Open
Source verified September 30, 2026
Indigenous Reconciliation Program (IRP)
Funding for Indigenous collaboration on defence issues
Offered by
Latest source updateLast Update: September 30, 2026Latest change: The IRP guidelines now set the 2026-2027 proposal deadline at March 1, 2027 and add detailed rules for who can apply, what expenses are eligible, and how proposals are submitted.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 30, 2026
Latest change: The IRP guidelines now set the 2026-2027 proposal deadline at March 1, 2027 and add detailed rules for who can apply, what expenses are eligible, and how proposals are submitted.
IRP guidelines published with deadline and application rules
The Department of National Defence program guidelines now show the 2026-2027 proposal deadline as March 1, 2027, and note that funding may run out before that date. They also add more detailed instructions on proposal submission, post-submission review, and the documents needed to establish a funding agreement. The updated guidelines expand the listed applicant rules and eligible initiative examples, while also adding expense limitations and exclusions that shape what can be funded under the IRP.
Funding available
$ 50,000
Deadline
March 1, 2027
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Indigenous individuals and Indigenous-led organizations located in Canada
See full eligibility
Overview
The program provides up to $1.5 million per year to support collaboration between Indigenous communities and National Defence. It funds engagement, consultation, research support, and policy development activities related to defence matters.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Social Services
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Civic and Advocacy Organizations
- Children and Youth Organizations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Women & girls
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Engagement and Collaboration Grants to support costs associated with targeted or occasional events that encourage dialogue between Indigenous communities and military establishments and/or Defence programs.
- Research Support Contributions to support costs of various research activities or events intended to encourage participation and collaboration between Indigenous communities and/or organizations and military establishments and/or Defence programs.
- Policy Development Contributions to support the costs of longer term relationship-building and policy development projects related to the Defence mandate and Canada’s Defence Policy.
Documents Needed
- incorporation documents and bylaws
- indigenous organization's financial signing authority (Chief and Council for Bands; Chief Executive Officer, Chair, or Board of Directors for non-governmental organizations)
- a void cheque
- the most recent audited financial statements or annual financial reports performed by a certified accountant
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous individuals and Indigenous-led organizations located in Canada
- Indigenous Peoples (First Nation, Inuit and Métis)
- Indigenous Governments, including band councils or tribal councils, or its delegated authorities
- Indigenous organizations; Indigenous self-government entities; and Indigenous local, regional and national representative organizations
- Incorporated not-for-profit Indigenous controlled organizations; Incorporated for-profit Indigenous controlled organizations, when the work being performed under the transfer agreement is not-for-profit; and Indigenous-controlled unincorporated organizations
Who is not eligible
- Government of Canada employees and Canadian Armed Forces members are not eligible to receive grant and/or contribution funding from the Crown.
Eligible expenses
- Research costs, including subscriptions, travel and accommodation.
- Conference/seminar costs, including room rental, audiovisual rental, interpretation, materials, as well as travel, accommodation, hospitality/food, in accordance with GoC guidelines.
- Translation costs; administrative/support salary costs, including benefits; and professional services including contract costs for expertise not available in-house or work that cannot be performed in-house.
- Advertising/promotional material; licensing and other fees; travel costs in accordance with the National Joint Council Travel Directive; and facility/transportation rentals.
- Communications materials; disability related support; adaptive technology set up; and cultural activities.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Any costs not directly related to the approved activities.
- Insurance, interest charges, heating bills or other utilities, amortization, capital assets, honoraria, prizes, awards, and accolades.
- Costs related to litigation or any legal costs not specified in the proposal agreement; ongoing licensing fees; costs associated with the repayment or refinancing of an existing debt; and costs related to lobbying.
- Costs associated with the purchase of any assets for more than the fair market value of said asset; costs of land, building or vehicle acquisition; costs of goodwill; and employee benefits beyond normal practice i.e. Dividend, bonuses, or other fees to the project management team.
- Entertainment expenses, including but not limited-non-project related meals/beverages, travel, hospitality; and specifically, any indirect costs or core-like costs that are not directly related to the costs of undertaking the agreed upon activities.
Selection criteria
- Alignment with DND’s mandate and reconciliation objectives.
- Contribution to Indigenous engagement, consultation, and information sharing.
- Quality of the project description and expected milestones.
- Accessibility and inclusion for diverse Indigenous voices.
How to apply
- Complete, sign and date a proposal package. This includes the proposals general information, funding requested, and proposal information.
- Attach all the required supporting documents (for example letter of support from Chief and Council, Tribal Council/Organization).
- Submit your proposal to the following email address: IRP-PRPA@forces.gc.ca
- Verbal submissions can also be made by phone or in person, in either French or English. To do so, please schedule a meeting by contacting IRP-PRPA@forces.gc.ca.
Processing and Agreement
- You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt within 10 business days.
- A Program Officer will be assigned to your file and will contact you to discuss your proposal.
- You may be asked to provide additional information or revise your budget.
- The funding agreement is signed by your community or organization, and by the Department of National Defence (DND) and specifies the terms and conditions to receive payment.
- At a minimum, the Program will require activity and financial reports from the recipient.
Additional information
- Written applications can be submitted in English, French, or an Indigenous language.
- Verbal applications can be made in English or French.
- Requests are accepted until March 1 each fiscal year, or until funds are exhausted.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Reconciliation Program (IRP) Program
What is the Indigenous Reconciliation Program (IRP)?
The program provides up to $1.5 million per year to support collaboration between Indigenous communities and National Defence. It funds engagement, consultation, research support, and policy development activities related to defence matters.
How much funding can be received?
Indigenous Reconciliation Program (IRP) Funds up to $50,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Indigenous Reconciliation Program (IRP) program?
To be eligible for the Indigenous Reconciliation Program (IRP) program, you must:
Indigenous individuals and organizations only
Project must support reconciliation
Defence-related engagement or consultation
What expenses are eligible under Indigenous Reconciliation Program (IRP)?
Engagement and Collaboration Grants to support costs associated with targeted or occasional events that encourage dialogue between Indigenous communities and military establishments and/or Defence programs.
Research Support Contributions to support costs of various research activities or events intended to encourage participation and collaboration between Indigenous communities and/or organizations and military establishments and/or Defence programs.
Policy Development Contributions to support the costs of longer term relationship-building and policy development projects related to the Defence mandate and Canada’s Defence Policy.
Who can I contact for more information about the Indigenous Reconciliation Program (IRP)?
You can contact Government of Canada by email at IRP-PRPA@forces.gc.ca or by phone at 613-996-3100.
Where is the Indigenous Reconciliation Program (IRP) available?
The Indigenous Reconciliation Program (IRP) program is available across Canada.