
Closed
Oshki Wupoowane | The Blanket Fund - Capacity Building Grants
Capacity building for grassroots Indigenous-led initiatives
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 175,000
Timeline
- Closing date : May 30, 2025
Location
Canada
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- 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
Next steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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.
Eligibility
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.
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.
What is the Oshki Wupoowane | The Blanket Fund - Capacity Building Grants?
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.
How much funding can be received?
Oshki Wupoowane | The Blanket Fund - Capacity Building Grants Funds up to $175,000 of admissible expenses.
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
What expenses are eligible under Oshki Wupoowane | The Blanket Fund - Capacity Building Grants?
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.
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).
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.
Is the Oshki Wupoowane | The Blanket Fund - Capacity Building Grants a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Oshki Wupoowane | The Blanket Fund - Capacity Building Grants is a Grant and Funding
More programs like this
Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export-Ready StreamMax $2,500,00075%
Explore and Create — Concept to RealizationMax $100,000
International outreach — TravelMax $30,000
Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS)$15,000-$90,00075%

