Open
Source change captured:
Indigenous Forestry Initiative
Supports Indigenous-led forest sector projects
Funding available
$ 45,000
Deadline
September 1, 2028
Opened February 25, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
The Indigenous Forestry Initiative supports Indigenous-led projects in Canada’s forest sector through contribution funding and grants, with open and closed streams. It aims to advance reconciliation through knowledge, stewardship, economic development, policy work, and participation in the forest economy.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
- Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 45,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Non-financial cooperative
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Civic and Advocacy Organizations
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Activities funded
- Engagement and consultation activities
- Knowledge and science activities
- Planning and decision-making activities
- Forest sector development, conservation and workforce diversification activities
Documents Needed
- IFI Applicant Guide
- IFI Contribution Application fillable PDF form
- Supplementary documentation
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
Indigenous Forestry Initiative content reduced
The Indigenous Forestry Initiative pages now show the program as Closed, and the grant funding page no longer displays its dates, eligibility, scope, or funding details.
The Indigenous Forestry Initiative now shows Closed on the main program page, while the grant funding page no longer displays the Open status, the 2026-02-25 to 2028-09-01 window, grants of up to $45,000 per project, eligibility rules, or eligible project types. The contribution funding page still shows the 2026-02-25 to 2026-05-13 intake window, 100% funding and 100% stacking, and the capital funding condition that requests over $100,000 must keep NRCan at no more than 25% of total capital costs, but the page structure and contact guidance were revised. The application process remains available through the Applicant Guide, offline PDF form, and the E-Services Portal, with the current call for proposals still due May 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous communities and governments
- Tribal councils
- National and regional Indigenous organizations
- Indigenous organizations, non-profits, partnerships and businesses (50% or greater Indigenous ownership)
- Not-for-profit organizations, academic and research associations, and provincial, territorial, municipal and regional governments may be eligible when acting on behalf of one or more endorsing Indigenous partners
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- For contributions, efforts will be undertaken to ensure a range of projects in size and scope of activities can be supported.
- For grants, the merits, risks, and method for determining the amount of grant funding will be assessed.
- The assessment will consider the project’s purpose and expected outcome, work and financial plans (budget) and team capacity.
How to apply
- Download the IFI Applicant Guide.
- For offline applications, download the IFI Contribution Application fillable PDF form.
- For offline applications, submit completed application forms via the email address mentioned below.
- For online applications, submit an online application and upload supplementary documentation through Natural Resources Canada’s E-Services Portal.
- You only need to apply using one of these methods, not both.
- Apply by May 13, 2026, 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time).
Processing and Agreement
- Natural Resources Canada will issue contributions according to yearly program funding levels.
- Unfunded applications will be kept for future consideration.
- You do not need to re-apply.
Additional information
- The call for proposals is closed.
- Applicants proposing more than one project should submit separate proposals for each project.
- Regional Liaison Officers can answer questions and provide updates on the status of your application.
- The IFI Applicant Guide can be requested for more information about eligible project expenditures.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Forestry Initiative Program
What is the Indigenous Forestry Initiative?
The Indigenous Forestry Initiative supports Indigenous-led projects in Canada’s forest sector through contribution funding and grants, with open and closed streams. It aims to advance reconciliation through knowledge, stewardship, economic development, policy work, and participation in the forest economy.
How much funding can be received?
Indigenous Forestry Initiative Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $45,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is September 1, 2028. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the Indigenous Forestry Initiative program?
To be eligible for the Indigenous Forestry Initiative program, you must:
First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals and entities are eligible for contribution funding
Indigenous communities and other entities who hold collective Indigenous and Treaty rights under Section 35 of the Constitution of Canada (1982)
Non-Indigenous entities may be eligible when the Indigenous partner formally supports the partnership
Who can I contact for more information about the Indigenous Forestry Initiative?
You can contact Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) by email at ifi-ifa@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.
Where is the Indigenous Forestry Initiative available?
The Indigenous Forestry Initiative program is available across Canada.
Is the Indigenous Forestry Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Indigenous Forestry Initiative is a Grant and Funding