Open
Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) — Grant funding
Supports Indigenous forest management participation
Record updated
- 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.
At a glance
Funding available
- Maximum funding
- $45,000
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Canada
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- All organization sizes
- Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Legal structures
- All legal structures
Start applying for this program
Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Official sources
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).
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.
Is the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) — Grant funding a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) — Grant funding is a Grant and Funding