First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding
Last Update: July 22, 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
Program 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
1
Ensure Eligibility
- Confirm that your community is an Indigenous community in British Columbia.
- Verify that the proposed project is located in British Columbia.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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).
6
Await Feedback
- Wait for confirmation and feedback from the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.
- Respond to any requests for additional information or adjustments.
7
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.
Contact Government of British Columbia
FNCEBF.MIRR@gov.bc.ca
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