How much funding can be received?

The Indigenous Initiatives Fund IV (IIF IV) provides financial support of up to $800,000 for projects aimed at improving the economic, social, and community development of Indigenous communities in Québec. Eligible activities under this program include economic development, community infrastructure renewal, social initiatives, consultation support, and services for Indigenous people in urban environments.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The Indigenous Initiatives Fund IV provides structured financial support to boost the socio-economic development within Indigenous communities in Quebec. Funding modalities are geared towards maximizing benefits while ensuring accountability and effective use of funds.

Funding is typically in the form of non-repayable contributions or guarantees, depending on the component and the project specifics.
Projects may receive up to 50% of their total costs from the fund, with remaining funds to be sourced externally, such as from federal programs or private sources.
For infrastructure projects, financial assistance may cover up to 100% of eligible costs when combined with other government funding.
Loan guarantees can cover up to 50% of project costs to facilitate business financing.
The fund provides increased flexibility for young Indigenous entrepreneurs and women, with specific allocations and support mechanisms available for these groups.
Financial deliverables and accountability include structured installment payments contingent on meeting predefined milestones or documentation requirements.
Periodic financial reporting and project audits are mandatory to ensure consistent fund utilization and project viability.
Special provisions and financial caps are set for urban Indigenous support initiatives.
Funds are allocated with considerations tailored for Indigenous businesses, with combined support from governmental and possibly non-governmental sources.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Indigenous Initiatives Fund IV supports various projects that promote economic, social, and community development for Indigenous peoples in Québec. These initiatives range from economic activities to social development and infrastructure improvements.

Economic development projects to support Indigenous businesses and market studies.
Renewal and enhancement of community infrastructures like youth centres and playgrounds.
Loan guarantees to improve access to funding for entrepreneurial projects.
Support for community action organizations and their missions.
Social development projects focusing on languages, culture, and community relations.
Funding to support Indigenous communities in government consultations.
Services and infrastructure projects tailored for Indigenous people in urban environments.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 800,000

Revitalize community infrastructure with new youth center

$ 600,000

Renewing community centers with eco-friendly infrastructure upgrades

$ 750,000

Develop a cultural center supporting Indigenous arts and crafts

$ 400,000

Developing an Indigenous business hub with training programs

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The Indigenous Initiatives Fund IV targets specific groups and criteria for eligibility.

The applicant must belong to Indigenous communities or be an Indigenous business, especially those led by female Indigenous entrepreneurs or Indigenous business leaders aged 35 and under.
The applicant can be an Indigenous social economy enterprise or an organization with a mandate to represent Indigenous nations and communities.
Eligible applicants include Indigenous community action organizations and non-profit organizations.
Part of the funding is specifically reserved for communities with a special agreement signed with the Government of Québec.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Indigenous Initiatives Fund IV (IIF IV) specifically targets a range of Indigenous groups and organizations in Québec. These include Indigenous communities, Indigenous businesses, female Indigenous entrepreneurs, Indigenous business leaders aged 35 and under, Indigenous social economy enterprises, and organizations with a mandate to represent Indigenous nations and communities. Additionally, Indigenous community action organizations, non-profit organizations, and Indigenous people in urban environments are eligible to apply for the various components of the fund.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The types of companies not eligible are :

Non-aboriginal companies
Companies that do not meet specific component criteria
Companies that do not meet the eligibility requirements established for each component

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses under the Indigenous Initiatives Fund IV include costs directly required for the execution and success of the projects targeting Indigenous development initiatives.

Personnel costs associated with the basic operation of eligible organizations and personnel directly supporting the project.
Contracts related to eligible admissible projects and incidentals including temporary financing.
Purchase and renewal of necessary community equipment and technology acquisition.
Professional fees, including financial documentation preparation and project management when extra personnel are hired.
Travel expenses and other costs related to meetings and assemblies.
Costs for printing and distribution of necessary documents.
Honorarium and administrative costs directly linked to project execution, not exceeding specific stipulated percentages.
Expenses related to the acquisition of new information technologies, such as computing equipment and necessary training.
Eligible construction-related expenses including renovation, expansion, or the construction of new facilities.
Professional services and reports preparation as required under the financing agreements.
Costs for preparing reports or documentation pertinent to the funding agreement.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant specifically targets Indigenous communities, businesses, and organizations based in Québec, Canada. The eligible locations are focused on supporting Indigenous socio-economic development within the province.

Indigenous communities in Québec.
Indigenous businesses operating within Québec.
Organizations representing Indigenous nations and communities across Québec.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Indigenous Initiatives Fund IV (IIF IV) are guided by specific criteria designed to ensure the projects align with the fund's objectives and benefit Indigenous communities effectively.

