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
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
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Indigenous Youth & Community Futures Fund (IYCFF). 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 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