Indigenous Languages Program - Indigenous Languages Component - Multi-distinction and Indigenous Urban Organizations languages projects

• Canadian Heritage can fund up to 100% of eligible project expenses.
• The total financial assistance received from this program and all levels of government cannot exceed 100% of the total eligible project-related costs.
• Approved applications of $150,000 per fiscal year and under may be funded through a grant agreement; those over $150,000 per fiscal year will be funded through a contribution agreement.
• Administrative costs cannot exceed 15% of the total approved funding.

• The applicant must be an Indigenous multi-distinction or Indigenous urban organization or group in Canada, and in good standing.
• The organization or group must be owned and controlled by Indigenous persons, which may include Indigenous-owned corporations, Indigenous-controlled not-for-profit organizations directly delivering or supporting language revitalization services.
• Eligible applicant types include not-for-profit organizations, institutions and accredited programs, ad hoc groups formed for a specific language project, or for-profit organizations (provided the activities funded are not for sole financial benefit).
• The project must include Indigenous language activities from more than one distinction (First Nations, Inuit, Métis).

Who is eligible?

• Indigenous multi-distinction and urban organizations
• Indigenous not-for-profit organizations
• Indigenous-owned or controlled corporations
• Accredited institutions and programs run by Indigenous organizations
• Ad hoc Indigenous groups formed for specific language revitalization projects
• For-profit organizations owned and controlled by Indigenous persons, provided funding is not for their sole profit

Who is not eligible

• Organizations seeking funding for capital construction or major renovation projects.
• Companies requesting funds for commercial enterprise start-up and operational costs, or for the development of cultural and professional industries.
• Entities intending to use funds for regular operations of broadcasting (radio, television, programming).
• Organizations seeking core funding for pre-school, elementary, secondary, or post-secondary education.
• Applicants aiming to use funds for contingency, miscellaneous fees, or deficit recovery.

Eligible expenses

• Start-up costs for Indigenous organizations dedicated to language reclamation and revitalization.
• Salaries and employee benefits for personnel involved in language programming and services.
• Stipends, allowances, or honoraria (in exceptional circumstances) for participation in eligible activities.
• Travel expenses aligned with government rates for business travel.
• Professional development and training program expenses.
• Meeting costs related to project activities.
• Rent and utilities required for eligible activities or project spaces.
• Photocopying and printing services related to the funded activities.
• Translation and communication expenses.
• Professional, consulting, and Elder fees for project participation or delivery.
• Equipment rental, service, and purchase for project needs.
• Information technology expenses, including hardware and software purchase or upgrade.
• Minor renovations for language promotional activities.
• Project supplies and resource materials.
• General liability insurance related to the project.
• Administrative costs such as bookkeeping, office supplies, telephone, utilities, postage, courier, audit, legal, translation, and rent for office space (administrative costs cannot exceed 15% of total approved funding).

Eligible geographic areas

• Organizations or groups located within Canada.

• Extent to which the activities support the objectives of reclaiming, revitalizing, maintaining, and strengthening Indigenous languages.
• Clarity and description of the activities to be funded.
• Expected results and outcomes of the proposed activities.
• Budget alignment and transparency, demonstrating a clear link to proposed activities.
• If applicable, disclosure and role of partners in the proposed activities.

• Applicants may be required to publicly acknowledge the Government of Canada's financial support in English and French in all communications and promotional activities.
• Organizations in receipt of $250,000 or more as a contribution must submit an audited financial report.
• Recipients are obligated to retain documentation for up to five years for potential audits or evaluations by Canadian Heritage.
• The program places importance on measures for conflict of interest, anti-racism, and workplace well-being.