How much funding can be received?

If your organization is Indigenous-led, you can get a grant up to $15,000 to help fund its IP initiatives, like research projects, drafting policy papers, or developing educational materials.

grant_single_labels|projects

The grant supports the following eligible activities: - World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Travel - Small-Scale Initiatives - Projects

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$12,000

Policy paper drafting on IP strategies for Indigenous communities

$10,000

Travel for participation in WIPO sessions focusing on Indigenous IP rights

$15,000

Research project on Indigenous traditional knowledge and IP policies

$15,000

Engagement planning for IP protection strategies in Indigenous communities

$15,000

Development of a toolkit for Indigenous Knowledge management and IP

$15,000

Development of online educational materials on IP for Indigenous artists

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant requires the applicant to be an Indigenous organization or entity from specified categories.

The organization must be a recognized representative Indigenous body at the national level.
The entity must be classified as an Indian Band or an Inuit Settlement.
The organization should be a District Council or Chiefs Council.
The applicant must be an Indigenous Association or Organization.
The entity should fall under a Tribal Council.
The organization must be another recognized Indigenous Community.
The applicant should be an Indigenous Economic Institution, Organization, Corporation, or Business.
The organization must be a beneficiary of comprehensive land claims and/or self-government agreements with any group of Indigenous people.
The entity should function as an Indigenous Cultural Education Centre.
The organization must be an Indigenous Co-operative.
The applicant should be a Board or Commission.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Indigenous (i.e., First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit) organizations in Canada may apply for an IIPP grant. This includes various recognized representative bodies, tribal councils, indigenous businesses, educational centers, and others.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This grant supports activities that encourage engagement with the intellectual property system and the protection of Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Expressions. Eligible projects or activities can range from travel for participation in international discussions to comprehensive IP-related projects.

Travel to World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) sessions and events related to IP, IK, and ICEs for Indigenous organizations.
Preparation work related to attending WIPO sessions as accredited observers.
Conducting small scale IP-related initiatives such as research projects or drafting policy papers.
Travel to conferences focused on IP, IK, and ICEs.
Developing educational materials on IP, IK, and ICEs.
Execution of complex and comprehensive IP-related projects over a longer period.
Research and development of new tools or resources in the IP landscape.
Planning engagement activities related to IP, IK, and ICEs.
Development of IP strategy plans.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant funds travel, initiatives, and projects expenses related to Indigenous intellectual property, knowledge, and cultural expressions.

Travel costs for WIPO sessions and related events.
Preparation work for WIPO sessions.
Research project costs.
Policy paper drafting expenses.
Costs for developing educational materials.
Travel expenses for IP, IK, and ICE-related conferences.
Resource development and engagement planning costs.
IP strategy planning expenses.

grant_single_labels|register

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

Step 1: Review Eligibility and Program Guide
- Ensure your organization meets the eligibility criteria outlined in the IIPP Grant Program Guide.
- Familiarize yourself with the specific details of each funding stream.
Step 2: Choose Appropriate Funding Stream
- Identify which funding stream your project or initiative falls under – WIPO Travel, Small-Scale Initiatives, or Projects.
- Gather information relevant to the chosen stream to understand the specific requirements.
Step 3: Complete Application Form
- Download and fill out the respective application form for the chosen stream.
- Provide detailed information about your organization and project, including objectives and expected outcomes.
Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documents
- Compile necessary supporting documents, such as budget plans, timelines, and letters of support.
- Ensure all documents are complete and meet any specified guidelines in the Program Guide.
Step 5: Submit Application
- Submit the completed application form and supporting documents through the designated submission process.
- Ensure submission is completed before the deadline, August 12, 2024.
Step 6: Confirmation of Receipt
- Await confirmation from the grant provider acknowledging receipt of your application.
- Retain any confirmation or reference numbers provided for your records.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The IIPP aligns with the Government's broader commitments towards reconciliation and the recognition of Indigenous rights, as well as the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
The total program funding available is $150,000 per fiscal year to support various activities relating to IP, IK, and ICEs under distinct streams.
Confirmation of accreditation may be required for participation in WIPO events under the WIPO Travel stream.

