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First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding - British Columbia - Canada
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First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding

Support for First Nations clean energy planning
Government of British Columbia (BC)
Last Update: April 9, 2026
View official website
Funding available
$ 500,000
Timeline
  • Closing date : April 30, 2026
Location
British Columbia, Canada

Overview

Capacity funding supports First Nations and Indigenous governing bodies in British Columbia to plan clean energy initiatives. It provides up to $50,000 for feasibility studies, community energy planning, and engagement with project proponents.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Improve governance or administrative structure
  • Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 500,000 $
  • Up to 68.18% of project cost
Timeline
  • Closing date : April 30, 2026

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Utilities
Location
  • British Columbia
Legal structures
  • All legal structures
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Community energy plans
  • Pre-feasibility and feasibility studies
  • Training for community members
  • Engagement with project proponents

Documents Needed

  • Completed FNCEBF Capacity Funding Application
  • Application Worksheet
  • Band Council, Tribal Council, or Directors’ Resolution
  • Supporting financial analysis or project quotes
  • Relevant feasibility or planning documents

Official resources

Official page

first nations clean energy business fund

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • First Nation bands
  • Indigenous governing bodies
  • First Nations communities in British Columbia

Who is not eligible

  • Applicants outside British Columbia
  • Organizations that are not First Nations or Indigenous governing bodies

Eligible expenses

  • Community energy planning and related studies
  • Feasibility and pre-feasibility work
  • Community member training related to clean energy
  • Energy assessments and community engagement activities
  • Project design, engineering, and permitting-related work

Eligible geographic areas

  • British Columbia

Selection criteria

  • Strength of the application
  • Viability compared with other applications

How to apply

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.

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed after submission by the ministry and provincial experts
  • Decisions are based on application strength and viability relative to other applications
  • Applicants are notified of a funding decision within 90 days of the intake date
  • Successful applicants must sign a contribution agreement before funding is released
  • Payments are made after agreement signing, with possible interim payments during the project

Additional information

  • Communities that reached the $50,000 capacity funding maximum before 2021 may re-apply.
  • The next intake deadline is April 30, 2026.
  • Applicants are encouraged to complete the Application Worksheet and review the funding category requirements before submission.

Contacts

fncebf@gov.bc.ca

Frequently Asked Questions about the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding Program

What is the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding?

Capacity funding supports First Nations and Indigenous governing bodies in British Columbia to plan clean energy initiatives. It provides up to $50,000 for feasibility studies, community energy planning, and engagement with project proponents.

How much funding can be received?

First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding Funds up to 68.18% of admissible expenses, capped at $500,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding program?

To be eligible for the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding program, you must: First Nations or Indigenous governing bodies in British Columbia Project must be in British Columbia Capacity funding application complete

What expenses are eligible under First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding?

Community energy plans Pre-feasibility and feasibility studies Training for community members Engagement with project proponents

Who can I contact for more information about the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding?

You can contact Government of British Columbia (BC) by email at fncebf@gov.bc.ca.

Where is the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding available?

The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding program is available the province of British Columbia.

Is the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding a grant, loan, or tax credit?

First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Capacity Funding is a Partnering and Collaboration