Indigenous Forest Bioeconomy Program (IFBP)
Funder
BC Ministry of Forests (FOR)
Deadline Details
After February 28, 2023, proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Funder Organization Type
- BC Provincial Government
- Non-Governmental Organization or Society
- Conduct feasibility studies;
- Complete research integral to future economic development opportunities; or
- Advance a fledgling business or to grow an extant venture by supporting First Nations communities in cultivating projects that reflect their needs, goals, and values
- Non-timber forest products (e.g., essential oils, processed foods, teas, etc.);
- Assessment of residuals as supply for a processing facility;
- E-commerce platform launch and marketing for business using wood biomass;
- Fibre utilization feasibility study; and
- Biomass supply and processing analysis
Eligible Community
a) A First Nation “band” as defined by the Indian Act (Canada);
b) A First Nation governing body, representing exclusively one or more First Nations; or
c) A First Nation enterprise (e.g. a non-governing body such as an economic development arm of a First Nation).
Required Community Contribution
Community contribution required (please see program website)
Funding Stacking Restrictions
No
Stacking of funding is permitted through the IFBP.
Professional input required
No
Specific eligibility requirements
In order to be eligible for funding under the Indigenous Forest Bioeconomy Program, projects must:
- Have community support;
- Be located (or have a major component located) in BC;
- Utilize forest biomass; and,
- Provide social, economic and environmental benefits.
Type of funding
- Grant
- Capital
- Support (e.g. consulting management)
Range of funding available per project
- Up to $100,000
Description of funding
Percentage of project funded
Generally, up to 80% of a project. Many community partners provide a 20% investment in the overall cost of their project. It is recognized that this can sometimes create an undue barrier in accessing/leveraging additional funding and IBIO seeks to identify solutions collaboratively to ensure that we can support successful Indigenous-led projects and businesses. Contact IBIO.Mail@gov.bc.ca to discuss if this could pose a barrier to your project.
Eligible costs
Engineering, Design, Planning, Capital Costs, Equipment/Material Purchase, Project ManagementReporting requirements
Progress reports and final reports
Expected timeframe for funding decision
Expect a response right away. Program staff are open to conversations about your application at any point.
- Application limit per community: Communities may apply for multiple projects. However, a final lens of ensuring geographic diversity of projects is used by the evaluation committee which may impact the likelihood of multiple projects within one community being approved for funding. Get in touch with us at IBIO.Mail@gov.bc.ca if you would like to discuss your specific situation.
- If you have an idea for a project please review our application form (PDF, 253 KB), application guide (PDF, 317 KB), and get in touch with us at IBIO.Mail@gov.bc.ca. We are happy to discuss potential projects and answer any questions you may have about the program.