Closed
Indigenous Innovation Initiative
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Canada
Get funding to empower First Nation, Inuit and Metis innovators
Grant and Funding
Overview
Apply to the challenges and get funding to support innovative and scalable Indigenous-led ideas, to develop and test bold ideas from all sectors and industries.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Research and experimental development
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
- Minimum amount : 100,000 $
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Other Education
- Research
- Other Health Services
- Law and Legal Services
- Social Services
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Women & girls
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Artists / creatives
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Activities funded
- Development and testing of innovative products, programs, or services led by Indigenous businesses, organizations, or groups.
- Implementation of sustainable solutions to address social, economic, or environmental challenges within Indigenous communities.
- Projects supporting impact in areas such as health, social development, arts and fashion, technology, science, business, industry, food security, hospitality and tourism, education, justice, environment, or clean energy.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 175,000
Implementing a digital health record system for Indigenous clinics
$ 140,000
Launching an employment training program for Indigenous youth
$ 150,000
Developing a mobile app to support Indigenous language learning
$ 180,000
Establishing a renewable energy project for Indigenous communities
$ 110,000
Launching a social enterprise focused on traditional crafts
$ 120,000
Creating a sustainable community garden to address food insecurity
Eligibility
- The applicant must be an Indigenous business, organization, social enterprise, or group developing innovative products, programs, or services.
- The project must be Indigenous-led or created by and/or for Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis), including status and non-status individuals, registered and unregistered Métis, and Inuit beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries.
- The project must be culturally safe, cost-effective, and demonstrate potential for long-term, sustainable impact in Indigenous communities.
- The project should have the potential to be scalable or adaptable to other Indigenous community settings.
- Applicants must be open to monitoring, measuring, and evaluating their innovation projects, and provide evidence of connection to Indigenous identity and community.
Who is eligible?
- Health sector businesses and organizations
- Social sector entities
- Arts and fashion sector groups
- Technology and science initiatives
- Businesses and organizations in hospitality, tourism, education, justice, environment, food security, business, and clean energy
Eligible expenses
This grant supports Indigenous innovators in developing and testing bold ideas across diverse sectors. The eligible projects seek to address community challenges through innovative solutions.
- Innovative products, programs, or services across sectors such as health, technology, and arts.
- Projects focused on food security, hospitality, and tourism.
- Initiatives in education, justice, environment, and clean energy.
- Business and industry solutions with potential community impact.
- Social enterprises offering sustainable community solutions.
Eligible geographic areas
- Urban, rural, remote and Northern First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities in Canada.
Selection criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the initiative’s objectives.
- Cultural safety and ability to inspire ongoing use within Indigenous communities.
- Cost-effectiveness of the proposed innovation.
- Potential for achieving a long-term and sustainable impact in First Nation, Inuit and/or Métis communities.
- Scalability or adaptability of the project to other Indigenous community settings.
- Willingness to engage in monitoring, measuring, and evaluating the innovation project for shared learning and application within the Indigenous innovation ecosystem.
How to apply
1
Preliminary Preparation
- Ensure your project aligns with the Indigenous Innovation Initiative objectives.
- Assess and establish your Indigenous identity or community connection.
2
Prepare Application
- Prepare a detailed proposal outlining your innovative idea, objectives, and potential impact.
- Address how your innovation is culturally safe, cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable.
- Include plans for monitoring and evaluation of your project.
- Compile supporting documentation, such as letters of support or registration evidence.
3
Application Submission
- Submit your completed application through the designated application portal or via email, as directed by the Indigenous Innovation Initiative.
- Ensure all required documents and forms are uploaded and complete before submission.
4
Confirmation of Submission
- Receive a confirmation email acknowledging the receipt of your application.
- Keep this confirmation for future reference and follow-ups.
Additional information
- The Initiative aligns its objectives with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
- Successful applicants may be required to provide evidence of their connection to Indigenous identity and community, such as letters of support or registration documents.
- The program celebrates and shares the successes of funded projects to inspire broader Indigenous innovation.
- The Initiative emphasizes inclusivity for all Indigenous Peoples, including those not registered with governance organizations.
Documents and links
Contacts
info@indigenousinnovate.org
