Closed
Source verified October 3, 2026
First and Last Mile Fund
Federal support for critical minerals projects
Get notified when First and Last Mile Fund reopens
Latest source updateLast Update: September 25, 2026Latest change: The First and Last Mile Fund page now describes a direct invitation process for Indigenous capacity funding, adds an online expression-of-interest form for self-identification, and introduces a new confidentiality requirement for applicants.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 25, 2026
Latest change: The First and Last Mile Fund page now describes a direct invitation process for Indigenous capacity funding, adds an online expression-of-interest form for self-identification, and introduces a new confidentiality requirement for applicants.
First and Last Mile Fund process update
The First and Last Mile Fund page now says Indigenous communities and groups implicated by FLMF projects may be directly invited to apply for Indigenous capacity funding, and it also adds an online expression-of-interest form for groups that want to self-identify. It further introduces a confidentiality requirement for development funding and Indigenous capacity funding applicants during the assessment period. The page also expands its useful program content by adding approved and conditionally approved project listings, and it now provides a dedicated contact email for Indigenous capacity funding inquiries.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
Invited proponents whose projects best align with program objectives.
See full eligibility
Overview
The First and Last Mile Fund provides up to $1.5 billion in federal funding until March 31, 2030 for invited proponents developing strategic mining and infrastructure projects that support critical minerals development in Canada. It supports on-site critical minerals mine development, enabling transportation and clean energy infrastructure, and market access infrastructure.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
- Increase production or service capacity
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Quebec
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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Activities funded
- On-site critical minerals mine development.
- Enabling clean energy and transportation infrastructure for mines and processing facilities.
- Infrastructure needed for market access.
- Indigenous engagement, participation, capacity building, and knowledge gathering and sharing linked to funded projects.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Invited proponents whose projects best align with program objectives.
- Indigenous communities and groups implicated by FLMF critical minerals development projects.
- Indigenous groups and eligible partner organizations for Indigenous capacity funding.
Who is not eligible
- Applicants who are not invited by Natural Resources Canada.
Selection criteria
- Expected contribution of an eligible project to critical minerals production in Canada.
- Quality of the application, project feasibility, and project risks.
- Expected economic, environmental, and Indigenous reconciliation benefits and impacts.
- Short-term production potential.
- Ability to attract investment and support vertical or horizontal integration of value chains in Canada and with international partners.
How to apply
- Natural Resources Canada identifies proponents whose projects best align with program objectives and invites them to submit applications.
- Invited applicants submit an expression of interest (EOI).
- If applicable, invited applicants submit a full application.
- Indigenous groups who want to self-identify as implicated in FLMF development projects can use the online expression of interest form.
Processing and Agreement
- Projects are first identified by Natural Resources Canada and selected proponents are invited to apply.
- Invited applications are reviewed through an interdepartmental assessment process with input from federal, provincial, and territorial partners.
- Successful projects receive a conditional funding offer.
- A contribution agreement is then negotiated after due diligence.
Additional information
- No open call for proposals is currently available.
- Natural Resources Canada invites selected proponents to apply.
- Indigenous engagement sessions are available in English and French.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the First and Last Mile Fund Program
What is the First and Last Mile Fund?
The First and Last Mile Fund provides up to $1.5 billion in federal funding until March 31, 2030 for invited proponents developing strategic mining and infrastructure projects that support critical minerals development in Canada. It supports on-site critical minerals mine development, enabling transportation and clean energy infrastructure, and market access infrastructure.
Who is eligible for the First and Last Mile Fund program?
To be eligible for the First and Last Mile Fund program, you must:
Strategic mining or infrastructure project
Located in Canada
Aligned with Government of Canada priorities
What expenses are eligible under First and Last Mile Fund?
On-site critical minerals mine development.
Enabling clean energy and transportation infrastructure for mines and processing facilities.
Infrastructure needed for market access.
Indigenous engagement, participation, capacity building, and knowledge gathering and sharing linked to funded projects.
Who can I contact for more information about the First and Last Mile Fund?
You can contact Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) by email at flmf_dev-dev_fpdk@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.
Where is the First and Last Mile Fund available?
The First and Last Mile Fund program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the First and Last Mile Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
First and Last Mile Fund is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the First and Last Mile Fund?
First and Last Mile Fund is funded by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)