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Post-Secondary Partnership Program
Funding for First Nations post-secondary partnerships
Record updated
- Funding available
- $ 500,000
- Deadline
- Open continuously
- 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.
At a glance
Funding available
- Maximum funding
- $500,000
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Attract or retain talent
- Conduct research and development activities
- Develop workforce skills
- Strengthen organizational capacity
- Conduct research or evaluation activities
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Quebec
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- All organization sizes
- Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Legal structures
- All legal structures
Start applying for this program
Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
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
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
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
Documents Needed
- Completed proposal form
- Organization and contact information
- Project description and planned activities
- Budget and expense details
- Supporting documents, if required
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
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
Official sources
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.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
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?
Personnel salaries and benefits
Learning or instructional materials
Language and culture access activities
Facilities rental and operating costs
Administration costs, up to 15%
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.