The Low Carbon Economy Fund — Indigenous Leadership Fund
grant_single|update April 4, 2025
YT, Canada
Indigenous Leadership Fund supports climate action by Indigenous peoples
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDate October 30, 2023
- grant_single|closingDate March 31, 2027
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The Indigenous Leadership Fund, as part of the Low Carbon Economy Fund, provides up to $180 million by 2029 to support climate action through Indigenous-owned and led renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon heating projects. The maximum funding per project is $6 million, aimed at meeting Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction target and advancing Indigenous climate leadership.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant provides tailored financing modalities for Indigenous-led projects aiming to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency. Funding support is structured to accommodate various project requirements and phases.
- Maximum ECCC contribution of $6 million per project.
- Funding available up to 2029 to support climate action by Indigenous peoples.
- No deadline to apply, allowing for ongoing proposal reviews until funding is fully allocated.
- Distinctions-based funding approach accommodating First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and other eligible Indigenous applicants.
- Co-funding arrangements requiring projects to be past the concept stage and ready for deployment.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Indigenous Leadership Fund supports projects centered on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon heating initiatives with Indigenous leadership and ownership. These projects aim to advance Indigenous climate leadership while providing environmental, social, and economic benefits to Indigenous communities.
- Implementation of Indigenous-owned and led renewable energy projects.
- Development of energy efficiency improvements in Indigenous communities.
- Installation of low-carbon heating technologies controlled and operated by Indigenous peoples.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the Indigenous Leadership Fund is determined by specific criteria related to the ownership and leadership of the projects.
- Projects must be Indigenous-owned and led.
- Eligible applicants include Indigenous governments, communities, and organizations.
- Projects must incorporate renewable energy, energy efficiency, or low-carbon heating technologies and practices.
- Eligible projects must offer broader environmental, social, and economic benefits.
- Projects should use proven technologies and practices, generally aligned with a level 8 or above on the Technology Readiness Level Scale.
- Proposals must clearly disclose partnerships, ownership, and governance structures if they include non-Indigenous partners.
- Projects must be past the concept stage, with planning and pre-feasibility activities completed, and should have secured necessary funding and finalized or near finalization of all agreements and assessments.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Indigenous Leadership Fund is open to Indigenous governments, communities, and organizations, with specific funding streams available for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis applicants. Additionally, a designated stream is available for Indigenous entities not included in the three primary distinctions-based funding streams. Eligible entities include:- First Nations governments, communities, and organizations such as band councils and First Nations-owned businesses.- Inuit land claim organizations including Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, The Makivvik Corporation, Nunatsiavut Government, and Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.- Métis governments such as Métis Nation of Ontario, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation British Columbia, and Manitoba Métis Federation.- Indigenous-owned businesses, Indigenous not-for-profits, Métis Settlements, and Indigenous research or educational institutions under the designated stream.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports Indigenous-led projects utilizing renewable energy and low-carbon technologies to reduce emissions and benefit Indigenous communities. It aims to advance climate leadership and address social and economic priorities through sustainable development initiatives.
- Implementation of Indigenous-owned renewable energy projects.
- Development of energy-efficient systems in Indigenous communities.
- Deployment of low-carbon heating technologies in Indigenous settings.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The Indigenous Leadership Fund targets Indigenous-owned and led projects. The funding supports Indigenous communities in Canada across distinctions-based streams.
- First Nations communities throughout Canada.
- Communities represented by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and various Inuit land claim organizations.
- Communities recognized by the Métis National Council and affiliated Métis governments.
- Other Indigenous communities within Canada not included in the specific streams for First Nations, Inuit, or Métis.
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. Proposals are evaluated based on their eligibility, the readiness of the project for deployment or construction, and comprehensive details on ownership and governance structures, especially for projects involving non-Indigenous partners.
- Eligibility in principle for the specific funding stream
- Completion of project planning and pre-feasibility activities
- Other funding secured or close to being secured
- Finalization or near-finalization of partnership agreements
- Impact or environmental assessments
- Permitting requirements
- Power purchase agreements
- Transparent and comprehensive information on ownership and governance structure for proposals including non-Indigenous partners
grant_single_labels|apply
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grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Indigenous Leadership Fund provides significant financial support for climate action initiatives led by Indigenous communities. The program focuses on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon heating.
- Part of Canada's 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan
- Up to $32.2 million allocated for the Atlin Hydro Expansion project
- Maximum Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) contribution is $6 million per project
- Utilizes a distinctions-based approach with funding streams for First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and other eligible Indigenous applicants
- Call for proposals open from October 30, 2023, to March 31, 2027, for First Nations
- Designated stream proposals open from January 31, 2024, to March 31, 2027
- Eligible projects must be past the concept stage and ready for deployment or construction
- Applicants encouraged to submit projects that help reduce GHG emissions in 2030 and align with net-zero emissions goals for 2050
grant_single_labels|contact
LeadershipAutochtoneFEFEC-IndigenousLeadershipLCEF@ec.gc.ca
Apply to this program
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