Open
Source verified September 8, 2026
Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) — Grant funding
Supports Indigenous forest management participation
Funding available
$ 45,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Indigenous communities and other entities that hold collective Indigenous and Treaty rights under Section 35 of the Constitution of Canada (1982).
See full eligibility
Overview
Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) provides up to $45,000 per project for Indigenous communities and entities with collective Indigenous and Treaty rights under Section 35 of the Constitution of Canada (1982) to support forest planning in Canada. Eligible activities include Indigenous Knowledge, consultations, subject matter experts, and policy development.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 45,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Sustainable forest management planning.
- Forest policy development, including land use planning.
- Processes where free, prior, and informed consent is sought in relation to forest sector development.
- Gathering, developing and protecting Indigenous Knowledge.
- Increasing internal capacity to prepare and participate in engagement and consultation with government and industry, including hiring subject matter experts and participating in or organizing events, conferences and workshops, meetings, engagement, or consultations.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous communities and other entities that hold collective Indigenous and Treaty rights under Section 35 of the Constitution of Canada (1982).
Who is not eligible
- Indigenous entities that do not hold collective Indigenous and Treaty rights under Section 35 of the Constitution of Canada (1982).
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Applications are assessed on a competitive basis.
- The assessment considers the merits, risks, and method for determining the amount of grant funding.
- Assessment also considers 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 Grant Application fillable PDF form.
- Submit completed offline application forms to ifi-ifa@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.
- For online applications, submit through Natural Resources Canada’s E-Services Portal.
- Use only one application method, not both.
Processing and Agreement
- Natural Resources Canada’s Regional Liaison Officers can answer questions and provide updates on application status.
- Regional Liaison Officers may also connect applicants with other federal funding programs if they are open to pathfinding support.
- Natural Resources Canada will continue to streamline its selection processes to reduce the time between application submission and funding decisions.
- Unfunded applications will be kept for future consideration, and applicants do not need to re-apply.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) — Grant funding Program
What is the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) — Grant funding?
Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) provides up to $45,000 per project for Indigenous communities and entities with collective Indigenous and Treaty rights under Section 35 of the Constitution of Canada (1982) to support forest planning in Canada. Eligible activities include Indigenous Knowledge, consultations, subject matter experts, and policy development.
How much funding can be received?
Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) — Grant funding Funds up to $45,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) — Grant funding program?
To be eligible for the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) — Grant funding program, you must:
The applicant must be an Indigenous community or another entity with collective Indigenous and Treaty rights under Section 35 of the Constitution of Canada (1982).
What expenses are eligible under Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) — Grant funding?
Sustainable forest management planning.
Forest policy development, including land use planning.
Processes where free, prior, and informed consent is sought in relation to forest sector development.
Gathering, developing and protecting Indigenous Knowledge.
Increasing internal capacity to prepare and participate in engagement and consultation with government and industry, including hiring subject matter experts and participating in or organizing events, conferences and workshops, meetings, engagement, or consultations.
Who can I contact for more information about the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) — Grant funding?
You can contact Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) by email at ifi-ifa@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.
Where is the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) — Grant funding available?
The Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) — Grant funding program is available across Canada.