Open
Lands and Economic Development Services Program
Supports Indigenous economic and land development
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : May 12, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
The Lands and Economic Development Services Program supports First Nations and Inuit communities through operational and project-based funding. It helps advance economic development, land management, environmental management, capacity building, and proposal development.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : May 12, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Utilities
- Construction
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
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
- Community economic development planning.
- Capacity development for land, environmental, and economic management.
- Land use planning and land designation activities.
- Environmental management and pollution prevention initiatives.
- Preparation of proposals to raise financial resources.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form.
- Project description and activity plan.
- Project cost and financing details.
- Supporting documents, if applicable.
- Proof of community support, if applicable.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- First Nations and Inuit communities and their governments.
- Tribal councils.
- Organizations and associations controlled by First Nations or Inuit communities.
- Non-Indigenous organizations and associations, except charitable or religious organizations.
Who is not eligible
- Organizations and associations with charitable or religious purposes.
Eligible expenses
- Economic development planning and capacity-building costs.
- Proposal development and project management services.
- Land management and environmental management activities.
- Costs related to land use planning, compliance, and environmental planning.
- Expenses for land designations, leases, permits, and surveys supporting economic development.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the ISC regional office.
- Requests are assessed against program objectives, eligibility, and eligible project costs.
- Projects may be reviewed by internal and/or external reviewers at the regional or national level.
- Funding is not guaranteed and depends on the assessment outcome.
Additional information
- The program combines five prior community-based economic and land management support programs under a single initiative.
- Administered by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) since 2014.
- Priority is given to initiatives that strengthen land management and economic development within Indigenous communities.
- Date of last modification for program information: June 11, 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Lands and Economic Development Services Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Lands and Economic Development Services 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 Lands and Economic Development Services Program?
The Lands and Economic Development Services Program supports First Nations and Inuit communities through operational and project-based funding. It helps advance economic development, land management, environmental management, capacity building, and proposal development.
Who is eligible for the Lands and Economic Development Services Program program?
To be eligible for the Lands and Economic Development Services Program program, you must:
First Nations or Inuit communities.
Projects for economic, land, or environmental management.
What expenses are eligible under Lands and Economic Development Services Program?
Community economic development planning.
Capacity development for land, environmental, and economic management.
Land use planning and land designation activities.
Environmental management and pollution prevention initiatives.
Preparation of proposals to raise financial resources.
Who can I contact for more information about the Lands and Economic Development Services Program?
You can contact Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).
Where is the Lands and Economic Development Services Program available?
The Lands and Economic Development Services Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Lands and Economic Development Services Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Lands and Economic Development Services Program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Lands and Economic Development Services Program?
Lands and Economic Development Services Program is funded by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)