Museums Assistance Program — Indigenous Heritage
Canada
Preserve and support Indigenous heritage
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateSeptember 05, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateNovember 01, 2023
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Canadian Heritage
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Maximum funding per fiscal year of $200,000 for projects related to the preservation, management and presentation of Indigenous cultural heritage in Canada.
grant_single_labels|projects
Projects related to the preservation, management, and presentation of Indigenous cultural heritage in Canada are eligible for the Indigenous Heritage component of the Museums Assistance Program.
- Preservation of Indigenous cultural artifacts
- Management of Indigenous heritage sites
- Presentation of Indigenous traditions and customs
- Development of educational programs on Indigenous heritage
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$200,000
Creation of an Indigenous cultural center
$150,000
Presentation of Métis traditions
$180,000
Management of Indigenous heritage sites
$200,000
Restoration of Indigenous artifacts at the Museum of Anthropology
$200,000
Traveling exhibition on Indigenous art and culture
$120,000
Development of educational programs on Inuit heritage
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Applicants must meet the criteria in one of three categories: Indigenous governing bodies or organizations with a mandate to preserve and support Indigenous heritage. OR 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. OR Incorporated non-profit Canadian museumsFootnote 1 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.Funding priority is given to projects submitted by Indigenous organizations and conducted for the benefit of Indigenous communities. Applications submitted by other heritage organizations are considered when a partnership with an Indigenous heritage group is demonstrated.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_single_labels|criteria
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
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the Indigenous Heritage — Museums Assistance Program grant:
- Step 1: Review Guidelines
- Consult the Application Guidelines – Indigenous Heritage thoroughly to understand requirements.
- Step 2: Contact Regional Office
- Reach out to the nearest regional office of the Department of Canadian Heritage to discuss your project.
- Step 3: Prepare Application
- Gather all necessary documents including your organization’s strategic/business plan if applicable.
- Ensure any partnership with Indigenous heritage groups is documented if required.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Access the Canadian Heritage Funding Portal.
- Complete the online application form with accurate project details and required attachments.
- Submit all application materials by November 1, 2023, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
- Step 5: Follow-Up
- Contact the Museums Assistance Program or regional office if you need assistance or clarification on the process.
- Consider reaching out for status updates if not contacted within a reasonable timeframe.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
Apply to this program
Funding Indigenous Cultural Heritage in Canada
The Indigenous Heritage component of the Museums Assistance Program by Canadian Heritage offers financial support to projects focused on the preservation and promotion of Indigenous cultural heritage across Canada. This program encourages applications from Indigenous governing bodies and organizations, as well as museums and non-profit organizations with established mandates to protect and present heritage to the public year-round.
Detailed Overview of the Indigenous Heritage Grant Component
The Museums Assistance Program's Indigenous Heritage component plays a crucial role in sustaining and enriching Indigenous cultural heritage within the Canadian landscape. It is specifically designed to support various heritage projects facilitated by Indigenous organizations and eligible museums that aim to preserve, manage, and showcase the vast and rich cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples in Canada. The program not only aids in maintaining heritage sites and Indigenous artifacts but also empowers communities by enabling them to bolster their cultural narratives and histories through dedicated projects.
The application period for this component opens each fall, with submissions accepted from early September to the start of November. This timeline allows for a thorough review of applications and planning phases for subsequent funding cycles, ensuring that projects are well-prepared to deliver substantial cultural impacts. One of the key objectives is to prioritize applications coming directly from Indigenous organizations, which helps in ensuring that the projects align closely with the needs and perspectives of Indigenous communities themselves. Collaborations between museums and Indigenous groups are also highly encouraged, fostering a cooperative approach to heritage preservation where knowledge and resources can be shared.
This initiative stands as a testament to the Canadian government's commitment to reconciliation and recognition of Indigenous peoples. By supporting Indigenous heritage projects, the grant facilitates enhanced cultural understanding and awareness, fostering a more inclusive narrative within the national context. These projects can range from educational programs that promote Indigenous languages and traditions, to exhibitions that provide valuable insights into Indigenous artistry and historical experiences. Furthermore, such initiatives support the transmission of cultural knowledge across generations, ensuring that these rich traditions are not only sustained but revitalized for future empowerment.
Applicants hoping to secure funding must align their proposals with strategic goals outlined in their current governance plans. This alignment emphasizes the importance of strategic foresight and operational readiness in delivering high-impact outcomes. Additionally, funding is contingent upon the demonstration of tangible benefits for Indigenous communities, which could manifest in cultural exchanges, capacity building, or even economic development through increased tourism in regions rich in Indigenous heritage.
Successful grant applications may receive extensive support which could encompass acquiring resources needed for project implementation, access to a network of experts, or ongoing guidance from Canadian Heritage representatives. The grant serves to amplify the efforts of Indigenous communities and participating organizations, ensuring that funded projects receive adequate support to meet their objectives sustainably and innovatively.
This program is transformative, offering more than just financial backing; it nurtures partnerships and fosters empowerment by enabling Indigenous voices to lead in the narrative of their cultural storytelling. The Museums Assistance Program's Indigenous Heritage component is an avenue for engagement and preservation, assisting in the development of a more equitable and culturally enriched society.