Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Regional Partnership Grants Program
ON, Canada
Financial support for regional Indigenous projects in Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 22, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateNovember 22, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
- Ministry of Indigenous Affairs
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Access a grant to support projects that provide jobs, training and/or business opportunities to Indigenous people.
grant_single_labels|projects
The eligibility for applying to this grant is often based on specific geographical areas that align with regional priorities. These areas are strategically targeted to promote effective economic development and collaboration.
- Eastern Ontario
- Southwestern Ontario
- Central Region (Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, Niagara Region, and Simcoe County)
- Northern Region
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$392,000
Implement water system improvements for a new residential area
$280,000
Renovate the water treatment plant to improve housing in downtown Winnipeg
$420,000
Improve water system for affordable housing development
$350,000
Upgrade water infrastructure for a new housing project
$350,000
Construct new water pipelines to support housing's suburban areas
$490,000
Upgrade water infrastructure to support new housing development
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria that relate to the nature and location of the applicant's activities and organizational structure.
- The applicant must be a private-sector business, a private-sector business collaborating with a public-sector academic or research institution, or a non-profit organization or association.
- The project must occur in Ontario.
- The project must involve research, development, and/or commercialization of innovative technologies, techniques, processes, or solutions for critical minerals in specified key priority areas.
- The project must not be receiving funding from any other Government of Ontario program.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The eligible applicants for the discussed funding opportunities from the Government of Ontario are primarily Indigenous communities and organizations in Ontario. These include:1. Aboriginal Participation Fund: Indigenous communities in Ontario, particularly those in areas of high mineral exploration or development activity, such as single Indigenous communities or joint applications involving multiple Indigenous communities or organizations. 2. Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) Program: Only existing approved/discrete service providers are eligible to apply.3. Community Museum Operating and Pay Equity Grants Program: Restricted to eligible community museums across Ontario that have received funding in the previous year.4. Community Service Order (CSO) 2024-27: Open to community-based, non-profit organizations or First Nations, Inuit, and Metis organizations with a history of providing services to justice-involved individuals or groups.5. Connecting Links Program 2024-25: Eligibility is limited to the 77 Ontario municipalities with designated Connecting Links.6. Critical Minerals Innovation Fund: Open to private-sector businesses, collaborations with academic or research institutions, or non-profit organizations involved in critical minerals research, development, and commercialization in Ontario.7. Emissions Performance Program: Open only to facilities registered in the Emissions Performance Standards Program that meet specific criteria.8. Fire Protection Services Reimbursement: Municipalities offering fire protection services in unincorporated areas of Ontario.9. Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program: Available for strategic investments in the forest sector by businesses or collaboration projects involving multiple partners, including research organizations or industry associations.10. Great Lakes Local Action Fund: Open to community-based incorporated organizations, Indigenous communities, municipalities, and other legal entities focusing on environmental protection and restoration.11. Heritage Organization Development Grant: Non-profit corporations within Ontario primarily engaged in community heritage conservation and promotion.12. Investment Ready: Certified Site designation: Businesses or organizations demonstrating a property's readiness for development and investment.13. Municipal Energy Plan Program: Available for all Ontario municipalities, including regional municipalities.14. Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) Support: Open to municipal and private Public Safety Answering Point operators in Ontario involved in the transition to NG9-1-1.15. Ontario FireSmart Communities Grant: Available to municipalities within Ontario's Fire Region with significant wildland fire risks.16. Regional Development Program: Offers funding to businesses, municipalities, and not-for-profits for economic development in specified Ontario regions.17. Regional Innovation Centres Program: Non-profit organizations not already receiving government funds and must have been operating for at least one year.18. Winter Roads Program: Bridges and Culverts Stream: Limited to remote Northern Ontario communities not connected to the provincial highway system by year-round roads, including Indigenous communities or organizations involved in winter road construction and maintenance.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Based on the information provided, there are specific restrictions for certain grants where some organizations and businesses might not be eligible due to their industry or primary activities. These limitations ensure that resource allocation aligns with strategic objectives and compliant operations.
