The Low Carbon Economy Fund - Indigenous Leadership Fund
YT, Canada
The Indigenous Leadership Fund empowers Indigenous communities to lead climate action through renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon heating projects.
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Grant and Funding
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- Government of Canada
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The Indigenous Leadership Fund, under Canada's Low Carbon Economy Fund, provides up to $180 million by 2029 to support Indigenous-owned and led renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon heating projects. The fund aims to advance Indigenous climate leadership and support the self-determined climate, social, and economic priorities of Indigenous peoples, helping meet Canada's 2030 emissions reduction target and net-zero emissions by 2050. Eligible projects must be past the concept stage and incorporate proven technologies, offering broader environmental, social, and economic benefits.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Indigenous Leadership Fund supports Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-led projects that incorporate or make use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, or low-carbon heating technologies and practices. The projects must offer broader environmental, social, and economic benefits, and use proven technologies and practices.
- Renewable energy projects
- Energy efficiency projects
- Low-carbon heating projects
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The Indigenous Leadership Fund supports Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-led projects that meet specific criteria aimed at promoting climate action and benefiting Indigenous communities. Eligible projects must incorporate or make use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, or low-carbon heating technologies and offer broader environmental, social, and economic benefits.
- Incorporate or make use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, or low-carbon heating technologies and practices
- Offer broader environmental, social, and economic benefits
- Use proven technologies and practices (proven technologies usually correspond with a level 8 or above on the Technology Readiness Level Scale)
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The Indigenous Leadership Fund can provide funding to various types of Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-led companies and organizations. The grant specifically tailors support to those involved in renewable energy, energy efficiency, or low-carbon heating projects.
- First Nations-owned businesses and corporations
- First Nations tribal or band councils
- Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations
- First Nations not-for-profit organizations
- Inuit land claim organizations
- Métis governments
- Indigenous-owned businesses and corporations
- Indigenous not-for-profit organizations
- Métis Settlements
- Indigenous research, academic, or educational institutions
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
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- Step 1: Email the Indigenous Leadership Fund at LeadershipAutochtoneFEFEC-IndigenousLeadershipLCEF@ec.gc.ca to express interest and request the Eligibility Criteria and Expression of Interest form.
- Step 2: Complete and submit the Eligibility Criteria and Expression of Interest form to determine if the project would be eligible in principle for the appropriate funding stream (First Nations, Inuit, Métis, or Designated).
- Step 3: If the project is deemed eligible in principle, receive an application package.
- Step 4: Complete the application package with detailed information about the project, including transparent and comprehensive information on the ownership and governance structure if non-Indigenous partners are involved.
- Step 5: Submit the completed application package for review on an ongoing basis until available funding is allocated.
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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
Indigenous Leadership Fund: Empowering Indigenous Climate Leadership
The Indigenous Leadership Fund is a strategic initiative under Canada's Low Carbon Economy Fund, providing up to $180 million by 2029 to support Indigenous-led renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon heating projects. This program aims to meet Canada's 2030 emissions reduction target and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, emphasizing Indigenous ownership and leadership.
Detailed Overview of the Indigenous Leadership Fund
The Indigenous Leadership Fund, as part of Canada's Low Carbon Economy Fund, is a dedicated initiative to bolster climate action within Indigenous communities. Recognizing the critical role Indigenous peoples play in environmental stewardship, this fund aims to support projects that align with Canada’s ambitious climate targets. Below is a comprehensive exploration of the program, its objectives, eligibility criteria, application processes, and its broader implications.
Program Objectives
The core objectives of the Indigenous Leadership Fund are to support climate initiatives that are not only Indigenous-owned and led but also incorporate renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon heating technologies. The program aims to:
- Advance Indigenous climate leadership by fostering self-determined climate, social, and economic priorities.
- Support Canada's 2030 emissions reduction target and facilitate the path towards net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Provide financial backing for Indigenous communities to deploy proven clean energy technologies.
Funding Allocation
The Indigenous Leadership Fund allocates up to $180 million by 2029, divided among various streams tailored to First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and other eligible Indigenous groups. The funding streams are:
- First Nations Stream: Up to $73.9 million is allocated for First Nations governments, communities, and organizations. Each project can receive a maximum contribution of $6 million, emphasizing readiness for deployment or construction.
- Inuit Stream: Developed with the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and other Inuit land claim organizations, this stream enables each organization to create a project portfolio. Allocations are directed continuously over six years starting in 2023.
- Métis Stream: Similar to the Inuit Stream, the Métis Stream was developed in collaboration with the Métis National Council and five Métis governments, with allocations based on a funding formula from the Métis National Council.
- Designated Stream: This stream, opening from January 31, 2024, dedicates up to $7.39 million to Indigenous entities not covered by the other streams. It supports projects ready for deployment or construction.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Indigenous Leadership Fund, projects must meet stringent eligibility requirements:
- Indigenous Ownership and Leadership: Projects must be Indigenous-owned and led, incorporating broad environmental, social, and economic benefits.
- Proven Technologies: The use of proven technologies (Technology Readiness Level 8 or above) is mandatory to ensure project viability and effectiveness.
- Deployment Readiness: Eligible projects must be past the concept stage, with finalized or near-finalized planning and pre-feasibility activities, secured funding, and necessary agreements in place (such as partnership agreements, environmental assessments, permits, and power purchase agreements).
Application Process
The application process for the different streams involves several stages:
- Expression of Interest: Interested First Nations and Designated Stream applicants must submit an Expression of Interest form to determine eligibility in principle. If deemed eligible, applicants are then provided with an application package.
- Proposal Submission: For the First Nations stream, proposals are reviewed on an ongoing basis from October 30, 2023, to March 31, 2027. The Designated Stream follows a similar continuous intake process starting from January 31, 2024, until March 31, 2027.
- Collaboration and Development: For the Inuit and Métis streams, specific land claim organizations and Métis governments oversee the development and submission of project portfolios.
- Detailed Information: Proposals involving non-Indigenous partners must clearly outline the ownership and governance structures, ensuring transparency in decision-making processes.
Impact and Benefits
The Indigenous Leadership Fund aims to create substantial positive impacts across environmental, social, and economic dimensions:
- Environmental Benefits: By promoting renewable energy and efficient heating systems, the fund helps reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, contributing significantly to Canada’s climate goals.
- Economic Empowerment: The fund empowers Indigenous communities economically by fostering job creation, promoting sustainable business practices, and encouraging community resilience.
- Social Advancement: The projects supported by the fund align with the self-determined priorities of Indigenous peoples, thereby enhancing social cohesion and cultural integrity.
Collaboration and Partnership
The success of the Indigenous Leadership Fund hinges on robust collaboration between Indigenous communities, governments, and other stakeholders:
- Strategic Partnerships: Building effective partnerships is vital for securing funding, finalizing agreements, and ensuring project success.
- Capacity Building: The program promotes the development of skills and capacities within Indigenous communities to manage and sustain clean energy projects.
- Knowledge Sharing: By fostering a network of clean energy leaders, the fund encourages the exchange of best practices and innovative solutions.
Conclusion
The Indigenous Leadership Fund stands as a transformative initiative in Canada's climate action framework. By providing substantial financial support, the fund not only advances Indigenous climate leadership but also aligns with broader national and global sustainability goals. Through strategic collaborations, capacity building, and a clear focus on proven technologies, the fund ensures that Indigenous communities are at the forefront of the transition to a low-carbon economy. For those interested in contributing to or benefitting from this vital program, detailed guidance and application support are accessible via designated contact points, ensuring a streamlined path towards realizing impactful climate projects.
