Closed
First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Not-for-Profit Sector)
Support for youth employability and career exploration
Last Update: June 8, 2026
Funding available
$ 3,000
Timeline
- Closing date : July 7, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
The program can provide up to 100% of wage costs for not-for-profit organizations and up to 50% for private sector employers. It supports activities that help First Nations and Inuit youth build employability skills, explore careers, and take part in work placements, internships, and science and technology activities.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 3,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : July 7, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Primary and Secondary Education
- Research
- Employment and Training
- Children and Youth Organizations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Young adults
- Indigenous peoples
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Mentored work placements for youth not in school, unemployed, or underemployed.
- Co-operative education placements and internships.
- Career planning, career promotion, and science and technology activities.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- First Nations and Inuit governments and organizations
- First Nations schools or federal schools on reserve
- Not-for-profit associations
- Private sector employers
Eligible expenses
- Wage costs and mandatory employment-related costs.
- Administration costs up to 15% for direct recipients.
- Training, materials, travel, and other direct costs tied to eligible activities.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Office infrastructure or equipment purchases, such as computers and software.
- Land, building purchases, and building construction, except small repairs or renovations for persons with disabilities.
- General advertising not specific to the program.
- Salaries and training for career promotion and science and technology activities.
- Student wages, dependent care, or daycare for co-op education placements.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- British Columbia for First Nations organizations applying through FNESC
Selection criteria
- Capability of the recipient and project leader.
- Consultation and commitment from relevant organizations.
- Alignment of activities with program objectives and expected outcomes.
- Project management, partnerships, and realistic project costs.
How to apply
1
Preparing the Proposal
- Draft a detailed proposal describing the planned activities.
- Ensure that the proposal aligns with the Employment Strategy for Inuit and First Nations Youth: National Guidelines.
- Specify the expected outcomes and how the activities will achieve the program's objectives.
- Include an estimate of eligible costs, including costs shared with partners.
2
Criteria and Guidelines
Consult the program guidelines and ensure that all participation criteria are met.
3
Submitting the Proposal
- Submit the proposal via the ISC Services Portal if you have access.
- For those without access to the portal, contact your regional ISC office for more information.
- Engage the First Nations Education Coordination Committee for applications in British Columbia.
4
Receiving the Response
Wait for a written response from the regional office of Indigenous Services Canada or your managing organization regarding the approval of your proposal.
Processing and Agreement
- Proposals are assessed against program objectives and criteria.
- Only complete proposals submitted through the ISC electronic form are considered.
- Eligible proposals are reviewed and approved by ISC regional or national offices, or the managing First Nations or Inuit organization.
- Applicants receive a written decision on approval.
Additional information
- Funding is limited and not all eligible projects are funded.
- Organizations may receive less than the amount requested.
- Proposals are approved in writing by ISC regional or national offices, or by the managing First Nations or Inuit organization.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Not-for-Profit Sector) Program
What is the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Not-for-Profit Sector)?
The program can provide up to 100% of wage costs for not-for-profit organizations and up to 50% for private sector employers. It supports activities that help First Nations and Inuit youth build employability skills, explore careers, and take part in work placements, internships, and science and technology activities.
How much funding can be received?
First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Not-for-Profit Sector) Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $3,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Not-for-Profit Sector) program?
To be eligible for the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Not-for-Profit Sector) program, you must:
First Nations, Inuit, schools, nonprofits, employers
Canadian-based not-for-profits and employers
Co-op proposals via on-reserve schools
What expenses are eligible under First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Not-for-Profit Sector)?
Mentored work placements for youth not in school, unemployed, or underemployed.
Co-operative education placements and internships.
Career planning, career promotion, and science and technology activities.
Who can I contact for more information about the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Not-for-Profit Sector)?
You can contact Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) by email at pse-eps@sac-isc.gc.ca.
Where is the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Not-for-Profit Sector) available?
The First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Not-for-Profit Sector) program is available across Canada.
Is the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Not-for-Profit Sector) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Not-for-Profit Sector) is a Wage Subsidies And Interns