Indigenous Intellectual Property Program (IIPP) — Project Stream

Who is eligible?

Indigenous organizations in Canada that fall under the following categories may apply for the Indigenous Intellectual Property Program (IIPP):- Recognized representative Indigenous bodies at the national, regional, or local level;- Indian Bands/Inuit Settlements;- District Councils/Chiefs Councils;- Indigenous Associations/Organizations;- Tribal Councils;- Other Indigenous Communities;- Indigenous Economic Institutions/Organizations/Corporations/Businesses;- Beneficiary organizations of comprehensive land claims and/or self-government agreements with any group of Indigenous people;- Indigenous Cultural Education Centres;- Indigenous Co-operatives;- Boards and Commissions.The grant does not fund non-Indigenous-owned or -operated organizations, Indigenous-focused organizations not officially affiliated with Indigenous peoples, individuals, or organizations not based in Canada.

Who is not eligible

• Non-Indigenous-owned or -operated organizations.
• Public institutions.
• Indigenous-focused organizations not officially affiliated with Indigenous peoples.
• Individuals.
• Organizations not based in Canada.

Eligible expenses

• Travel and related expenses, including airfare, car rental, gas, taxis, parking, accommodations, meals, and incidentals, in compliance with the National Joint Council Travel Directive.
• Costs for research and preparation necessary to support participation in eligible activities.
• Purchases or subscriptions to educational resources or training materials.
• Costs for hosting events, whether virtual or in-person, including logistics, technical requirements, and hospitality.
• Fees for consultants or contractors, such as lawyers, researchers, policy advisors, and facilitators for activities like protecting IP rights, developing strategies, and drafting policy papers.
• Purchases of materials directly related to the proposed activities.
• Honoraria or compensation for Indigenous participants, such as knowledge holders, Elders, or cultural professionals.
• One-time training or workshop expenses.
• Conference, symposium, or webinar fees.
• Costs for IP registration relating to existing or developing products or services, including those based on Indigenous knowledge (IK) or Indigenous cultural expressions (ICEs).

Eligible geographic areas

This grant does not specify particular eligible geographical areas for applicant organizations. Eligibility is based on the organizational type rather than location.

• Impact (60% of Total Score):
• 20 points – Contribution to a greater understanding of IP and/or issues related to the protection of IK and ICEs.
• 15 points – Social, cultural, and/or economic benefits for the applicant organization.
• 10 points – Potential benefits for others beyond the applicant organization, including represented communities or interest groups, with plans to share benefits with other organizations or businesses or use for policy and program development by the federal government.
• 15 points – Results in a concrete outcome, such as a report, policy, tool, resource, product, or service useful for the applicant organization and/or others.
• Need (20% of Total Score):
• 10 points – Demonstrated need for external funding to complete the proposed Small-scale Initiative or Project.
• 10 points – Demonstrated need for the outcomes of the proposed Small-Scale Initiative or Project by the applicant and/or the peoples they represent.
• Ability to Deliver / Feasibility (20% of Total Score):
• 10 points – Qualifications, skills, capacity, experience, technological, and financial capabilities necessary to undertake the Small-Scale Initiative or Project.
• 10 points – Achievable outcomes and timelines in the proposed approach to the Small-Scale Initiative or Project.

• Applicants must be aware that total assistance from government sources cannot exceed 100% of total project costs, adhering to funding and stacking limits set by the Canadian government.
• Recipients are obligated to acknowledge Government of Canada funding in all public communications in accordance with their Funding Agreement.
• ISED mandates the submission of a final report by grant recipients detailing the actual expenditures and outcomes achieved within 90 days of activity completion.
• The Indigenous IP Program aims to incorporate Indigenous perspectives in the selection process, striving for inclusive representation in the assessment phase.
• Applicants will be evaluated on their adherence to guiding principles such as respect for Indigenous worldviews and the commitment to reconciliation and diversity initiatives.
• Payments will be processed via direct deposit, requiring banking details and a void cheque from the grant recipients.
• Service standards dictate that applications and reports will be acknowledged within 10 business days, and a response to applications provided within 4 months after submission.