval.
- The final payment is issued after the final activity report is approved.
Additional information
- The annual intake and approval process opens each calendar year in May and remains open for two weeks.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Elders Grants Program
What is the Elders Grants?
The Elders Grant provides up to $8,000 per year to BC First Nations, BC First Nation elder groups, and BC First Nation organizations that support First Nation Elders. It funds activities that strengthen elder well-being, inclusion, belonging, and cultural connection.
How much funding can be received?
Elders Grants Funds up to $8,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was May 29, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Elders Grants program?
To be eligible for the Elders Grants program, you must:
BC First Nations, BC First Nation elder groups, or BC First Nation organizations that support First Nation Elders
BC First Nations element required
Supports elder well-being, inclusion, belonging, or cultural connection
What expenses are eligible under Elders Grants?
Attendance at the National and Annual Elders’ Gathering
Who can I contact for more information about the Elders Grants?
You can contact New Relationship Trust (NRT) by email at elders@nrtf.ca.
Where is the Elders Grants available?
The Elders Grants program is available the province of British Columbia.