- Businesses engaged in harvesting and resource extraction projects, as per the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program guidelines.
- Government-funded enterprises and organizations currently receiving government funds are ineligible for the Regional Innovation Centres Program.
- Municipal or regional economic development agencies and corporations are not eligible for the Regional Innovation Centres Program.
- Small Business Enterprise Centres, angel investor organizations, and post-secondary institutions are excluded from eligibility in the Regional Innovation Centres Program.
- Companies primarily involved in electricity generation as their main industrial activity are not eligible for the Emissions Performance Program.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Aboriginal Participation Fund facilitates Indigenous communities' involvement in economic and regulatory processes related to mineral exploration and development in Ontario. Eligible activities focus on advanced stages of exploration, building educational relationships, mapping values, and advisory roles.
- Coordination of advanced exploration and mine development projects.
- Management of early-stage exploration projects and permit applications.
- Educational initiatives to enhance understanding of mineral exploration processes.
- Formation of relationships between Indigenous communities, industries, and the government.
- Employment of a Mineral Development Advisor for consultation processes.
- Values mapping to support community capability in regulatory processes under the Mining Act.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The funding for this grant covers expenses associated with the coordination and review of exploration and development projects.
- Costs for coordinating the review of advanced exploration and development projects.
- Costs for coordinating the review of early exploration projects.
- Costs for enhancing understanding of mineral exploration and development processes.
- Funding up to $130,000 per year for Mineral Development Advisors for eligible Aboriginal communities and organizations.
- Project costs related to values identification and related projects between Indigenous communities.
grant_single_labels|criteria
Summary: The Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program provides funding for strategic investments in the forest sector to enhance competitiveness, support new market access, and strengthen regional economies.
- Business projects must have at least $3 million in eligible costs and be undertaken by for-profit manufacturers and processors of wood and forest biomass.
- Collaboration projects must involve a minimum of three partners, including at least one Ontario-based for-profit forestry/wood products company.
- The eligible collaborations should focus on developing, diversifying, and transforming Ontario’s forest sector through innovation in technology, process, or products.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Identify if your organization is eligible based on the specific grant's requirements.
- Consult the specific program guidelines for detailed eligibility criteria.
- Step 2: Register for Transfer Payment Ontario
- Create an account on the Transfer Payment Ontario portal if you do not already have one.
- Log into your Transfer Payment Ontario account to access application forms and guidelines.
- Step 3: Contact Program Coordinators
- Optional step recommended for discussing project and eligibility.
- Contact the program-specific coordinators via phone or email for guidance.
- Step 4: Application Preparation
- Gather all necessary documents and information as outlined in the program guidelines.
- Fill out the required forms and draft your application according to instructions.
- Step 5: Application Submission
- Complete and submit your application through the Transfer Payment Ontario portal.
- Ensure that the application is submitted before the program’s deadline.
- Step 6: Confirmation of Submission
- Receive a confirmation of submission email or notice from Transfer Payment Ontario.
- Keep a record of your submission confirmation for future reference.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here is additional relevant information for the Aboriginal Participation Fund:
- Indigenous communities should discuss their applications with Mineral Exploration and Development Consultants (MEDCs) before applying.
- For joint applications, a Band Council Resolution in support of the application is required from each represented community.
- The Ministry may consider funding additional positions in the Mineral Development Advisor stream based on community needs.
- Priority is given to communities without an existing Mineral Development Advisor, but those with advisors can also apply if needed.
- Project funding is ongoing and applications can be submitted at any time.
Here is additional relevant information for the Community Service Order (CSO) 2024-27:
- The program is divided into 13 catchment areas specific to the client's place of residence.
- The Ministry staff will assist applicants with performance measures, data collection and reporting.
Here is additional relevant information for the Connecting Links Program 2024-25:
- Program guidelines and instructions are available in Transfer Payment Ontario.
- Municipalities are responsible for maintenance of the connecting links, as only capital improvement costs are covered.
Here is additional relevant information for the Great Lakes Local Action Fund:
- Projects must comply with the program timelines: between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025.
