Closed
The Indigenous Lifeways Fund
Funding for Indigenous-led community resilience projects
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000 - $ 50,000
Timeline
- Closing date : March 15, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $50,000 to support Indigenous-led initiatives that strengthen communities, cultural transmission, and environmental resilience. Eligible work includes community healing, Traditional Knowledge transfer, environmental justice, food sovereignty, youth leadership, and green infrastructure or restoration projects.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
- Minimum amount : 1,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : March 15, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Environment
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Community healing and wellness initiatives.
- Traditional Knowledge transfer to future generations.
- Environmental justice and restoration projects.
- Food sovereignty and land stewardship projects.
- Youth leadership, cultural revitalization, and MMIR awareness projects.
Documents Needed
- A project description.
- A project budget.
- Supporting attachments for the application, if needed.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Tribal Nations
- Indigenous-led nonprofit organizations
- Native community groups with a fiscal sponsor
- Indigenous individuals, on a case-by-case basis
Who is not eligible
- Groups that promote racism, sexism, homophobia, or other forms of oppression.
- Groups that force or exclude others based on religious or spiritual beliefs.
- Groups not making an effort to protect Mother Earth.
- Groups connected to political parties or partisan political activity.
Eligible expenses
- Short-term community outreach and gatherings.
- General operating support for new or existing projects.
- Green infrastructure or restoration project costs.
Eligible geographic areas
- Alaska
- Idaho
- Montana
- Oregon
- Washington
- Wyoming
- British Columbia
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the Community-based Grant Committee.
- Incomplete applications may be returned with support to resubmit.
- Decisions are announced after review.
- If selected, NIF Admin staff contacts applicants to finalize grant award details.
- Reporting is completed after the grant timeline ends and may include a conversation, storytelling, or site visit.
Additional information
- Grantees are eligible for only one Na’ah Illahee grant per calendar year.
- Incomplete applications may be returned with support to resubmit.
- The reporting process is co-created and may include conversation, storytelling, or site visits.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the The Indigenous Lifeways Fund Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the The Indigenous Lifeways Fund. 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 The Indigenous Lifeways Fund?
This program provides up to $50,000 to support Indigenous-led initiatives that strengthen communities, cultural transmission, and environmental resilience. Eligible work includes community healing, Traditional Knowledge transfer, environmental justice, food sovereignty, youth leadership, and green infrastructure or restoration projects.
How much funding can be received?
The Indigenous Lifeways Fund Funds up to $50,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the The Indigenous Lifeways Fund program?
To be eligible for the The Indigenous Lifeways Fund program, you must:
Indigenous-led applicant
Project in Greater Pacific Northwest
Tribal Nation, nonprofit, or community group
What expenses are eligible under The Indigenous Lifeways Fund?
Community healing and wellness initiatives.
Traditional Knowledge transfer to future generations.
Environmental justice and restoration projects.
Food sovereignty and land stewardship projects.
Youth leadership, cultural revitalization, and MMIR awareness projects.
Who can I contact for more information about the The Indigenous Lifeways Fund?
You can contact Na’ah Illahee Fund by email at info@naahillahee.org or by phone at 907.942.5013.
Where is the The Indigenous Lifeways Fund available?
The The Indigenous Lifeways Fund program is available across Canada.
Is the The Indigenous Lifeways Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
The Indigenous Lifeways Fund is a Grant and Funding