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Oshki Wupoowane | The Blanket Fund - Capacity Building Grants

Q: Who is eligible for the Oshki Wupoowane | The Blanket Fund - Capacity Building Grants program?

To be eligible for the Oshki Wupoowane | The Blanket Fund - Capacity Building Grants program, you must: Indigenous-led organization Under 6 full-time staff Serves Indigenous communities

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Oshki Wupoowane | The Blanket Fund - Capacity Building Grants?

You can contact The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF).

Q: Where is the Oshki Wupoowane | The Blanket Fund - Capacity Building Grants available?

The Oshki Wupoowane | The Blanket Fund - Capacity Building Grants program is available across Canada.

Last Update: March 4, 2026

Canada

Capacity building for grassroots Indigenous-led initiatives

Grant and Funding

The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

Processing And Agreement

Other info

Overview

This funding supports capacity building for grassroots Indigenous-led initiatives with significant impact potential. It can provide up to $175,000 per year per organization for eligible capacity-building activities, for up to four years.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Increasing community impact

Strengthening governance

Develop strategic partnerships

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 175,000 $

Timeline

Closing date : May 30, 2025

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

Health care and social assistance
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Other services (except public administration)

Location

Canada

Legal structures

Non-profit

Annual revenue

$ 1,000,000 maximum revenue

Organisation size

6 employees maximum

Audience

All groups

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation

Culture and Arts
Economic, Social and Community Development

Target groups

Indigenous peoples
Artists / creatives
Nonprofits / charities

Revenue structures

All structures

Scope

All dimensions

Activities funded

Capacity-building initiatives that increase organizational or community capacity.
Activities that expand networks for Indigenous-led partners.
Development or strengthening of programs delivered by Indigenous-led partners.
Initiatives that increase the profile of selected partners.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 170,000

Build staffing, systems, and partnerships for Indigenous youth arts program

$ 172,500

Create a shared makers hub with training and online sales capacity

Eligibility

Applicant is Indigenous-led.
Applicant is a small organization with fewer than 6 full-time staff.
Applicant has an annual operating budget under $1,000,000.
Applicant is a grassroots Indigenous charity, program, community, initiative, or an artist/maker initiative with potential for significant impact.
Applicant directly serves Indigenous people and communities.

Who is eligible?

Indigenous community groups
Councils
Collectives
Indigenous-led not-for-profit organizations
Registered charities

Processing and Agreement

Applicants are notified in August 2025.
Applicants that meet the criteria proceed to Phase B.

Additional information

The fund was launched with an initial $1 million investment from Hudson’s Bay Foundation.
100% of net proceeds from the sale of all HBC Point Blankets are committed to the fund going forward.
The fund has grown to more than $1.5 million to be disbursed to successful applicants over multiple years.
Applicants are notified in August 2025; those meeting the criteria proceed to Phase B.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Oshki Wupoowane | The Blanket Fund - Capacity Building Grants Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Oshki Wupoowane | The Blanket Fund - Capacity Building Grants. 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.