Closed
Source verified July 24, 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.
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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
- Repairing and restoring trail sections damaged by natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, and storms
- Indigenous-led trail projects that integrate Indigenous knowledge, values, and cultural expression into trail development and stewardship
- Major and minor repairs, maintenance, destination development, safety upgrades, new trail construction, and active transportation projects
- Clear, consistent, branded signage, trail-sector training and professional development, seasonal cleanup and small-scale maintenance, and accessibility and inclusion projects
Documents Needed
- All required information and documentation
- Comprehensive budget
- Realistic schedule
- Proof of all 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
Who is not eligible
- Groups cannot hold more than three Trail Catalyst Fund projects at a time
Eligible expenses
- Contract and services costs, including consultants, contractors, site controls, and laboratory fees
- Materials and equipment costs, rented, purchased, or donated at fair market value
- Purchased equipment must be essential to the project and clearly described in the application; owned equipment is eligible only for the portion used, such as fuel, maintenance, and depreciation
- Labour, excluding benefits, up to $95/hour for project manager wages or fees, up to $100/hour for technical staff wages or fees, and up to $60/hour for labourer wages or fees
- Travel and mileage based on National Joint Council travel directive rates
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- General administration, volunteer time, land or access fees for private land, land purchases, taxes, application fees, and contingencies
- Municipal staff salaries covered by city budgets
Eligible geographic areas
- On or along the Trans Canada Trail
Processing and Agreement
- All scheduled reports must be submitted on time as outlined in the contribution agreement or these guidelines, and late reporting without prior notice may impact future funding eligibility
- Reports must be submitted using Trans Canada Trail’s online form
- All successful applicants must publicly acknowledge support from Trans Canada Trail for the duration of their grant
- Selected projects will be audited by Trans Canada Trail using Propulso and assessed using the Trail Sustainability Index and the Costing Tool
- Selected projects may be chosen for accessibility mapping, and the applicant must help coordinate the process, provide trail details, and accompany the mapper as needed
Additional information
- The Trail Catalyst Fund is a single gateway for applicants to access a wide range of funds.
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:
Groups or organizations that own or manage a section of the Trans Canada Trail are eligible.
Eligible groups must carry at least $2,000,000 in general liability insurance.
Eligible projects must be on or along the Trans Canada Trail.
What expenses are eligible under Indigenous Knowledge and Trails Funding Stream?
Environmental restoration, including tree planting, nature-based solutions, and sustainability initiatives
Repairing and restoring trail sections damaged by natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, and storms
Indigenous-led trail projects that integrate Indigenous knowledge, values, and cultural expression into trail development and stewardship
Major and minor repairs, maintenance, destination development, safety upgrades, new trail construction, and active transportation projects
Clear, consistent, branded signage, trail-sector training and professional development, seasonal cleanup and small-scale maintenance, and 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