How much funding can be received?

Get up to $300,000/year to cover 100% of the expenses your Indigenous-led business incurs to strengthen and preserve Indigenous cultural identity and languages.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant, managed by Canadian Heritage, is targeted at projects supporting First Nations languages across specific Canadian regions. It emphasizes regional alignment and the involvement of designated Indigenous organizations.

Nova Scotia
Quebec
Ontario
British Columbia
Yukon for self-governing First Nations

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$230,000

Create a documentation and archiving project for Indigenous languages

$200,000

Organize a series of language promotion conferences

$230,000

Develop an immersive language program for youth

$210,000

Develop language templates and tools for Indigenous educators

$230,000

Establish a community-based language research project

$220,000

Launch a mentor-apprentice language program for elders and youth

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.

The applicant must be a First Nations organization or group within Canada, and in good standing.
The applicant must be owned and controlled by First Nations persons, including a First Nations-owned corporation or a First Nations controlled not-for-profit organization, which directly delivers language revitalization services or supports the delivery of language revitalization services.
The applicant must be a First Nations government or an equivalent organization and its delegated authorities, a First Nations-led institution including accredited programs, or a First Nations-led not-for-profit organization.
For the annual and multi-year project stream, the applicant could also be a First Nations ad hoc group formed for a specific language work plan or a First Nations for-profit organization, provided the activities will not result in income generation for their sole benefit.
For the ongoing programmatic stream, the applicant must have a long-term language plan or work plan in place with at least two years of experience in providing First Nations languages revitalization services.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

First Nations organizations or groups within Canada in good standing are eligible to apply for funding. Specifically, applicants must be:- A First Nations government or an equivalent organization and its delegated authorities.- A First Nations-led institution, including accredited programs.- A First Nations-led not-for-profit organization.For annual and multi-year project funding, applicants could also be:- A First Nations ad hoc group formed for a specific language work plan.- A First Nations for-profit organization, provided the activities for which funding is requested do not result in income generation for their sole benefit.For ongoing programmatic funding, applicants must have a long-term language plan or work plan with at least two years of experience in providing First Nations language revitalization services.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Certain companies and industries are not eligible for this grant due to their operational focus or financial strategies. These restrictions are designed to ensure the funds are utilized specifically for projects aligned with indigenous language revitalization.

Organizations primarily focused on income generation for sole benefit, such as for-profit organizations without community-oriented projects.
Companies involved in capital construction or major renovations.
Entities seeking funding for core operational costs unrelated to language programming, such as broadcasting services.
Organizations looking for deficit recovery funds.
Businesses involved in commercial enterprises not linked to cultural support.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This grant supports activities dedicated to enhancing First Nations languages in communities across Canada. Eligible projects focus on various facets of language revitalization and development.

Language programs and services such as language plan development, immersion activities, language nests, mentor-apprentice programming, and land-based learning.
Capacity building and training including curriculum development, leadership development, and teacher training.
Community engagement activities like promotion and awareness, conferences and gatherings, and planning.
Community-led research and studies, such as language community assessments and data development.
Resource development, including documentation and archiving, instructor resources, language templates and tools, and audiovisual and multimedia materials.
Management and administration for language programming and services, including communication, consultation, and coordination.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers specific expenses related to activities that align with the objectives of the Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Languages Funding Model.

Start-up costs for First Nations organizations whose mandate is to support the reclamation, revitalization, maintenance, and strengthening of First Nations languages.
Salaries and employee benefits.
Stipends, allowances, or honoraria for attendance in a course or activity under exceptional circumstances.
Travel expenses, not exceeding rates permitted for government business travel.
Professional development and training programs.
Meetings related to the project activities.
Rent and utilities connected to the activities.
Photocopying and printing services related to the activities.
Translation and communication services.
Professional, consulting, and Elder fees.
Equipment rental, service, and purchase.
Costs associated with information technology, including purchase and upgrade of hardware and software.
Minor renovation in the context of promotional languages activities.
Project supplies and resource materials related to the activities.
General liability insurances.
Administrative costs, such as bookkeeping services, office supplies, telephone, fax, utilities, postage and courier fees, photocopying, printing, rent for office space, audit, legal, and translation. Administrative costs cannot exceed 15% of the total approved funding.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria which ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives for the reclamation and revitalization of First Nations languages.

