Indigenous Intellectual Property Program (IIPP) — Project Stream
Canada
Funding for complex Indigenous IP projects
grant_single|update March 15, 2025
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJuly 9, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateAugust 13, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
- Government of Canada
- Innovation Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The Indigenous Intellectual Property Program (IIPP) — Project Stream offers grants up to $50,000 to support Indigenous organizations in Canada with initiatives related to intellectual property, Indigenous knowledge, and cultural expressions. The program aims to enhance engagement in the intellectual property system, aiding activities such as capacity building, policy development, and participation in international dialogues.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
- Total funding available for the fiscal year 2024-2025 is $150,000, distributed across three streams: WIPO Travel, Small-Scale Initiatives, and Projects.
- WIPO Travel Stream provides grants up to $5,000 per individual per organization for travel-related costs to participate in World Intellectual Property Organization events. Only Accredited Observers or those who have applied for accreditation are eligible.
- Small-Scale Initiative Stream offers grants up to $15,000 for short-term, narrowly focused IP-related initiatives.
- Project Stream offers grants up to $50,000 for complex or comprehensive IP-related projects that require more resources and time.
- Grant payments are non-repayable and cover eligible expenditures related to IP, IK, and ICEs, as specified in the Funding Agreement.
- The entire grant amount is disbursed after the Funding Agreement is signed and all prerequisites are met, such as submission of administrative forms for payment.
- Funding can only support expenses incurred before the Completion Date stated in the individual Funding Agreements.
- Recipients are required to acknowledge the Government of Canada's support in all communications materials.
- Grant recipients must provide a report on actual expenditures and outcomes within 90 days of completion of the funded activity.
- Potential audits and evaluations of funded projects may occur up to 5 years post-completion for tracking and performance evaluation.
grant_single_labels|projects
- Participation in World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) events, meetings, or negotiations relating to IP and Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Expressions (IK and ICEs).
- Research and preparation to support participation in WIPO events.
- IP education, capacity building, and awareness raising activities.
- Development of an Intellectual Property Strategy, including associated expert advice.
- Research on and registration of intellectual property.
- Contracting or conducting research on subjects related to IP protection and IK and ICEs.
- Obtaining expert advice on issues related to IP, IK, and ICEs.
- Hosting or co-hosting workshops, conferences, seminars, or similar events aimed at developing policy positions on IP and IK and ICEs.
- Development of guidelines, protocols, pilot projects, or similar undertakings relating to IP and IK and ICEs.
- Participation in workshops, conferences, seminars, or events with a focus on IP and the protection of IK and ICEs.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 35,000
Research on IP protection for Indigenous Traditional Knowledge
$ 10,000
Travel to WIPO session to discuss Indigenous Cultural Expressions (ICEs)
$ 45,000
Organize a conference on Indigenous Cultural Expressions (ICEs)
$ 5,000
Travel to WIPO session for a presentation on Indigenous Knowledge (IK)
$ 20,000
Development of educational materials on Indigenous Knowledge (IK)
$ 50,000
Create a digital archive of Indigenous Cultural Expressions
grant_single_labels|admissibility
- The applicant must be an Indigenous organization in Canada, representing First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit peoples.
- Eligible entities include recognized representative Indigenous bodies at the national, regional, or local level, Indian Bands/Inuit Settlements, District Councils/Chiefs Councils, Indigenous Associations/Organizations, Tribal Councils, Indigenous Communities, Indigenous Economic Institutions/Organizations/Corporations/Businesses, Indigenous Cultural Education Centres, Indigenous Co-operatives, and Boards and Commissions.
- The proposal must focus on intellectual property (IP), Indigenous knowledge (IK), and Indigenous cultural expressions (ICEs).
- Proposals should aim at the protection of Indigenous IP under the Canadian IP regime or the protection of IK and ICEs that may not currently be protectable under the IP system through alternative means.
- For the WIPO Travel Stream, applicants must be Accredited Observers to the intended meeting to be eligible for funding.
- Projects must include eligible activities such as IP education, capacity building, development of an IP strategy, and hosting or participating in events related to IP, IK, and ICEs.
- Entities that are non-Indigenous-owned or -operated, individuals, organizations not based in Canada, or those with no formal affiliation to Indigenous peoples are ineligible.
- Applicants must disclose any other government financial assistance requested or received toward eligible activities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
- Non-Indigenous-owned or -operated organizations.
- Public institutions.
- Indigenous-focused organizations not officially affiliated with Indigenous peoples.
- Individuals.
- Organizations not based in Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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).
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant does not specify particular eligible geographical areas for applicant organizations. Eligibility is based on the organizational type rather than location.
grant_single_labels|criteria
- 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.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Access Application FormDownload the Application Form from the IIPP Grant webpage or request it via email from the IIPP Granting Authority.
- Step 2: Complete Application FormFill out the Application Form with all required details of your proposal.
- Step 3: Submit ApplicationElectronically submit the completed Application Form to the IIPP Granting Authority.
- Ensure submission is received by 11:59 pm Pacific Time on August 12, 2024.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- 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.
grant_single_labels|contact
IndigenousIP-PIAutochtones@ised-isde.gc.ca
