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.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant provides tailored financing modalities for supporting Indigenous organizations in their intellectual property-related projects and initiatives. The program defines specific funding amounts and conditions based on the activity type and scope.

Total program funding of $150,000 per fiscal year to support eligible activities.
Small-scale initiatives grants are available for narrowly focused and short-term projects, offering up to $15,000.
Funding for travel to World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) sessions and related events, capped at $5,000 per person per organization for a single trip.
Projects of greater complexity or requiring extended resources can receive up to $50,000.
Funds travel, initiatives, and projects related to IP, Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and Indigenous Cultural Expressions (ICEs).

Activities funded

Conduct specific research projects related to intellectual property and Indigenous cultural expressions.
Draft policy papers pertaining to Indigenous intellectual property rights.
Attend conferences related to intellectual property, Indigenous knowledge, and cultural expressions.
Develop educational materials or resources to raise awareness of Indigenous intellectual property issues.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 10,000

Travel for participation in WIPO sessions focusing on Indigenous IP rights

$ 15,000

Research project on Indigenous traditional knowledge and IP policies

$ 12,000

Policy paper drafting on IP strategies for Indigenous communities

$ 15,000

Development of a toolkit for Indigenous Knowledge management and IP

$ 15,000

Engagement planning for IP protection strategies in Indigenous communities

$ 15,000

Development of online educational materials on IP for Indigenous artists

Eligibility

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.

Who is eligible?

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to Indigenous entities across Canada as it is aimed at increasing Indigenous engagement in the intellectual property system. All Indigenous organizations, regardless of geographical location within Canada, can apply if they meet the eligibility criteria.

All Canadian provinces and territories.

How to apply

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Confirmation of Receipt

Await confirmation from the grant provider acknowledging receipt of your application.
Retain any confirmation or reference numbers provided for your records.

Additional information

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.

Documents and links

Indigenous Intellectual Property Program Grant — Small scale initiative stream

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Intellectual Property Program Grant — Small scale initiative stream Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Indigenous Intellectual Property Program Grant — Small scale initiative stream. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Indigenous Intellectual Property Program Grant — Small scale initiative stream?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Indigenous Intellectual Property Program Grant — Small scale initiative stream?

The Indigenous Intellectual Property Program Grant's small-scale initiative stream focuses on supporting Indigenous organizations in pursuing targeted intellectual property-related initiatives. These projects are designed to enhance Indigenous communities' engagement in the intellectual property system and protect Indigenous knowledge and cultural expressions. Conduct specific research projects related to intellectual property and Indigenous cultural expressions. Draft policy papers pertaining to Indigenous intellectual property rights. Attend conferences related to intellectual property, Indigenous knowledge, and cultural expressions. Develop educational materials or resources to raise awareness of Indigenous intellectual property issues.

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Indigenous Intellectual Property Program Grant — Small scale initiative stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Indigenous Intellectual Property Program Grant — Small scale initiative stream?

Who is eligible for the Indigenous Intellectual Property Program Grant — Small scale initiative stream program?

To be eligible for the Indigenous Intellectual Property Program Grant — Small scale initiative stream program, you must: Indigenous organizations (e.g., First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit) including recognized representative bodies, tribal councils, Indigenous economic institutions, and cultural education centers. Beneficiary organizations of comprehensive land claims and/or self-government agreements with Indigenous peoples. Entities such as Indian Bands/Inuit Settlements and Indigenous Co-operatives.