Closed
Source verified July 10, 2026
Indigenous Youth & Community Futures Fund (IYCFF)
Funding for Indigenous youth-led cultural projects
Latest source updateLast Update: May 24, 2026Latest change: The grant guidance now includes expanded project focus areas, revised ineligible-activities wording, and new oral and video application options.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 24, 2026
Latest change: The grant guidance now includes expanded project focus areas, revised ineligible-activities wording, and new oral and video application options.
Funding guidelines and application options updated
The grant guidance now reflects broader project focus areas, with a more detailed list of issue areas added to the fund’s scope. It also revises the wording on ineligible activities and adds oral and video submission options, changing how applicants can apply. The limited-internet path still routes applicants through email or the portal, and contact details appear to have only minor updates.
Funding available
$ 60,000
Deadline
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.
/100
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 : 60,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Startups
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 $60,000 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 or by phone at 416.964.3614.
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