Museums Assistance Program — Indigenous Heritage

This grant assists eligible organizations in preserving Indigenous cultural heritage through structured financial support, although specific financing modalities are not explicitly detailed in the available documentation. It aims to prioritize projects that directly benefit Indigenous communities.

• The funding is specifically for projects related to preservation, management, and presentation of Indigenous cultural heritage.
• Priority is given to projects submitted by Indigenous organizations or those demonstrating partnerships with Indigenous heritage groups.
• While detailed funding structures like co-financing ratios or payment schedules are not specified, the program emphasizes collaboration and direct community impact.
• Applications may be considered outside the regular funding cycle under exceptional circumstances, suggesting some flexibility in timing or funding allocation.

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements that applicants must meet in one of three defined categories.

• Indigenous governing bodies or organizations with a mandate to preserve and support Indigenous heritage.
• Museums associations and incorporated non-profit Canadian service organizations, whose membership relates to the museum sector, which:
  • provide services to the public year-round;
  • employ the equivalent of one full-time paid professional staff;
  • have a current three to five-year strategic/business plan.
• Incorporated non-profit Canadian museums which:
  • provide services to the public year-round;
  • employ the equivalent of one full-time paid professional staff;
  • have policies for key museum functions;
  • have a current three to five-year strategic/business plan.

Who is eligible?

Who is not eligible

Ineligibility for this grant is primarily based on the governance level and federal status of organizations. Restrictions ensure that funding aligns with the program's heritage and cultural objectives.

• Federal departments, Crown corporations, and agencies.

Eligible expenses

This grant supports projects dedicated to the preservation, management, and presentation of Indigenous cultural heritage in Canada. Activities must align with the goal of benefiting Indigenous communities through enhanced heritage initiatives.

• Projects focused on the preservation and protection of Indigenous cultural heritage.
• Initiatives aimed at managing Indigenous heritage resources effectively.
• Exhibitions or presentations designed to showcase Indigenous cultural heritage.
• Collaborative projects between Indigenous organizations and other heritage organizations.

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include:

• Relevance of the project to Indigenous cultural heritage preservation and presentation
• Clarity and feasibility of the project proposal
• Demonstrated benefit to Indigenous communities
• Evidence of partnership with Indigenous groups for non-Indigenous organization applications

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• Funding priority is given to projects submitted by Indigenous organizations for the benefit of Indigenous communities.
• Other heritage organizations can apply if they demonstrate a partnership with an Indigenous heritage group.
• Under exceptional circumstances, applications may be considered outside the regular funding cycle, subject to fund availability.
• Applicants are encouraged to contact their nearest regional office of the Department of Canadian Heritage to discuss their project before applying.
• Agents are available to assist with queries from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.