Open
Closing Soon
Indigenous Program
Support for Indigenous audiovisual production
Last Update: April 29, 2026
Funding available
$ 750,000
Timeline
- Open Date : April 15, 2026
- Closing date : May 13, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
Supports Indigenous production projects at the production stage. Offers up to $750,000 for eligible audiovisual projects, including dramas, documentaries, children and youth, and variety and performing arts.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 750,000 $
- Up to 60% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : April 15, 2026
- Closing date : May 13, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Production of linear audiovisual content
- Indigenous documentary, drama, children and youth, or variety and performing arts projects
- Series or feature-length production
Documents Needed
- Indigenous identity declaration or statement
- Chain of title and rights agreements
- Project budget
- Production schedule
- Supporting materials or previous work samples
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit Canadian production companies
- Canadian broadcasters
- Indigenous-owned corporations and collectives
- Indigenous governing bodies
Who is not eligible
- Service companies without rights ownership
- Applicants without Indigenous ownership and control
- Applicants not in good standing with the ISO
- Organizations mainly producing talk shows, live sports, game shows with prizes, reality TV, music videos, or advertising
Eligible expenses
- Production budget costs deemed necessary and reasonable
- Indigenous apprentice positions
- Marketing costs such as publicity, festivals, and awards submissions
- Versioning costs for foreign market sales
- Related digital content costs, when included
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Prizes awarded to individuals
- Wrap parties, crew or cast gifts, and gifts to the public
- Costs already financed or paid by another funder
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Northern Canada, including Nunavut, Nunavik, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed first for eligibility and missing information
- Eligible projects are assessed by Indigenous peer reviewers
- Funding decisions are made by the ISO and applicants are notified through the portal
- Successful applicants must sign a contribution agreement
- Payment is processed after required documents are submitted
Additional information
- Applications are submitted directly to the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO).
- Selected applicants must sign a funding agreement before applying to other CMF programs.
- A final report is required within three months after project completion.
- Peer assessment is used for project selection.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Indigenous Program. 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 Indigenous Program?
Supports Indigenous production projects at the production stage. Offers up to $750,000 for eligible audiovisual projects, including dramas, documentaries, children and youth, and variety and performing arts.
How much funding can be received?
Indigenous Program Funds up to 60% of admissible expenses, capped at $750,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is **May 13, 2026**. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the Indigenous Program program?
To be eligible for the Indigenous Program program, you must:
Canadian-controlled for-profit production company or broadcaster
At least 51% Indigenous ownership and control
Linear audiovisual project with Indigenous writer or director
What expenses are eligible under Indigenous Program?
Production of linear audiovisual content
Indigenous documentary, drama, children and youth, or variety and performing arts projects
Series or feature-length production
Who can I contact for more information about the Indigenous Program?
You can contact Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) by email at cmf.fmc.coordination@telefilm.ca.
Where is the Indigenous Program available?
The Indigenous Program program is available across Canada.