Closed
Indigenous Youth & Community Futures Fund (IYCFF)
Funding for Indigenous youth-led cultural projects
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
$ 30,000
Timeline
- Closing date : March 6, 2025
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Indigenous Youth & Community Futures Fund supports Indigenous youth-led projects that strengthen land, language, culture, and community relationships. Funding is available for small-scale projects that support decolonization, cultural resurgence, and environmental justice across Ontario.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 30,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : March 6, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 2 employees minimum
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Environment
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Land-based learning and stewardship
- Language immersion and cultural learning
- Environmental justice and land or water protection
- Culture camps and community building
- Education on rights, laws, and decolonization
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Project proposal
- Proof of Indigenous identity for youth leads
- Partnership details, if using an Organizational Mentor
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Black youth-led groups
- Charities, nonprofits, and grassroots groups
Who is not eligible
- For-profit entities
- Groups not led by Black youth
Eligible expenses
- Project activities and materials
- Administrative costs
- Small equipment and technology costs
- Transportation, food, and childcare
- Salaries and honorariums for youth staff, Elders, knowledge keepers, and facilitators
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Purchase of land or real estate
- Capital expenses for immovable assets, including buildings
- Fundraising campaigns
- Endowments
- For-profit enterprises and partisan political or strictly religious activities
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Alignment with Indigenous youth priorities
- Projects led and informed by youth
- Strength of community relationships and buy-in
- Priority for remote areas and northern Ontario
- Projects that address environmental racism and support cultural resurgence
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the guidelines
- Check the program rules and eligibility details.
- Step 2: Create or use your portal account
- Access the online grant management portal to start the application.
- Step 3: Prepare an alternate format if needed
- If internet access is limited, use the Word version or request an oral, video, or PowerPoint application.
- Step 4: Submit the application
- Send it through the online portal or by email/paper mail as instructed.
- Completed applications can be sent to abernard@laidlawfdn.org.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for eligibility and then shortlisted
- Eligible applications aligned with program priorities are shared with Indigenous Advisors
- Advisors review shortlisted applications and recommend funding decisions
- Recommended projects are forwarded to the Foundation’s Board for ratification
- Successful applicants review and sign an agreement before funding is paid
Additional information
- Indigenous youth-led groups may apply with adult allies, Elders, or community members in supportive roles.
- Unincorporated grassroots groups may apply, but successful applicants may need an Organizational Mentor.
- Priority is given to projects in remote areas or northern Ontario.
- Applications may be submitted in oral, video, PowerPoint, email, or paper-mail formats if internet access is limited.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Youth & Community Futures Fund (IYCFF) Program
What is the Indigenous Youth & Community Futures Fund (IYCFF)?
The Indigenous Youth & Community Futures Fund supports Indigenous youth-led projects that strengthen land, language, culture, and community relationships. Funding is available for small-scale projects that support decolonization, cultural resurgence, and environmental justice across Ontario.
How much funding can be received?
Indigenous Youth & Community Futures Fund (IYCFF) Funds up to $30,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Indigenous Youth & Community Futures Fund (IYCFF) program?
To be eligible for the Indigenous Youth & Community Futures Fund (IYCFF) program, you must:
Indigenous youth-led group
Based in Ontario
Project led by youth 35 and under
What expenses are eligible under Indigenous Youth & Community Futures Fund (IYCFF)?
Land-based learning and stewardship
Language immersion and cultural learning
Environmental justice and land or water protection
Culture camps and community building
Education on rights, laws, and decolonization
Who can I contact for more information about the Indigenous Youth & Community Futures Fund (IYCFF)?
You can contact Laidlaw Foundation (LF) by email at abernard@laidlawfdn.org.
Where is the Indigenous Youth & Community Futures Fund (IYCFF) available?
The Indigenous Youth & Community Futures Fund (IYCFF) program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Indigenous Youth & Community Futures Fund (IYCFF) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Indigenous Youth & Community Futures Fund (IYCFF) is a Grant and Funding