Closed
Post-Secondary Partnership Program
Funding for First Nations post-secondary partnerships
Last Update: April 29, 2026
Funding available
$ 500,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
Funding for First Nations-led post-secondary partnerships and programming. It supports culturally relevant education, course delivery, and related development activities, with maximum funding normally up to $500,000 per recipient.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 500,000 $
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Developing and delivering post-secondary education programming
- Delivering instruction, tutoring, and teaching support
- Converting courses for online or distance delivery
- Offering individual courses
- Researching and developing new courses and programs
Documents Needed
- Completed proposal form
- Organization and contact information
- Project description and planned activities
- Budget and expense details
- Supporting documents, if required
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Recognized First Nations band councils
- Organizations designated by band councils
- First Nations established post-secondary institutions
- The First Nations University of Canada
Who is not eligible
- Applicants seeking core operational funding only
- Projects limited to capital or maintenance work
- Projects for student expenses covered elsewhere under student support programs
Eligible expenses
- Personnel salaries and benefits
- Learning or instructional materials
- Language and culture access activities
- Facilities rental and operating costs
- Administration costs, up to 15%
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Capital costs
- Maintenance costs
- Permanent staff salaries
- Student tuition
- Student books and supplies
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Regional delivery through ISC regional offices
Selection criteria
- Labour market need: 20 points
- Response to First Nations educational needs and support: 15 points
- Planned activities, outcomes, and past success: 15 points
- Innovative and efficient delivery: 15 points
- Budget and funding partners: 10 points each
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact your ISC regional office
- Confirm the call for proposals opening dates
- Request guidance on the regional application process
- Step 2: Prepare the proposal
- Complete the required proposal information
- Describe the project, activities, outcomes, and budget
- Gather any required supporting documents
- Step 3: Submit through the regional process
- Follow the instructions provided by the ISC regional office
- Submit the proposal within the regional call period
Processing and Agreement
- Proposals are reviewed by regional First Nations-led bodies or by ISC, depending on the regional option
- Applicants receive written confirmation of approval or refusal
- Successful applicants enter into a funding agreement
- Some regions may maintain a waiting list for future funding
- Multi-year funding may be considered for low-risk recipients
Additional information
- The program is proposal-based and regionally delivered.
- Local program guidelines may be issued by recipients.
- An appeals mechanism must be included in local guidelines.
- Funding decisions depend on regional priorities and available budget.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Post-Secondary Partnership Program Program
What is the Post-Secondary Partnership Program?
Funding for First Nations-led post-secondary partnerships and programming. It supports culturally relevant education, course delivery, and related development activities, with maximum funding normally up to $500,000 per recipient.
How much funding can be received?
Post-Secondary Partnership Program Funds up to $500,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Post-Secondary Partnership Program program?
To be eligible for the Post-Secondary Partnership Program program, you must:
Recognized First Nations entity
Post-secondary education focus
Meets regional criteria
What expenses are eligible under Post-Secondary Partnership Program?
Developing and delivering post-secondary education programming
Delivering instruction, tutoring, and teaching support
Converting courses for online or distance delivery
Offering individual courses
Researching and developing new courses and programs
Who can I contact for more information about the Post-Secondary Partnership Program?
You can contact Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) by email at pse-eps@sac-isc.gc.ca.
Where is the Post-Secondary Partnership Program available?
The Post-Secondary Partnership Program program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the Post-Secondary Partnership Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Post-Secondary Partnership Program is a Partnering and Collaboration