grant_single_labels|documents

Indigenous Intellectual Property Program Grant — Small scale initiative stream

Apply to this program

Empowering Indigenous Engagement with Intellectual Property

The Indigenous Intellectual Property Program (IIPP) grant empowers Indigenous organizations in Canada to actively participate and engage in the intellectual property (IP) system. This grant facilitates Indigenous communities' involvement in IP discussions and initiatives, emphasizing the safeguarding of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and Indigenous Cultural Expressions (ICEs).

Understanding the Indigenous Intellectual Property Program Grant

The Indigenous Intellectual Property Program (IIPP) grant, overseen by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, was crafted to address challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in accessing and participating in the global and domestic IP landscape. The IIPP grant not only enables more significant Indigenous presence in dialogues surrounding IP but also aims to ensure that Indigenous voices are heard and valued in shaping policies and practices that affect their communities and cultural heritage.

Historically, Indigenous peoples have faced barriers in leveraging the IP system to protect and promote their unique creations and innovations. Recognizing this, the Canadian government, through the IIPP grant, seeks to enhance accessibility and adaptability of the IP system for Indigenous peoples. It aligns with the country's broader commitments to reconciliation, acknowledging Indigenous rights, and implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The grant provides three funding streams, tailored to accommodate diverse needs and scopes of projects driven by Indigenous organizations. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Travel stream supports Indigenous representatives in attending relevant WIPO sessions, fostering international knowledge exchange and collaboration. With funding up to $5,000 per person per organization, this stream ensures that Indigenous perspectives are represented on global platforms that discuss vital issues like genetic resources, traditional knowledge, and folklore.

Furthermore, the IIPP supports Small-Scale Initiatives, providing up to $15,000 for short-term, focused efforts that might include research, policy development, or creating educational resources related to IP, IK, and ICEs. This stream is ideal for Indigenous organizations seeking to make targeted impacts with confined resources, facilitating grassroots actions that contribute to broader systemic changes.

The Projects stream, granting up to $50,000, caters to more complex and comprehensive undertakings. This could involve extended research initiatives, the development of strategic tools or educational programs, and engaging in various capacity-building activities. Through this stream, Indigenous organizations can embark on significant projects that require sustained effort and resources, pushing boundaries and driving transformative change.

These grants were instituted recognizing the critical role of Indigenous peoples in shaping the cultural and intellectual landscape of Canada. They are designed not only to empower Indigenous communities but also to fortify the nation's cultural fabric by ensuring that Indigenous innovations and ideations are adequately protected, respected, and celebrated. By supporting Indigenous organizations in utilizing the IP system, the IIPP grant paves the way for more inclusive and equitable participation in the economic and cultural spheres.

Given the fiscal allocation of $150,000 per year, the grant supports strategic projects and initiatives reflecting the priorities of Indigenous communities while resonating with national and international objectives. By fostering knowledge generation, advocacy, and effective utilization of intellectual property among Indigenous peoples, the IIPP grant catalyzes a dynamic interface between traditional knowledge systems and modern intellectual property frameworks.

This grant program not only aids in protecting Indigenous cultural expressions but also actively contributes to the sustainable development of Indigenous economies by securing their intellectual capital. The broader impact of this program manifests in enhanced awareness and capacity within Indigenous organizations, facilitating greater autonomy in preserving and leveraging their cultural heritage in innovative manners.

The IIPP grant is therefore a pivotal initiative, demonstrating the Canadian government’s commitment to rectifying historical inequities while fostering an inclusive approach to managing intellectual property. Through its implementation, it endeavors to not only protect Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Expressions but also to inspire and ignite further innovations that contribute to Canada's diverse and rich cultural heritage.