Demonstration that the project's implementation would support the objectives of the Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Languages Funding Model.
Detailed description of the activities to be funded.
Clear articulation of the expected results of the proposed activities.
A comprehensive budget that clearly links to the proposed activities.
Disclosure of partners and their roles in the activities, if applicable.

grant_single_labels|register

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

Step 1: Review Guidelines
- Read the application guidelines for the Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Languages Funding Model thoroughly to ensure understanding of requirements and eligibility.
Step 2: Contact Canadian Heritage
- Email Canadian Heritage at autochtone-indigenous@pch.gc.ca to request an application package.
Step 3: Assemble Application Package
- Gather all supporting documents required as per the Application Checklist (Annex A).
- Complete the General Application Form (Annex B).
- Prepare the Organization Overview (Annex C).
- Write the Summary (Annex D).
- Develop a Language Plan if applicable (Appendix 1).
- Detail Project or Ongoing Programmatic Activities & Resources (Appendix 2).
- Fill out the Declaration and Attestation (Annex E).
- Include a detailed budget (Annex F).
Step 4: Prepare Specific Application Requirements
- For ongoing programmatic funding stream, include Ongoing Programmatic Funding details (Appendix 3) and a Language plan or work plan.
Step 5: Obtain Proof of Support
- Gather proof of support such as band council resolutions, letters, or emails from participating First Nations communities.
Step 6: Complete Digital Submission
- Ensure all forms and supporting documents are signed where applicable.
- Submit the complete application package electronically to autochtone-indigenous@pch.gc.ca.
Step 7: Acknowledge Receipt
- Await an acknowledgement of receipt from Canadian Heritage within two weeks of your submission.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Approved applications of $150,000 and under may receive funding through a grant agreement, while applications over $150,000 will be funded through a contribution agreement.
The funding received through this grant can cover up to 100% of the total eligible project-related costs.
First Nations Review Committee has the responsibility of prioritizing applications, aligning with available funds and regional priorities.
Applicants need to provide proof of support from participating First Nations communities and their leadership, like band council resolutions or letters, as this support may influence the review process.
Applicants submitting applications for ongoing programmatic funding must have been providing language revitalization services for at least two years.
Funding recipients are required to submit an audited financial report if they receive $250,000 or more as a contribution.
All recipients must report annually on their projects or plans, and they must complete an evaluation of their language plan or work plan before renewing ongoing programmatic funding.
Managing conflict of interest is crucial, and recipients must have transparent policies and procedures for project selection and funding adjudication.
Funding priorities include community-based initiatives, language plans with community support, and activities that strongly support language revitalization.

grant_single_labels|contact

autochtone-indigenous@pch.gc.ca

819-934-1405

Apply to this program

Funding Opportunities for First Nations Language Revitalization

The Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Languages Funding Model offers a chance for First Nations communities and organizations to secure financial assistance for projects aimed at reclaiming, revitalizing, maintaining, and strengthening First Nations languages. With both annual and multi-year funding streams available, this grant supports comprehensive language plans and activities essential for cultural preservation.

Exploring the First Nations Languages Funding Model in Detail

This grant is administered under the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program by the Department of Canadian Heritage, specifically targeting the preservation and promotion of First Nations languages. Initiated in the fiscal year 2023-2024, this funding model aims to provide more predictable and flexible support to First Nations communities and organizations striving to restore linguistic heritage. The program is structured with two primary streams of funding: an annual and multi-year proposal-based stream, designed to aid in the development of language plans and support language revitalization projects spanning up to five years, and an ongoing programmatic funding stream aimed at implementing long-term language plans.

One of the main objectives of this funding initiative is to reclaim and strengthen the First Nations languages, fostering new speakers and enhancing fluency through immersive opportunities and comprehensive documentation. Expected outcomes include the training of language instructors, the creation of more fluent speakers, and the development of language resources managed by First Nations communities themselves. To this end, the program emphasizes community ownership and control over language preservation efforts, aligning with broader goals of cultural self-determination and empowerment.

The eligibility criteria emphasize the importance of the applying organization being First Nations-led and in good standing. Eligible projects must demonstrate alignment with the funding model's objectives, contributing substantially to community-based language revitalization efforts. Activities like language plan development, immersion courses, mentor-apprentice programs, and community-led research are prioritized. Importantly, the grant outlines specific eligible and ineligible expenses, ensuring funds are allocated towards effective revitalization activities rather than operational or capital costs.

Applicants must carefully follow the application process, which involves submitting a comprehensive package, including general application forms, an organization overview, a language plan development document, and a detailed budget. Applications are assessed based on their ability to meet the defined objectives and the potential impact of the proposed activities. The competitive nature of the funding means that not all eligible applications will be financed, pointing to the importance of clearly defined objectives and comprehensive activity proposals.

Funding decisions are guided by the strategic priorities set by the review committee, which evaluates the application’s potential for community impact and contribution to long-term language sustainability. Successful applications also necessitate adherence to reporting requirements, including annual evaluations to ensure accountability and the proper use of government resources.

Additionally, the grant framework incorporates measures for managing conflict of interest and promoting workplace well-being, aligning with anti-racism and anti-discrimination practices as outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Human Rights Act. These elements are essential to fostering equitable, inclusive environments where language revitalization can thrive.

This funding program is crucial for advancing the vitality of First Nations languages, representing an essential tool for communities seeking to preserve and foster their linguistic heritage. By participating in this program, First Nations organizations not only receive financial support but also contribute to the cultural enrichment of Canada's First Nations peoples, ensuring that these languages are passed to future generations with increased fluency and community engagement. Organizations are encouraged to carefully prepare their applications to maximize the likelihood of funding and contribute to a broader movement of cultural revitalization and preservation across Canada.