Closed
Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program
Funding for First Nations specific claims work
Last Update: April 29, 2026
Funding available
$ 40,000
Timeline
- Closing date : January 31, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
Provides financial assistance to First Nations for research, development, and submission of specific claims. Maximum research funding is up to $40,000 per active claim per fiscal year.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Conduct research and development activities
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 40,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : January 31, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Civic and Advocacy Organizations
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Research, development, and submission of specific claims
- Community engagement and consultation
- Historical, archival, and legal research
- Preparation of claims research reports and claim submissions
Documents Needed
- Band council resolution or other proof of mandate
- Annual or multi-year work plan
- Annual or multi-year budget
- Measurable progress report, if applicable
- Details of salaried positions and professional services, if applicable
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- First Nations
- Claims research units mandated by First Nations or bands
- Indigenous representative organizations
Who is not eligible
- Organizations without a First Nations mandate for the claim
- Applicants seeking funding for litigation or tribunal-related work
- Bands or First Nations already funded separately for the same claim through a claims research unit
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and wages
- Travel, accommodation, and administrative costs
- Professional services, including legal advice and research consultants
- Community meetings, workshops, honoraria, and communication products
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Litigation and Specific Claims Tribunal costs
- Travel expenses above Treasury Board travel rates
- Honoraria for First Nations representatives already salaried through band-administered funding
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
- Ontario
- Quebec
- Atlantic Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the Cross-Sector Initiatives Directorate.
- Funding is considered against the annual budget and program requirements.
- If approved, reporting obligations are set in the contribution agreement.
Additional information
- The application must be submitted by email to the Cross-Sector Initiatives Directorate.
- Reporting requirements are set out in the recipient’s contribution agreement.
- Funding must be reported separately from other funding received.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission 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.
What is the Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program?
Provides financial assistance to First Nations for research, development, and submission of specific claims. Maximum research funding is up to $40,000 per active claim per fiscal year.
How much funding can be received?
Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program Funds up to $40,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program program?
To be eligible for the Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program program, you must:
First Nations, claims research units, or Indigenous representative organizations
Active claim research
Work plan and budget required
What expenses are eligible under Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program?
Research, development, and submission of specific claims
Community engagement and consultation
Historical, archival, and legal research
Preparation of claims research reports and claim submissions
Who can I contact for more information about the Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program?
You can contact Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) by email at dsnprp-nsdscp@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca or by phone at 1-800-567-9604.
Where is the Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program available?
The Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Specific Claims Research, Development and Submission Program is a Grant and Funding