First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF)

Q: How much funding can be received?

First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF) Funds up to 10% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF) a grant, loan, or tax credit?

First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF) is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF)?

First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF) is funded by Indigenous Services Canada

Q: Who is eligible for the First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF) program?

To be eligible for the First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF) program, you must: • Indigenous beneficiaries including Bands, First Nations, or Inuit governments and organizations. • Corporations where the major shareholders are First Nations or Inuit. • Municipalities and provincial or territorial governments involved in agreements for service provision.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF)?

You can contact Indigenous Services Canada.

Q: Where is the First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF) available?

The First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF) program is available across Canada.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF) program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF) program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Support for infrastructure in First Nations communities across Canada

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Up to 10% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Public administration

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF) offers funding up to $10 million per recipient per year to improve infrastructure in First Nations communities, promoting environmental and quality-of-life enhancements. Eligible activities include the construction and enhancement of band administrative buildings, cultural facilities, and energy systems, among others.

Financing terms and conditions

Capital costs of acquiring, constructing, or renovating a tangible capital asset are covered.
Up to 10% of capital costs can include training for construction, renovation, operations, and maintenance of the asset.
Fees for qualified professionals, technical personnel, consultants, and contractors specifically engaged for project infrastructure asset tasks are covered.
Costs for environmental assessments, monitoring, and follow-up programs, as required by the Impact Assessment Act for eligible projects, are included.
Incremental costs related to developing First Nations communities' infrastructure maintenance capacity, planning capacity, and First Nation Infrastructure Investment Plans under the planning and skills development category are supported.
Eligible project costs incurred after conditional project approval are funded.
Other direct and necessary costs for project implementation, approved in advance by ISC, are covered.
Incremental costs of First Nation employees or equipment are covered if it is determined not economically feasible to tender a contract, and the arrangement is approved in writing by ISC.
Salary costs to support planning and skills development projects are permitted under specific conditions approved by ISC.

Activities funded

Construction and renovation of band administrative buildings.
Development of cultural and recreational facilities, including community centers, arenas, and museums.
Implementation and support of fire protection measures, including education, training, and infrastructure improvements.
Development and enhancement of structural mitigation projects to address natural hazards and climate change impacts.
Expansion of connectivity infrastructure to improve regional broadband and telecommunication access.
Implementation of energy systems projects, including retrofits and connections to power grids.
Construction and improvement of public roads and bridges within and beyond First Nations communities.
Development of solid waste management infrastructure to enhance recycling and waste reduction.
Investment in planning and skills development for sustainable community infrastructure projects.

Eligibility

Indigenous beneficiaries: Bands or settlements on land, reserves, or trusts.
First Nations or Inuit governments referred to in a self-government or land claims agreement.
District councils or chief councils, tribal councils, organizations, societies, associations, or institutions.
Corporations where major shareholders are First Nations or Inuit.
Partnerships with First Nations or private eligible recipients.
Provincial or territorial governments and agencies, including school boards.
Municipalities and local authorities established by provincial governments.
Universities, colleges, and other training institutions participating in training and certification programs.
Projects must align with a community plan or strategy for infrastructure.
Projects must demonstrate improvement to community health and safety.

Who is eligible?

The First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF) is available for a range of Indigenous and non-Indigenous entities. Eligible applicants include:- Indigenous beneficiaries such as Bands or settlements on reserves, First Nations, or Inuit governments involved in self-government or land claims agreements.- Tribal councils, district councils, and chief councils.- Organizations, societies, associations, and institutions focused on Indigenous communities.- Corporations where the major shareholders are First Nations or Inuit.- Partnerships and private enterprises collaborating with First Nations.- Financial institutions offering bridge financing.Public and non-Indigenous entities can also apply, including:- Provincial or territorial governments and agencies, including provincial school boards.- Municipalities involved in agreements for service provision like water and wastewater management.- Universities, colleges, and training institutions involved in enhancing water and wastewater operator training and certification.These entities must also demonstrate the relevance of their project to First Nations communities and abide by the specific grant requirements.

Eligible expenses

Capital costs for acquiring, constructing, or renovating a tangible capital asset.
Fees paid to qualified professionals, technical personnel, consultants, and contractors specifically for surveying, design, engineering, manufacturing, or construction of project infrastructure assets and related facilities.
Costs of environmental assessments, monitoring, and follow-up programs required by the Impact Assessment Act for an eligible project.
Incremental costs related to strengthening the ability of First Nations communities to develop their infrastructure maintenance and planning capacities.
Eligible project costs incurred after conditional project approval.
Other costs considered necessary for the successful implementation of a project, approved in advance by ISC.
Incremental costs of First Nation employees or equipment if economically feasible as agreed by ISC and outlined in writing.
Salary costs for planning and skills development projects if incremental and approved in writing by ISC's regional office.

How to apply

Study eligibility and objectives

Understand the specific infrastructure categories and project eligibility
Familiarize yourself with the fund's objectives
Learn about the impact and benefits of eligible projects

Prepare and submit FNIIP

Compose a First Nations Infrastructure Investment Plan (FNIIP)
Identify eligible projects that align with community priorities
Submit the FNIIP to ISC regional office by September 30

Assess and identify projects

ISC and First Nations assess project plans for eligibility
Projects may be identified outside the FNIIP process
Regional engagement may be needed for further assessment

Verify mandatory requirements

Ensure that all mandatory project requirements are met
Verify alignment with community plans and strategies
Check compliance with federal and provincial regulations

Compile and prepare application

Compile all necessary documents for submission
Ensure eligibility criteria are thoroughly addressed
Prepare the final application package for FNIF

Submit application to ISC

Submit the completed application to ISC
Ensure submission before any applicable deadlines
Await confirmation of receipt and further instructions

Additional information

Recipients of funding from the FNIF are also eligible to receive funding from other federal sources.
ISC headquarters reviews the regionally prioritized project list to ensure adherence to program guidelines.
Regional engagement with First Nations or other partners is conducted as needed.
For additional information on service standards and timeframe, visit Indigenous Services Canada Transfer Payment Service Standards.
For additional details, visit Transfer Payment Program Terms and Conditions: Contributions to support the construction and maintenance of community infrastructure.
For more details on the levels of service, refer to the Appendices of the Roads and Bridges directive.
For additional funding available for solid waste management projects on reserve, visit First Nations Waste Management Initiative.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF) Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF). 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.