The concordance with the objectives and principles of the program.
The eligibility in accordance with the terms and conditions of the chosen component.
The technical feasibility and timeline realism of the project implementation.
The financial feasibility of the project, including the rigor, reliability, coherence, and realism of financial forecasts.
The quality of the organization leading the project, including the competencies and experience of promoters relative to the project.
The justness of chosen external expertise, if applicable.
The thoroughness of the market analysis, including knowledge of the needs of the target clientele.
The expected results from the funding, including the number of jobs created or consolidated, investments generated, contribution to local and regional development, economic and social sustainability, and structural effects for Indigenous people.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Preliminary Research
Review the Indigenous Initiatives Fund IV guidelines to understand the criteria and components.
Identify the specific component under which your project falls.
Step 2: Partner Agreements
Ensure your community or organization has signed a special agreement with the Government of Québec, if applicable.
Step 3: Proposal Development
Prepare a detailed project proposal for the selected component, including objectives, activities, and expected outcomes.
Gather supporting documents like budgets, timelines, and letters of support from partners.
Step 4: Application Submission
Contact the Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones for submission guidelines and deadlines.
Submit the completed application and supporting documents as instructed.
Step 5: Confirmation and Follow-up
Await confirmation of receipt from the Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones.
Maintain communication for any required follow-ups or additional documentation.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Some funding under IIF IV is reserved specifically for communities that have signed a special agreement with the Government of Québec to implement economic development and community infrastructure projects.
For projects over $25,000, a funding agreement will be signed, which includes a detailed project description and objectives, as well as management and report indicators.
Monitoring and accountability measures require that for funding above $25,000, annual reporting must include a comprehensive record of activities undertaken and results achieved relative to objectives.

grant_single_labels|documents

Indigenous Initiatives Fund IV

grant_single_labels|contact

financement_fia4@mce.gouv.qc.ca

418

Apply to this program

Support for Indigenous Economic and Community Development

The Indigenous Initiatives Fund IV (IIF IV) is a multi-faceted financial assistance program focused on bolstering economic development and infrastructure projects within Indigenous communities in Québec. With various components designed to address diverse needs, this initiative aims to foster growth, enhance community capabilities, and facilitate better relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Unveiling the Indigenous Initiatives Fund IV: Key Features and Benefits

The Indigenous Initiatives Fund IV represents a strategic effort by the Government of Québec to empower Indigenous communities through comprehensive financial backing across seven key components. Initiated for a five-year period from 2022‑2023 to 2026-2027, IIF IV targets the unique challenges and opportunities present in both rural and urban Indigenous settings by supporting projects that showcase significant potential for positive impact. The overarching goal of IIF IV is to stimulate sustainable economic growth, improve social cohesion, and offer tangible benefits to Indigenous populations through thoughtfully tailored interventions.

One of the core components of the fund is Economic Development, which supports initiatives aimed at advancing business prospects for Indigenous peoples. This can encompass everything from launching new enterprises to conducting market research and even funding the roles of economic development officers within communities. By enhancing economic opportunities, the fund seeks to lay a foundation for prosperity that is rooted in entrepreneurial success and employment generation.

In parallel, Community Infrastructure funding was created to refresh and enhance critical facilities like youth centers, playgrounds, and community halls. These improvements are vital for promoting wellness, cultural activities, and general community life, thereby nurturing environments where both heritage and social interaction can thrive.

Furthermore, the Loan Guarantees component is an innovative aspect of IIF IV, designed to improve access to finance for budding entrepreneurs in Indigenous cultures. By mitigating the risks lenders perceive, the program helps unlock potential capital flow to fund innovative business ideas and expansions, essential for maintaining economic momentum.

Social Development initiatives focus on addressing cultural and social priorities. These projects often include efforts to preserve Indigenous languages and culture or promote better understanding and relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. Through these projects, the fund aims to maintain and celebrate cultural uniqueness while fostering a more inclusive societal framework.

The Assistance for Indigenous People in Urban Environments component recognizes the unique challenges faced by Indigenous citizens living in urban areas. By supporting both service delivery and necessary infrastructure projects, this aspect of the IIF IV endeavors to ensure that urban Indigenous populations have access to amenities and support systems in alignment with their needs.

Importantly, Support for Consultation ensures that Indigenous communities are equipped to participate fully in governmental consultations. This facilitates a vital dialogue between the government and Indigenous communities, ensuring that their voices are heard and recognized in policy making.

By harnessing the diverse strengths of Indigenous populations, by promoting inclusivity, and by encouraging innovative approaches to economic participation, the Indigenous Initiatives Fund IV comes as a pivotal resource in driving transformative change. Its structure and funding capabilities are deliberately designed to extend far-reaching support—an investment into the future of Indigenous communities that celebrates their potential and paves the way for equitable progress. With its apparent strategic alignment and cultural sensitivity, IIF IV exemplifies the commitment of the Gouvernement du Québec to fostering positive relationships and generating sustainable development that resonates with Indigenous visions for their futures.