Here is additional relevant information for the Fire Protection Services Reimbursement: Unincorporated Ontario:
- Reimbursement is based on service rates used by the Ministry of Transportation.
- Municipalities should contact their local fire protection adviser to obtain operational guidelines and reimbursement rate information.
Here is additional relevant information for the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program:
- Funding follows an open, competitive rounds-based application process.
- Three partners are required for collaboration projects, including at least one Ontario-based for-profit forestry/wood products company.
Here is additional relevant information for the Heritage Organization Development Grant:
- Funding is not guaranteed and is contingent upon available funds.
- New applicants must submit a copy of their organization's Constitution and By-laws.
Here is additional relevant information for the Municipal Energy Plan Program:
- Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Here is additional relevant information for the Ontario FireSmart Communities Grant:
- Selected municipalities will receive support documentation from the ministry via email.
- Commitment to the implementation of mitigation strategies once identified is expected from successful applicants.
Here is additional relevant information for the Regional Development Program: Eastern Ontario Development Fund and Southwestern Ontario Development Fund:
- There are four application intake periods each year, with decisions notified within 60 business days of the application deadline.
- Applicants are encouraged to contact regional offices for guidance on strengthening their application.
Here is additional relevant information for the Regional Development Program: Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream:
- Applicants should contact provincial government advisors or Business Advisory Services for application development advice.
Apply to this program
Indigenous Communities Gain Support through Aboriginal Participation Fund
The Aboriginal Participation Fund assists Indigenous communities in Ontario to engage actively in mining-related economic development activities and regulatory processes. With five distinct sub-streams available, Indigenous communities can access project-based funding to strengthen their participation and response to various stages of mineral exploration and development.
Comprehensive Information on the Aboriginal Participation Fund’s Offerings and Objectives
The Aboriginal Participation Fund, managed by the Ministry of Mines, provides an essential financial resource for Indigenous communities in Ontario faced with significant mineral exploration and development activities. This fund is specifically tailored to help these communities manage and navigate the complex regulatory processes under the Mining Act and enhance economic development associated with mineral resources. By providing five dedicated streams—advanced exploration and development support, early exploration support, education and relationship-building, the mineral development advisor stream, and values mapping and related projects—the fund ensures comprehensive assistance is available to meet specific needs.
The advanced exploration and development support sub-stream is integral for communities near high mineral activity areas to effectively respond to advanced exploration and mine development projects. This support is project-based, focusing on covering expenses related to coordinating project reviews. Indigenous communities, especially those without existing Mineral Development Advisors, are encouraged to tap into this resource for additional support as workload demands increase.
Further aiding communities in the early stages of mineral engagement, the early exploration support stream responds to initial exploration activities. This project-based assistance is crucial for Indigenous communities and organizations who have experienced a significant number of exploration applications and require resources to coordinate their involvement in these preliminary stages.
On a broader scale, the education and relationship-building stream is designed to enhance communities’ understanding of the mineral development processes and foster partnerships between Indigenous groups, industry players, and government bodies. This initiative is vital for establishing enduring, productive relationships and equipping communities with the knowledge for effective participation in ongoing and future activities.
The mineral development advisor stream provides annual funding for advisors to enable Aboriginal communities to participate more effectively in consultation processes related to mineral development. With grants available up to $130,000 per year, communities can secure the expertise needed to navigate complex regulatory requirements and leverage economic opportunities presented by mining activities.
Additionally, the values mapping and related projects sub-stream supports Indigenous groups in identifying and mapping significant cultural and environmental values tied to their land, thus preparing them to engage effectively in regulatory discussions. This component not only aids in preserving community values but also empowers Indigenous representatives to contribute knowledgeably to mining-related dialogues.
In sum, the Aboriginal Participation Fund plays a pivotal role in empowering Indigenous communities to handle the regulatory and economic challenges associated with mineral exploration and development. By offering strategic financial resources and fostering collaborative engagements, the fund supports these communities in achieving sustainable economic growth and protecting their cultural heritage.
