The Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) provides financial support to Indigenous-led economic development projects in Canada’s forest sector.
Notification of funding decisions will be shared with applicants by October 2021.
Submit an application through our online system.
Contact the IFI team with your questions or if you are interested in taking part in a webinar on how to apply.
Who is eligible for funding?
- Indigenous communities and governments such as:
- band and tribal councils
- governments of self-governing First Nations
- local governments of Inuit communities
- Métis organizations
- economic development corporations
- national and regional Indigenous organizations
- Indigenous (50% or greater ownership by Indigenous people) for-profit and not-for-profit corporations, businesses, joint ventures, partnerships, associations, co-operatives and institutions
- non-Indigenous not-for-profit entities who are working with one or more endorsing Indigenous partner organization(s) to facilitate Indigenous economic development
- provincial, territorial, municipal and regional governments working with an Indigenous partner organization
- academic institutions and research associations working with an Indigenous partner organization
What types of projects are eligible for funding?
The scope of projects funded by the IFI is broad, with three general categories:
- use and management of forest resources
- clean technology and participation in the forest bioeconomy (e.g. biomass for heat/energy, pellet manufacturing, etc.)
- environmental stewardship
Examples of IFI funded activities include:
- preparing plans/assessments that cultivate economic opportunities in forestry
- training and skills development to support forestry projects
- planning for forest sector businesses, including startup or expansion
- developing forestry related tools, technology, products, and services
Visit the Indigenous Forestry Initiative page for more information