Nation Building Grant
Program Category:
Clean Energy, Climate Adaptation, Climate Mitigation, Environment
Program Sub-Category:
Energy Efficiency (Housing / Buildings), Renewable Energy, Mapping, Food Security, Risk Assessments, Environmental Stewardship, Active Transportation, Economic Development, Monitoring, Innovation, Emergency Mitigation / Preparedness / Planning, Waste Reduction and Circular Economy, Natural Asset Inventories and Management
Status: Open
Funder
New Relationship Trust (NRT)
Deadline Details
December 05, 2025 or until funds are exhausted – whichever comes first.
Funder Organization Type
- Indigenous Organization
Nation Building supports First Nations and Tribal Councils in British Columbia to complete projects that strengthen their community through capacity building and/or nation governance initiatives, according to their self-determined priorities. This funding is meant to be flexible to meet the unique and diverse community needs.
Applicants can apply for up to $120,000 in grant funding over two years towards projects and related costs. Funding amounts will be determined by demonstrated need, application preparedness, and project complexity.
The Nation Building Initiative opened May 13th and will remain open until funds are exhausted OR December 5th, whichever comes first.
The annual intake and approval process will open each calendar year in May and close, the earlier of December or when the annual funding available has been exhausted.
Eligible Community
BC First Nation Communities, BC Tribal Councils (including organizations under the Nation or Tribal Council authority).
Must be a BC First Nation or BC Tribal Council as recognized by the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations.
Required Community Contribution
No community contribution required
Funding Stacking Restrictions
No
Application Limit per Community
1
Professional Input Required
No
Type of Funding
- Grant
Range of Funding Available per Project
- From $100 000 to $1 000 000
Description of Funding
- 1-year grant of up to $60,000, or
- 2-year grant of up to $120,000
Eligible Costs
DesignPlanning
Community Engagement
Equipment/Material Purchase
Project Management
Capacity Building for the Community
Training
Reporting
Awareness and Education
Research and Development
Although we have guidelines for eligible expenses, we understand the capacity needs of communities and are flexible in what the NRT could fund. We suggest reaching out to either Matt Cook-Contois or Ben Duncan to discuss further.
Ineligible Costs
Any costs incurred prior to signing a funding agreementBuilding Purchase Costs
Staff Costs
Land Acquisition
Reporting Requirements
Progress reports and final reports
Expected Timeframe for Funding Decision
1 monthApplications are reviewed and approved on a weekly basis.