Closed
Source verified July 9, 2026
Indigenous Knowledge and Trails Funding Stream
Multi-stream funding for Trans Canada Trail projects
Latest source updateLast Update: July 8, 2026Latest change: The Trail Catalyst Fund page now shows a revised funding cap, updated stream eligibility, a quarterly intake and payment schedule, and new support contact options.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 8, 2026
Latest change: The Trail Catalyst Fund page now shows a revised funding cap, updated stream eligibility, a quarterly intake and payment schedule, and new support contact options.
Trail Catalyst Fund update
The Trail Catalyst Fund page now removes the $60,000 per-project-per-year cap for projects over $40,001 and continues to show funding at 35% to 100% of total project costs, with a phased-project structure still visible. The page also updates broader trail-sector eligibility from youth employment and trail work in Indigenous communities to trail training and Indigenous-led trail projects, and adds Trails for All to the listed funding streams. A quarterly intake and payment schedule is now shown on the page, with reviews and responses by April 30/May 15, July 31/August 31, October 30/November 15, and January 31/February 15 for the January–March, April–June, July–September, and October–December periods. Support contact options are also shown with project@tctrail.ca and a booking link, while the separate stream-specific eligibility PDF now has a revised heading but no visible content changes below it.
Funding available
$ 10,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Groups or organizations that own or manage a section of the Trans Canada Trail
See full eligibility
Overview
The Trail Catalyst Fund is a single gateway to a wide range of funding streams for groups and organizations that own or manage a section of the Trans Canada Trail. It supports environmental restoration, disaster repairs, and Indigenous-led trail projects, plus related signage, training, maintenance, and accessibility work.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Social Services
- Environment
- Employment and Training
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Environmental restoration, including tree planting, nature-based solutions, and sustainability initiatives
- Disaster relief to repair and restore trail sections damaged by floods, wildfires, and storms
- Indigenous-led trail development and stewardship that integrates Indigenous knowledge, values, and cultural expression
- Major and minor repairs, maintenance, destination development, safety upgrades, new trail construction, and active transportation projects
- Clear, consistent, branded signage; trail-sector workforce development; seasonal cleanup and small-scale maintenance; accessibility and inclusion projects
Documents Needed
- Complete application form
- Required supporting information and documentation
- Comprehensive budget
- Realistic project schedule
- Proof of necessary permissions
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Groups or organizations that own or manage a section of the Trans Canada Trail
- Organizations within the broader trail sector for projects related to tree planting, trail training, and Indigenous-led trail projects
- First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities across Canada
- Non-Indigenous groups in partnership with Indigenous communities
Eligible expenses
- Contracted services and consultant fees
- Materials and equipment
- Labour costs
- Travel and mileage
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- General administration costs
- Volunteer time
- Land or access fees for private land
- Land purchases, taxes, and application fees
Selection criteria
- Project feasibility
- Community support
- Authority to deliver the project
- Commitment to ongoing trail maintenance
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the funding stream
- Confirm the project fits the Indigenous Knowledge and Trails stream.
- Check the applicable stream-specific requirements.
- Step 2: Prepare the application
- Gather all required information and documentation.
- Prepare the budget, project schedule, and permissions.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Apply through the Trail Catalyst Fund application process.
- Step 4: Wait for review and response
- Applications are reviewed quarterly.
- Applicants are notified after review.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed on a quarterly cycle.
- Applicants receive a response after review.
- Approved projects are funded through a contribution agreement.
- Reporting is required during and after the project.
Additional information
- Applications are reviewed and responded to quarterly.
- The fund uses a single gateway to access multiple funding streams.
- Successful applicants must publicly acknowledge Trans Canada Trail during the grant period.
- Selected projects may be audited and assessed by Trans Canada Trail.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Knowledge and Trails Funding Stream Program
What is the Indigenous Knowledge and Trails Funding Stream?
The Trail Catalyst Fund is a single gateway to a wide range of funding streams for groups and organizations that own or manage a section of the Trans Canada Trail. It supports environmental restoration, disaster repairs, and Indigenous-led trail projects, plus related signage, training, maintenance, and accessibility work.
How much funding can be received?
Indigenous Knowledge and Trails Funding Stream Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Indigenous Knowledge and Trails Funding Stream program?
To be eligible for the Indigenous Knowledge and Trails Funding Stream program, you must:
Eligible groups or organizations must own or manage a section of the Trans Canada Trail
Eligible groups must carry at least $2,000,000 in general liability insurance
Eligible projects must be on or along the Trans Canada Trail, with some stream requests allowed anywhere in Canada
What expenses are eligible under Indigenous Knowledge and Trails Funding Stream?
Environmental restoration, including tree planting, nature-based solutions, and sustainability initiatives
Disaster relief to repair and restore trail sections damaged by floods, wildfires, and storms
Indigenous-led trail development and stewardship that integrates Indigenous knowledge, values, and cultural expression
Major and minor repairs, maintenance, destination development, safety upgrades, new trail construction, and active transportation projects
Clear, consistent, branded signage; trail-sector workforce development; seasonal cleanup and small-scale maintenance; accessibility and inclusion projects
Who can I contact for more information about the Indigenous Knowledge and Trails Funding Stream?
You can contact Trans Canada Trail (TCT) by email at project@tctrail.ca.
Where is the Indigenous Knowledge and Trails Funding Stream available?
The Indigenous Knowledge and Trails Funding Stream program is available across Canada.
Is the Indigenous Knowledge and Trails Funding Stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Indigenous Knowledge and Trails Funding Stream is a Grant and Funding