Closed
Source verified May 15, 2026
Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Indigenous Energy Support Program
Funding for Indigenous energy projects in Ontario
Funding available
$ 250,000
Deadline
October 3, 2025
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $500,000 for Indigenous energy initiatives in Ontario. It supports community capacity building, economic development, and community energy planning.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Animal Protection
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Capacity building for Indigenous energy participation and skills development.
- Community energy engagement and energy education activities.
- Feasibility studies, due diligence, and energy project development.
- Development or update of community energy plans.
Documents Needed
- IESP Application Form
- Project Overview Form
- Additional Qualification Information form, if applicable
- Supporting appendices and attachments required by the application
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- First Nation communities in Ontario
- Métis communities in Ontario
- First Nation and Métis organizations
- Non-Indigenous joint applicants working with and for the benefit of Indigenous partners
- Eligible remote First Nations communities for Remote Projects Development
Who is not eligible
- Individuals
- Non-Indigenous entities applying on their own
- Applicants outside the eligible Ontario Indigenous community and organization categories
Eligible expenses
- Salaries, wages, benefits, and related costs for internal project staff, including a Community Energy Champion where applicable.
- External consultant and contractor fees directly tied to project activities.
- Training, engagement, travel, materials, and equipment related to eligible energy work.
- Costs for feasibility studies, due diligence, project development, and community energy planning.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs already funded by another source.
- Administrative, application-preparation, and reporting costs.
- Personal devices, office overhead, insurance, utilities, memberships, and accounting costs.
- HST and travel, hospitality, or meals that do not comply with Ontario rules.
- Costs for activities outside the funding agreement dates or not directly related to the project.
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Strategic fit with program goals.
- Community benefit, need, and support.
- Project team strength and partnerships.
- Financial feasibility and secured additional revenue, where needed.
- Project purpose, outcomes, and innovation for applicable project types.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review program documents
- Read the Program Guidelines and application form.
- Contact IESO staff with questions before applying.
- Step 2: Submit Project Overview Form
- Complete and send the Project Overview Form before formal application submission.
- IESO reviews the form and may request an interview.
- Step 3: Prepare and submit the application
- Complete the IESP application form and required attachments.
- Submit the application by email to IESP@ieso.ca.
- Step 4: Review and decision
- IESO reviews completeness and eligibility.
- Applications may be reviewed by a committee and a decision is sent by email.
Processing and Agreement
- IESO reviews the Project Overview Form before formal submission and may request an interview.
- Applications are first checked for completeness and eligibility, usually within 30 business days.
- Qualified applications are then reviewed by an IESO review committee.
- Successful applicants receive an approval email and a Funding Agreement.
- Funding is only paid after the Funding Agreement is executed.
Additional information
- Applicants may submit one application for one project only.
- Funding is only provided after a Funding Agreement is executed.
- In-kind contributions are not reimbursable.
- The program guidelines and funding agreement govern if there is any conflict.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Indigenous Energy Support Program Program
What is the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Indigenous Energy Support Program?
This program provides up to $500,000 for Indigenous energy initiatives in Ontario. It supports community capacity building, economic development, and community energy planning.
How much funding can be received?
Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Indigenous Energy Support Program Funds up to $250,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Indigenous Energy Support Program program?
To be eligible for the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Indigenous Energy Support Program program, you must:
First Nation or Métis communities or organizations
Joint applications allowed with Indigenous lead
Project must fit an IESP funding area
What expenses are eligible under Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Indigenous Energy Support Program?
Capacity building for Indigenous energy participation and skills development.
Community energy engagement and energy education activities.
Feasibility studies, due diligence, and energy project development.
Development or update of community energy plans.
Who can I contact for more information about the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Indigenous Energy Support Program?
You can contact Ontario Power Authority (OPA) (IESO) by email at IESP@ieso.ca.
Where is the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Indigenous Energy Support Program available?
The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Indigenous Energy Support Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Indigenous Energy Support Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Indigenous Energy Support Program is a Grant and Funding