Closed
Source verified August 2, 2026
Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Quality Improvement Projects
Improving Indigenous early learning quality
Funding available
$ 2,000,000
Deadline
April 16, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) - Quality Improvement Projects supports Indigenous communities, Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations in Canada with up to $2 million per project over 36 months to improve Indigenous early learning and child care. Eligible projects can test new approaches, strengthen governance or licensing, and develop training tools.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 2,000,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Primary and Secondary Education
- Other Education
- Social Services
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Children and Youth Organizations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Indigenous peoples
- People with disabilities
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Testing new concepts or approaches to improve quality early learning and child care within an Indigenous context
- Designing new governance models to support Indigenous-led ELCC decision making
- Creating and testing partnership approaches to support a coordinated and integrated system of IELCC programs and services
- Developing strategies to measure outcomes and successes of IELCC programs, including evaluation and results
- Developing innovative approaches to increase IELCC wages and resources, establish First Nations, Inuit and Métis standards, regulations and licensing, replicate or adapt existing evidence-based programs, and support children with diverse physical, psychological and developmental abilities
Documents Needed
- Completed application form EMP5523
- Letter(s) from partner(s) confirming partnership (if applicable)
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous communities
- Indigenous governments
- Indigenous organizations
Eligible expenses
- Wages and employment-related costs for staff
- Overhead costs, including central administrative functions such as postage, printing, telephones, IT maintenance and head office support
- Professional fees, including consultants, research, performance measurement, evaluation and reporting, translation and facilitation
- Utilities, insurance, and rental of premises
- Costs of project evaluations, assessments and reporting, disability supports for staff of the recipient, and other costs that may be deemed eligible by ESDC
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Activities where the link to the program objectives is not clear
- Normal activities of an organization
- Purchase of land or buildings
- Costs related to planning, design, construction, maintenance or repair of Indigenous ELCC facilities
- Equipment necessary for the operation of Indigenous ELCC facilities, and on-going operations or costs related to the direct service delivery of early learning and/or child care
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Project proposals may be prioritized based on geographical and sectoral representation.
How to apply
- Apply online through GCOS.
- If applying by email or mail, download and complete application form EMP5523 and gather your supporting documents and information.
- Email the complete application package to EDSC.AGJEA.PAQ-QIP.IELCC.ESDC@servicecanada.gc.ca by 3:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on March 25, 2026.
- Or mail the complete application package so it is postmarked on or before 3:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on March 25, 2026.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed, and funding decisions should be made by the Fall of 2026.
- You will be notified in writing by email of the outcome of the review of your application.
- If you apply by email, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement immediately upon submitting your application package.
- If you apply by mail, you will receive an acknowledgment by email within 14 days of receipt.
- You cannot begin any proposed activities or incur any expenses until your project is approved, and both you and the Department must sign a Funding Agreement.
Additional information
- Only one application per organization is permitted.
- Applicants in Quebec or Alberta may need provincial approval before accepting funding.
- Information sessions are offered online or by teleconference.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Quality Improvement Projects Program
What is the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Quality Improvement Projects?
Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) - Quality Improvement Projects supports Indigenous communities, Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations in Canada with up to $2 million per project over 36 months to improve Indigenous early learning and child care. Eligible projects can test new approaches, strengthen governance or licensing, and develop training tools.
How much funding can be received?
Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Quality Improvement Projects Funds up to $2,000,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Quality Improvement Projects program?
To be eligible for the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Quality Improvement Projects program, you must:
Your project must last no longer than 36 months.
Your project must meet at least 1 program objective.
What expenses are eligible under Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Quality Improvement Projects?
Testing new concepts or approaches to improve quality early learning and child care within an Indigenous context
Designing new governance models to support Indigenous-led ELCC decision making
Creating and testing partnership approaches to support a coordinated and integrated system of IELCC programs and services
Developing strategies to measure outcomes and successes of IELCC programs, including evaluation and results
Developing innovative approaches to increase IELCC wages and resources, establish First Nations, Inuit and Métis standards, regulations and licensing, replicate or adapt existing evidence-based programs, and support children with diverse physical, psychological and developmental abilities
Who can I contact for more information about the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Quality Improvement Projects?
You can contact Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) by email at EDSC.AGJEA.PAQ-QIP.IELCC.ESDC@servicecanada.gc.ca.
Where is the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Quality Improvement Projects available?
The Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Quality Improvement Projects program is available across Canada.
Is the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Quality Improvement Projects a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Quality Improvement Projects is a Grant and Funding