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First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector)
Funding for First Nations and Inuit youth skills development
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 9, 2024
- Closing date : February 9, 2024
Location
Canada
Overview
Get funding to support activities that help First Nations and Inuit youth build essential employment skills and explore career options. Eligible initiatives can include career promotion, science and technology activities, co-operative education placements, internships, and mentored work placements.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 9, 2024
- Closing date : February 9, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
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
- Local
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Mentored work placements for youth who are not in school, unemployed, or underemployed.
- Co-operative education placements and internships.
- Career planning and promotion of science and technology activities.
- Science camps, career fairs, and related youth activities.
Eligibility
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.
Processing and Agreement
- 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
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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector). 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.
What is the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector)?
Get funding to support activities that help First Nations and Inuit youth build essential employment skills and explore career options. Eligible initiatives can include career promotion, science and technology activities, co-operative education placements, internships, and mentored work placements.
How much funding can be received?
First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector) Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was February 9, 2024.
Who is eligible for the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector) program?
To be eligible for the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector) program, you must:
First Nations or Inuit organizations and employers.
Schools on reserve for co-op activities.
Non-commercial activities aligned with the program.
What expenses are eligible under First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector)?
Mentored work placements for youth who are not in school, unemployed, or underemployed.
Co-operative education placements and internships.
Career planning and promotion of science and technology activities.
Science camps, career fairs, and related youth activities.
Who can I contact for more information about the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private 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 (Private Sector) available?
The First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector) program is available across Canada.