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Source verified May 28, 2026
Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities
Funds clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural, remote communities
Latest source updateLast Update: May 27, 2026Latest change: The funding opportunities page now says CERRC is fully committed, stops new applications under that program, and adds a March 31, 2027 closure date.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 27, 2026
Latest change: The funding opportunities page now says CERRC is fully committed, stops new applications under that program, and adds a March 31, 2027 closure date.
Wah-ila-toos funding status updated
The funding opportunities page now states that the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program is fully committed and no longer accepting applications under any stream. It also adds an official closure date of March 31, 2027 and says any future proposals or inquiries will be retained to inform future federal programming. The application section still directs applicants to the contact form for access to the available programs, but the intake language has shifted away from an open ongoing window. The overall scope and eligibility messaging remain largely the same, with the main change being the program’s intake status and timeline.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Wah-ila-toos provides funding for clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities across Canada. The initiative supports renewable energy, capacity-building, energy efficiency, and related clean energy activities to reduce diesel use for heat and power.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Capacity building for clean energy readiness
- Renewable energy deployment projects
- Energy efficiency and demand-side management projects
- Feasibility studies and project planning
- Research, development, and demonstration of clean energy technologies
Documents Needed
- Completed project application
- Written proposal with statement of work
- Application signed by an authorized officer
- Supporting documentation, if requested
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities
- Indigenous governments and organizations
- Canadian for-profit and not-for-profit organizations
- Provincial, territorial, regional, and municipal governments
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and benefits for project staff
- Professional, technical, and contracting services
- Equipment, materials, and installation costs
- Travel, training, workshops, and related project expenses
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Land purchase
- Loan financing charges and interest
- Costs incurred before project approval
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Indigenous, rural, and remote communities
- Northern and Arctic regions
Selection criteria
- Alignment with program objectives
- Project benefits and expected results
- Project governance and team capacity
- Community engagement and support
- Project workplan, risks, and financial strength
How to apply
- Step 1: Request application materials
- Email the program team to request a project application and be assigned a program officer.
- Step 2: Prepare the application
- Complete the written proposal and statement of work.
- Review the guidance provided for completing the form.
- Ensure the application is signed by an authorized officer.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Send the completed application through the contact form or by email as instructed by the program.
- Step 4: Follow-up and review
- Wait for the program team to review the submission and provide any further instructions or requests for information.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility by regional program officers.
- Eligible proposals are assessed against the program criteria and objectives.
- Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis while funding remains available.
- Projects that meet requirements are brought forward for approval.
- The program may request additional supporting documentation during review.
Additional information
- Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis until funding is fully allocated.
- The Indigenous Council provides guidance on program and policy development for the initiative.
- Program officers work directly with applicants and may provide technical and project development support.
- A pathfinding officer can help identify supplementary or alternative programs and resources.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities Program
What is the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities?
Wah-ila-toos provides funding for clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities across Canada. The initiative supports renewable energy, capacity-building, energy efficiency, and related clean energy activities to reduce diesel use for heat and power.
Who is eligible for the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities program?
To be eligible for the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities program, you must:
Indigenous, Canadian, or government-related applicants
Clean energy or efficiency project
Must reduce diesel reliance
What expenses are eligible under Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities?
Capacity building for clean energy readiness
Renewable energy deployment projects
Energy efficiency and demand-side management projects
Feasibility studies and project planning
Research, development, and demonstration of clean energy technologies
Who can I contact for more information about the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities?
You can contact Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) by email at nrcan.remoteenergy-energieadistance.rncan@canada.ca.
Where is the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities available?
The Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities program is available across Canada.
Is the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities?
Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities is funded by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)