The Low Carbon Economy Fund — Indigenous Leadership Fund

Q: How much funding can be received?

The Low Carbon Economy Fund — Indigenous Leadership Fund Funds up to 6000000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program is March 31, 2027. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.

Q: Is the The Low Carbon Economy Fund — Indigenous Leadership Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

The Low Carbon Economy Fund — Indigenous Leadership Fund is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the The Low Carbon Economy Fund — Indigenous Leadership Fund?

The Low Carbon Economy Fund — Indigenous Leadership Fund is funded by Government of Canada

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the The Low Carbon Economy Fund — Indigenous Leadership Fund?

You can contact Government of Canada by email at LeadershipAutochtoneFEFEC-IndigenousLeadershipLCEF@ec.gc.ca.

Q: Where is the The Low Carbon Economy Fund — Indigenous Leadership Fund available?

The The Low Carbon Economy Fund — Indigenous Leadership Fund program is available the province of Yukon.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the The Low Carbon Economy Fund — Indigenous Leadership Fund program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the The Low Carbon Economy Fund — Indigenous Leadership Fund program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

YT, Canada

Indigenous Leadership Fund supports climate action by Indigenous peoples

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $6,000,000

Timeline

Open Date : October 30, 2023
Closing date : March 31, 2027

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Government of Canada

Program status

Closed

Overview

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.

Financing 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.

Activities funded

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.

Eligibility

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.

Who is eligible?

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

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.

Selection 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

How to apply

Initial Inquiry

Contact the Indigenous Leadership Fund team by email at LeadershipAutochtoneFEFEC-IndigenousLeadershipLCEF@ec.gc.ca to express your interest in the fund.
Request the Eligibility Criteria and Expression of Interest form to determine preliminary eligibility.

Expression of Interest Form

Complete the Expression of Interest form with detailed information about your project.
Submit the completed form to the fund team via email for evaluation.

Receive Application Package

If your project is deemed eligible in principle, receive an application package from the fund team.
Review the application package for the necessary documents and requirements.

Complete Application

Prepare a detailed project proposal including project readiness and supporting documents such as partnership agreements, impact assessments, and funding confirmations.
Ensure all documents adhere to the guidelines provided in the application package.

Submit Application

Submit the complete application package to the Indigenous Leadership Fund as instructed in the application guidelines.
Ensure all required materials are included and deadlines are adhered to for current open calls.

Additional information

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

Contacts

LeadershipAutochtoneFEFEC-IndigenousLeadershipLCEF@ec.gc.ca

YT, Canada

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the The Low Carbon Economy Fund — Indigenous Leadership Fund Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the The Low Carbon Economy Fund — Indigenous Leadership Fund. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the The Low Carbon Economy Fund — Indigenous Leadership Fund?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under The Low Carbon Economy Fund — Indigenous Leadership Fund?

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.

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the The Low Carbon Economy Fund — Indigenous Leadership Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the The Low Carbon Economy Fund — Indigenous Leadership Fund?

Who is eligible for the The Low Carbon Economy Fund — Indigenous Leadership Fund program?

To be eligible for the The Low Carbon Economy Fund — Indigenous Leadership Fund program, you must: Applicants must be Indigenous-owned and led entities, including governments, communities, or organizations. Projects must incorporate renewable energy, energy efficiency, or low-carbon heating technologies and be ready for deployment or construction. Proposals with non-Indigenous partners must detail the ownership and governance structure, including decision-making processes.