Northern REACHE Program
Last Update: July 22, 2025
NU, Canada
Money for clean energy projects in the territories
Northern REACHE Program at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
Grant Providers
- Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)
- Government of Canada
Program status
Open
Overview of the Northern REACHE Program program
Receive funding for your clean and efficiency energy projects in Indigenous, rural and remote communities across Canada. Projects should aim to reduce Northern communities' reliance on diesel for heating and electricity.
Eligible projects & activities
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 500,000
Upgrading heating systems in remote schools
$ 900,000
Implementing biomass heating systems public buildings
$ 600,000
Installation of solar panels in indigenous community to reduce diesel dependency
$ 350,000
Hydroelectricity feasibility study and planning
$ 225,000
Developing an energy efficiency planning framework
$ 250,000
Feasibility study for wind turbine installation
Eligibility criteria of the Northern REACHE Program program
Eligibility for this grant is designed to support northern and Indigenous communities in their transition to renewable energy sources.
- Applicants must be from communities located in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, or Nunatsiavut.
- Projects must aim to reduce reliance on diesel for heating and electricity.
- Proposals must involve renewable energy or energy efficiency initiatives, including capacity building and planning.
Who is eligible?
This program is designed to support Northern Indigenous communities in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut, as they transition to renewable energy sources, thereby reducing their reliance on diesel for heating and electricity. The focus is on enhancing energy security, supporting reconciliation, and promoting self-determination for Indigenous peoples through clean energy initiatives.
Eligible expenses
This grant supports northern and Indigenous communities in their transition to renewable and sustainable energy sources. The projects focus on reducing reliance on diesel and enhancing local energy security through renewable energy initiatives.
- Feasibility and planning of hydroelectricity projects.
- Grid interconnection projects to support energy distribution.
- Renewable energy capacity building and development.
- Energy efficiency project implementation.
- Support for community-led clean energy projects.
Eligible geographic areas
The Northern REACHE program provides funding for renewable energy projects in specific Northern and Indigenous regions to promote sustainable development. Eligible areas are carefully selected to support the communities' transition to cleaner energy alternatives.
- Yukon
- Northwest Territories
- Nunavut
- Nunavik
- Nunatsiavut
Eligibility criteria of the Northern REACHE Program program
The Northern REACHE program has evaluation and selection criteria to determine the funding recipients. The criteria focus on the impact of the proposed projects on reducing reliance on diesel, promoting renewable energy sources, and benefiting Indigenous communities.
- Impact on reducing reliance on diesel for heating and electricity
- Promotion of local renewable energy sources and energy efficiency
- Benefits to Indigenous communities and support for sustainable development
- Alignment with program objectives and priorities
- Feasibility and planning considerations for the proposed projects
How to apply to the Northern REACHE Program program
1
Review Program Information
- Visit the Wah-ila-toos: Funding opportunities page to understand eligibility and project types.
- Ensure your project aligns with the objectives of the Northern REACHE program.
2
Contact for Guidance
- Email aadnc.northernreache.aandc@canada.ca to request an application guide and for any specific queries.
- Engage in any information sessions provided for further understanding.
3
Prepare Application
- Utilize the common application form applicable to any Wah-ila-toos program.
- Compile all necessary documentation, including project plans, budgets, and feasibility studies.
- Incorporate any guidance from the Indigenous Council if applicable to your community.
4
Submit Application
- Submit your application at any time as there is no deadline.
- Ensure all documents are complete and submitted via the appropriate channels mentioned in the application guide.
5
Await Response
- Receive confirmation of receipt of your application.
- Anticipate ongoing communication from the reviewers regarding any additional information required or updates on application status.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program offers a single-window initiative to simplify access to clean energy funding, making it easier for Indigenous, rural, and remote communities to apply.
- An Indigenous Council will guide the work, ensuring the program aligns with community priorities and Indigenous climate leadership goals.
- On-going conversations and information sessions are conducted to improve program delivery.
- No application deadline is set, and applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
- Since its inception, the program has funded 140 projects and invested over $29 million in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, indicating a strong precedent for similar projects to receive support.
- Additional $40.4 million funding is available specifically for feasibility and planning stages of hydroelectricity projects until 2024.
Contact Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)
aadnc.northernreache.aandc@canada.ca
Apply to this program
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