First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector)

Who is eligible?

• First Nations and Inuit communities, 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 for mentored work placements.
• Training, supplies, travel, and participant support directly related to eligible activities.
• Administrative costs up to the program limit.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Office infrastructure or equipment purchases, such as computers and software.
• Land, building purchases, or construction costs, except small repairs or renovations for participants with disabilities.
• General advertising not specific to program delivery.
• Salaries or training for career promotion and science and technology activities.
• Student wages and dependent care for co-operative education placements.

Eligible geographic areas

• Canada.
• British Columbia for First Nations organizations applying through the First Nations Education Steering Committee.

• Capability to deliver the activities successfully and on time.
• Support from relevant organizations.
• Alignment with program objectives and expected results.
• Project management approach, including governance and reporting.
• Realistic project costs and justification of funding required.

• Step 1: Access the proposal form
  • Use the ISC services portal if you have access.
  • If you do not have portal access, contact your ISC Regional office or email pse-eps@sac-isc.gc.ca.
  • First Nations organizations in British Columbia must apply through the First Nations Education Steering Committee.
• Step 2: Prepare the proposal
  • Complete a detailed proposal for the activities to be carried out over the agreement period.
  • Ensure the proposal meets the program guidelines and is gender-balanced.
  • Describe the activities, expected results, and eligible costs.
• Step 3: Submit the proposal
  • Submit the proposal using the electronic form issued by Indigenous Services Canada.
  • Incomplete proposals are returned.

• Proposals are reviewed by Indigenous Services Canada regional or national offices, or by the First Nations or Inuit organization managing the program.
• A written response is sent to confirm whether the proposal is approved for funding.
• Meeting the criteria does not guarantee funding.

Additional information relevant to the grant applicant includes:

• Mentored work placements are intended for youth who are not in school or who are unemployed or underemployed.
• Co-operative education placements are available for students in grades 7 to 12 or secondary 1 to 5.
• Youth may participate in activities promoting careers and science and technology even if they are younger than 15 years of age.
• Proposal evaluation and approval are conducted by the Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) Regional office or the First Nations or Inuit organization managing the program.
• Applicants can contact their ISC Regional office or email the specified email address for more information regarding applications.