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Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Regional Partnership Grants Program

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program was September 30, 2024.

Q: Who is eligible for the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Regional Partnership Grants Program program?

To be eligible for the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Regional Partnership Grants Program program, you must: Indigenous or Aboriginal community or organization in Ontario. Located in an area of high mineral exploration or development activity. Meets minimum threshold of recent exploration or related regulatory files.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Regional Partnership Grants Program?

You can contact Government of Ontario (ON).

Q: Where is the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Regional Partnership Grants Program available?

The Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Regional Partnership Grants Program program is available the province of Ontario.

Last Update: March 15, 2026

Ontario, Canada

Supports Indigenous-led mineral development participation and capacity

Grant and Funding

Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation

Government of Ontario

Overview

This program provides funding of up to $130,000 per year for up to three years to support Indigenous communities’ participation in mineral exploration and development-related economic initiatives. It finances a Mineral Development Advisor position and related activities to help communities engage effectively in regulatory consultation processes and mining sector opportunities.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Develop employee skills

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Open Date : September 30, 2024
Closing date : September 30, 2024

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction

Location

Ontario

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

Economic, Social and Community Development
Employment and Training

Target groups

Indigenous peoples
Rural / Remote communities

Revenue structures

All structures

Scope

Regional
Provincial

Activities funded

Hiring and maintaining a Mineral Development Advisor to lead participation in mining-related regulatory consultations.
Reviewing and responding to exploration plan and permit applications.
Analyzing and providing input on mine closure plans, closure plan amendments and mineral development-related environmental assessments.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 490,000

Upgrade water infrastructure to support new housing development

$ 350,000

Upgrade water infrastructure for a new housing project

$ 392,000

Implement water system improvements for a new residential area

$ 280,000

Renovate the water treatment plant to improve housing in downtown Winnipeg

$ 350,000

Construct new water pipelines to support housing's suburban areas

$ 420,000

Improve water system for affordable housing development

Eligibility

Be an Indigenous or Aboriginal community or organization located in Ontario.
Be experiencing high levels of mineral exploration or development activity in your area.
Have received 10 or more exploration plans or permit applications in the previous fiscal year, or be reviewing at least two closure plans, amendments, or related environmental assessments.
For joint applications, demonstrate support from represented communities and a track record on lands and resources issues.

Who is eligible?

Indigenous and Aboriginal communities in Ontario.
Indigenous and Aboriginal organizations such as tribal councils representing member communities.

Eligible expenses

Salary and related costs for a Mineral Development Advisor position.
Community capacity activities to review exploration plans, permits, closure plans and environmental assessments.

Eligible geographic areas

Communities and organizations based in the province of Ontario.

How to apply

Determine Eligibility

Identify if your organization is eligible based on the specific grant's requirements.
Consult the specific program guidelines for detailed eligibility criteria.

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.

Contact Program Coordinators

Optional step recommended for discussing project and eligibility.
Contact the program-specific coordinators via phone or email for guidance.

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.

Application Submission

Complete and submit your application through the Transfer Payment Ontario portal.
Ensure that the application is submitted before the program’s deadline.

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.

Additional information

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis with no fixed deadline.
The program operates as one of several streams under Ontario’s Indigenous Economic Development and related mining participation initiatives.
Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with other Indigenous communities or organizations where appropriate.
Program-specific guides provide detailed rules for each funding stream and should be consulted before applying.

Documents and links

Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Regional Partnership Grants Program

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Regional Partnership Grants Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Regional Partnership Grants 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.