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First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Not-for-Profit Sector) - Canada
Closed
Source verified June 8, 2026

First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Not-for-Profit Sector)

Support for youth employability and career exploration
Offered by
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)
Official source: sac-isc.gc.ca
Latest source update
Last Update: March 27, 2026
Latest change: The call for proposals for the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program 2026-2027 funding cycle has closed; the deadline was March 6, 2026.
View change
Skills Link Program 2026-2027 Call for Proposals Now Closed
The call for proposals for the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program 2026-2027 funding cycle has been marked as closed, with the submission deadline of March 6, 2026 now confirmed as passed. The program guidelines have been updated to reflect the published 2026-2027 National Program Guidelines, replacing the previous in-process notice that directed applicants to the 2025-2026 version. Additionally, the National Science Camp frequency has been updated from "annually" to "every 2 years," adjusting the expected cadence of this program activity. These changes reflect normal program lifecycle updates rather than any discontinuation of the Skills Link Program itself.
Funding available
$ 3,000
Deadline
July 7, 2025
Location
Canada
Who can apply

First Nations and Inuit governments and organizations

See full eligibility

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
Funds Providers

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
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

Official page

First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program

Program guide

First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy: Skills Link Program: National Program Guidelines 2025 to 2026

First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy: Skills Link Program: National Program Guidelines 2026 to 2027

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

  • Step 1: Prepare the proposal
    • Draft a detailed proposal for the planned activities.
    • Show how the activities meet the program objectives and expected results.
    • Provide an estimate of eligible costs, including partner shares.
  • Step 2: Submit the proposal
    • Use the electronic proposal form issued by Indigenous Services Canada.
    • Access the form through the ISC services portal if available.
    • If you do not have portal access, contact your ISC Regional office.
    • First Nations organizations in British Columbia must apply through the First Nations Education Steering Committee.
  • Step 3: Await the decision
    • ISC regional or national offices, or the managing First Nations or Inuit organization, reviews the proposal.
    • You will receive a written response confirming whether the proposal is approved.

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

pse-eps@sac-isc.gc.ca

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