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First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program
Funding and support for on-reserve community energy-efficiency retrofits
Last Update: March 16, 2026
Funding available
$ 330,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Save on Energy First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program (FNCBRP) provides up to $330,000 in funding to help eligible on-reserve First Nation communities in Ontario reduce energy costs by improving the energy efficiency of band-owned commercial and institutional facilities. Funding supports activities such as on-site energy assessments and audits, benchmarking, and the installation of energy-efficiency upgrades (e.g., lighting, smart thermostats, window air conditioning, vending machine controls) and feasibility studies for more complex retrofit projects.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Optimize production processes
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 330,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
- Public administration
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
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
- Conduct on-site energy assessments and energy audits of band-owned commercial and institutional facilities to identify energy-efficiency retrofit opportunities.
- Implement energy-efficiency retrofit projects in on-reserve band-owned and operated commercial and institutional facilities.
- Undertake a feasibility study for more complex retrofit projects (e.g., upgrades for pumps/fans in wastewater treatment plants, ice rink refrigeration systems).
- Install energy-efficiency upgrades such as indoor/outdoor lighting improvements, smart thermostats, window air conditioner upgrades, and vending machine control improvements.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Commercial facilities owned by the band (First Nations communities) located on reserve.
- Institutional facilities owned by the band (First Nations communities) located on reserve.
- Water and wastewater treatment plants (community facilities).
- Arenas (community facilities, including rink refrigeration systems).
- Public lighting (e.g., street lighting) managed by the community.
Who is not eligible
- Off-reserve First Nations communities (the program is for on-reserve communities only).
- First Nations communities not connected to Ontario’s provincial electricity grid.
- Privately owned commercial or institutional facilities (facilities must be band-owned and operated for community use/benefit).
- Facilities not located on band-owned land.
Eligible expenses
- Installation costs for energy-efficiency upgrades in eligible on-reserve band-owned and operated commercial and institutional facilities (up to $330,000).
- On-site energy assessments and energy audit report costs (for up to 15 facilities).
- Feasibility study costs for more complex retrofit projects (up to $10,000, under the community install approach).
Eligible geographic areas
- On-reserve First Nations communities in Ontario connected to the provincial electricity grid.
Additional information
- The program provides no-cost on-site energy assessments and an audit report for up to 15 facilities selected by the participant.
- A community benchmark report is provided to compare energy use with similar facilities to help prioritize further assessments.
- Save on Energy’s program delivery partner offers project support, including help identifying, engaging, and coordinating installation contractors.
- The program is delivered through two delivery models—Direct Install and Community Install—to suit community needs and preferences.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program. 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 Community Building Retrofit Program?
The Save on Energy First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program (FNCBRP) provides up to $330,000 in funding to help eligible on-reserve First Nation communities in Ontario reduce energy costs by improving the energy efficiency of band-owned commercial and institutional facilities. Funding supports activities such as on-site energy assessments and audits, benchmarking, and the installation of energy-efficiency upgrades (e.g., lighting, smart thermostats, window air conditioning, vending machine controls) and feasibility studies for more complex retrofit projects.
How much funding can be received?
First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program Funds up to $330,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program program?
To be eligible for the First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program program, you must:
On-reserve First Nation community in Ontario connected to the provincial electricity grid.
Band-owned commercial/institutional facilities on band-owned land, operated for community benefit.
Executed Band Council Resolution required.
What expenses are eligible under First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program?
Conduct on-site energy assessments and energy audits of band-owned commercial and institutional facilities to identify energy-efficiency retrofit opportunities.
Implement energy-efficiency retrofit projects in on-reserve band-owned and operated commercial and institutional facilities.
Undertake a feasibility study for more complex retrofit projects (e.g., upgrades for pumps/fans in wastewater treatment plants, ice rink refrigeration systems).
Install energy-efficiency upgrades such as indoor/outdoor lighting improvements, smart thermostats, window air conditioner upgrades, and vending machine control improvements.
Who can I contact for more information about the First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program?
You can contact Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) by email at info@fnretrofitprogram.ca or by phone at 1-877-631-2380.
Where is the First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program available?
The First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program is a Grant and Funding