How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 37.5% of admissible expenses, capped at $500000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding?

First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding is funded by Government of British Columbia

What are First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding's eligibility criterias?

Applicant must be an Indigenous governing body or a First Nation band, as per the Indian Act (Canada), in British Columbia. Proposed project must be located in British Columbia.

First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding

Last Update: June 3, 2025

BC, Canada

Funding for clean energy and capacity-building projects

First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $500,000
Up to 37.5% of project cost

Timeline

Closing date : April 30, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Utilities

Grant Providers

Government of British Columbia

Status

Closed

Overview of the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding program

Get up to $50,000 in support for Community Energy Plans (CEPs), feasibility studies, community training, or business/negotiation planning to develop clean energy initiatives and opportunities within First Nations communities.

Financing terms and conditions

Capacity Funding: Maximum funding available is $50,000 per eligible applicant.
Equity Funding: Maximum total grant is $500,000 per applicant, regardless of the number of projects.
Revenue Sharing: 37.5% of deposited new incremental provincial water and land rentals from clean energy projects is shared directly with impacted First Nations.

Eligible projects & activities

Conducting feasibility studies for clean energy projects.
Community energy planning initiatives focused on clean energy.
Engagement activities with clean energy project proponents.
Analyzing the financial viability of potential clean energy projects before equity investment.
Participating in project development activities within traditional territories related to clean energy.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 50,000

Community training for clean energy initiatives

$ 50,000

Community Energy Plan for renewable energy transition

$ 50,000

Financial analysis for hydroelectric potential's First Nations territories

$ 50,000

Business plan for a wind energy farm

$ 50,000

Permitting and project commissioning for a biomass energy plant

$ 50,000

Feasibility study for solar panel installation community centers

Eligibility criteria of the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding program

The applicant must be an Indigenous community in British Columbia, either a First Nation "band" as defined by the Indian Act (Canada) or an Indigenous governing body organized and established by Indigenous peoples.
The proposed project must be located in British Columbia.

Who is eligible?

Indigenous communities in British Columbia
First Nation bands as defined by the Indian Act (Canada)
Indigenous governing bodies established by Indigenous peoples

Who is not eligible

Companies or organizations that are not recognized as Indigenous communities in British Columbia.
Entities that do not qualify as a First Nation “band” as defined by the Indian Act (Canada) or as an Indigenous governing body organized and established by Indigenous peoples.
Applicants proposing projects located outside of British Columbia.

Eligible expenses

Feasibility studies for clean energy projects.
Community energy planning activities.
Engagement with project proponents, including financial analysis of potential projects.
Preparation and review of business plans related to clean energy initiatives.
Costs associated with permitting processes.
Securing project financing.
Costs for obtaining interconnection agreements.
Major equipment orders required for project execution.
Project construction commencement expenses.
Final project design costs.

Eligible geographic areas

British Columbia

Eligibility criteria of the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding program

There are evaluation and selection criteria for the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF) grant:

Projects must align with the FNCEBF funding categories and be located in British Columbia.
Applications will be assessed based on the proposed project's feasibility, community impact, and potential for clean energy development.
Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate strong community engagement, financial viability, and a clear pathway to implementation.
Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined for Indigenous communities in British Columbia.

How to apply to the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding program

Ensure Eligibility

Confirm that your community is an Indigenous community in British Columbia.
Verify that the proposed project is located in British Columbia.

Choose Funding Category

Decide whether to apply for Capacity Funding or Equity Funding based on your project needs.
Review qualifications and requirements for your chosen funding category.

Complete Application Worksheet

Download and fill out the application worksheet for the chosen funding category.
For Capacity Funding, use the "FNCEBF Clean Energy Capacity Funding Application - Proposed Projects" form.
For Equity Funding, use the "FNCEBF Clean Energy Equity Funding Application" form.

Prepare Supporting Documents

For Capacity Funding, consider including a Community Energy Planning (CEP) document.
For Equity Funding, ensure supporting materials like business plans, permits, or financing agreements are included.

Submit Application

Ensure all parts of the application are complete and correct.
Email your application to FNCEBF.MIRR@gov.bc.ca by the deadline (April 30, 2024).

Await Feedback

Wait for confirmation and feedback from the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.
Respond to any requests for additional information or adjustments.

Revenue Sharing (if applicable)

If eligible for revenue sharing, the Ministry will contact your community to discuss a revenue sharing agreement.
Negotiate and finalize the terms of the revenue sharing agreement.

Additional information

The funding cap for capacity projects has been reset, allowing previous recipients who reached the limit to reapply.
The intake period for the next round of applications ends on April 30, 2024.
Applicants should use the updated application worksheets, last revised in March 2023, for submission.
Consideration may be given for additional support if multiple projects are proposed within a single applicant’s traditional territory.

Documents and links

First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding

Contact Government of British Columbia

FNCEBF.MIRR@gov.bc.ca

Apply to this program

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