The Participant Funding Program provides financial support to individuals, non-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities to facilitate their participation in federal impact assessments, including project-specific, regional, or strategic reviews. The program funds activities such as public engagement and consultation during key assessment stages, although the maximum funding amount is not specified.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Increasing community impact

Raise awareness and mobilize the public

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Closing date : September 12, 2025

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

All industries

Location

Canada

Legal structures

Non-profit
Public or Parapublic institution

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

Indigenous Peoples
Canadians

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation

Research
Environment
Civic and Advocacy Organizations
Diversity and Inclusion

Target groups

General public
Indigenous peoples
Rural / Remote communities
Nonprofits / charities
Community leaders

Revenue structures

All structures

Scope

Local
Regional
National

Activities funded

Participation in project-specific, regional, or strategic impact assessments.
Engagement in public consultation or Indigenous consultation activities during assessments.
Contribution to follow-up programs associated with impact assessments.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 16,500

Community outreach on impacts of LNG project and Indigenous rights

$ 17,000

Collecting health and environmental data for regional wind farm proposal

$ 17,500

Preparation of technical review on pipeline impacts for assessment hearing

$ 14,000

Engaging local residents in public consultations for mine expansion

$ 18,000

Facilitating Indigenous knowledge sharing at public impact assessment forums

$ 13,000

Coordinating stakeholder feedback for harbour redesign environmental study

Eligibility

The applicant must be an individual, a non-profit organization, or an Indigenous community or organization.
The applicant must seek to participate in a project-specific, regional, or strategic assessment.
The applicant must demonstrate how their participation will add value or provide relevant knowledge or expertise to the assessment.
The applicant must meet at least one of the following: have a direct local interest in the assessment area; possess community knowledge or Indigenous Knowledge relevant to the assessment; provide expert information on anticipated impacts of the project; or have an interest in the project's potential impacts on Treaty or traditional lands, settlement lands, or related rights.

Who is eligible?

Non-profit organizations
Indigenous communities and organizations
Individuals

Eligible expenses

Expenses for participation activities related to the assessment, provided that invoices and/or receipts are submitted for reimbursement.

Eligible geographic areas

Companies, organizations, and communities located in Canada.
Individuals or organizations with a direct or local interest in the area of impact assessment conducted in Canada.

Selection criteria

Demonstration of how participation will add value to the assessment process.
Provision of relevant knowledge or expertise to the assessment.

How to apply

Review eligibility and project details

Identify the assessment project you wish to participate in
Review eligibility criteria for the Participant Funding Program

Complete the application form

Download the application form specific to the chosen assessment project
Complete the application form accurately
Gather all necessary supporting documents

Submit your application

Submit your completed application form and supporting documents by email to fp-paf@iaac-aeic.gc.ca
Ensure submission is before the applicable deadline for your chosen project

Await funding decision

Wait for the Agency to evaluate your application
The Agency will communicate funding decisions, typically within one to two months after the application deadline

Sign the funding agreement

If approved, sign a contribution or grant agreement as instructed

Submit financial report for reimbursement

Prepare a detailed financial report if required under your agreement
Submit supporting invoices and receipts for reimbursement of eligible expenses

Additional information

Applicants are generally informed of funding decisions within one to two months after the application deadline.
Successful applicants must enter into either a contribution or grant agreement.
Existing contribution agreement holders are required to submit a detailed financial report with supporting invoices and/or receipts for reimbursement.
Legislative and procedural updates to the program may occur following amendments to the Impact Assessment Act, with relevant resources updated accordingly.

Contacts

fp-paf@iaac-aeic.gc.ca

1-866-582-1884

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Participant Funding Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Participant Funding Program. 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.