The Indigenous Partnerships for Species at Risk (IPSAR)

• Project funding typically ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 per project, per year.
• Minimum matching contribution required from non-federal sources is 0.20:1 for Indigenous applicants (i.e., $0.20 match per $1 IPSAR funding).
• For non-Indigenous applicants, the minimum matching contribution is 1:1 from non-federal sources (i.e., $1 match per $1 IPSAR funding).
• Matching requirements can be met over the entire duration of the project, not necessarily in each year.

• The applicant must be an Indigenous community or organization located in Canada (including Indigenous not-for-profit and for-profit organizations, territorially-based Indigenous groups, Chiefs' councils, district councils, tribal councils, traditionally appointed advisory committees, Indigenous corporations, partnerships, research or academic institutions, cultural education centres, land/resource management authorities, co-operatives, societies, boards and commissions).
• Other organizations (including non-Indigenous) are eligible only if mandated by an eligible Indigenous recipient to apply on their behalf.
• Projects must support the conservation, protection, and recovery of species at risk or culturally significant species and their habitats.
• Project activities must take place on eligible Indigenous lands or lands where traditional Indigenous activities occur.

Who is eligible?

• Indigenous not-for-profit organizations
• Indigenous for-profit organizations
• Territorially-based Indigenous groups
• Chiefs' councils, district councils, and tribal councils
• Indigenous corporations, partnerships, and groups
• Indigenous research, academic, and educational institutions
• Indigenous cultural education centres
• Indigenous land/resource management authorities
• Indigenous co-operatives
• Indigenous societies, boards, and commissions

Who is not eligible

• Non-Indigenous companies or organizations that are not mandated by an eligible Indigenous group.
• Organizations conducting projects on lands not controlled by Indigenous peoples or not associated with Indigenous traditional activities.
• Businesses proposing activities unrelated to the conservation, protection, or recovery of species at risk and their habitats.
• Applicants seeking funding for aquatic species projects, as these are managed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Eligible expenses

• Costs for habitat protection through purchase, donation, or securement means.
• Expenses related to habitat improvement, such as materials and services for enhancing or restoring habitats and changing land or water management practices.
• Direct stewardship intervention costs to protect species at risk.
• Costs for conservation planning, including the development of strategies, stewardship programs, and engagement initiatives.
• Expenses for conducting surveys, inventories, and monitoring activities for habitats and species.
• Evaluation costs for assessing the results and effectiveness of conservation activities.
• Documentation and use of Indigenous knowledge, including the development of strategies, procedures, or protocols.
• Outreach and communications costs, including materials for engaging relevant audiences and promoting stewardship.
• Education and training expenses to enhance practitioner and stakeholder knowledge or skills.
• Costs related to official language translation, including producing documents or signage in both English and French.

Eligible geographic areas

• Indigenous communities and organizations located in Canada

• Step 1: Review the Program Guidelines
  • Obtain and thoroughly review the applicant guide by contacting the National IPSAR Office.
  • Familiarize yourself with program objectives, eligible activities, matching contributions, and official language requirements.
• Step 2: Prepare Project Proposal
  • Develop a project proposal outlining activities, expected results, budget, sources of matching funds, and timeline.
  • List anticipated and confirmed contributions from non-federal sources.
  • Consider the requirements under the Impact Assessment Act if applicable.
  • Address official language obligations if your project involves public communications or is located in an Official Language Minority Community.
• Step 3: Create an Account on GCEMS Portal
  • Access the Grants and Contributions Enterprise Management System (GCEMS) portal.
  • Set up an organizational account as per instructions found on the "How to apply" page.
• Step 4: Complete the Online Application
  • Log in to the GCEMS portal to access the IPSAR funding application.
  • Fill out all required fields, including details on project activities, budgets, matching contributions, and the Official Language section.
  • Attach all necessary supporting documents.
• Step 5: Submit the Application
  • Submit the completed application via the GCEMS portal before the deadline of November 13, 2025, at 14:00 Eastern Time.
  • Monitor for any confirmation or follow-up communications from the program administrators.
• Step 6: Contact for Assistance (if required)
  • If you encounter issues with the GCEMS system or require an accessible or alternate application format, contact the National IPSAR Office or the GCEMS technical support team before the deadline.

• Multi-year projects are allowed, with new projects spanning 1 to 3 years and existing projects possibly extended up to a total of 10 years.
• Costs related to official language translation are eligible expenses under the program.
• In-kind contributions, such as volunteer time or equipment use, can count towards matching requirements.
• Applicants are encouraged to submit applications early, as the online system may slow down near the deadline due to high traffic.