Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI)
Program Category:
Clean Energy, Environment
Program Sub-Category:
Renewable Energy, Environmental Stewardship, Economic Development, Monitoring
Status: Closed
Funder
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
Deadline Details
Stay tuned for potential future intakes.
Funder Organization Type
- Federal Government
The objective of the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) is to advance reconciliation in the forest sector, by supporting Indigenous-identified priorities to accelerate Indigenous awareness, influence, inclusion, and leadership in the Sector. The IFI provides financial support to Indigenous-inclusion and Indigenous-led activities in the forest sector, in areas of focus including:
- Gathering, developing, use, and protection of Indigenous knowledge and science;
- Indigenous leadership and participation in forest stewardship; and
- The identification, consideration, and pursuit of economic development opportunities.
Eligible Community
- 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 peoples) for-profit and not-for-profit corporations, businesses, joint ventures
- Non-Indigenous not-for-profit entities working with an Indigenous partner
- Provincial, territorial, municipal, and regional governments working with an Indigenous partner organization
- Academic institutions and research associations working with an Indigenous partner organization
Required Community Contribution
No community contribution required
Funding Stacking Restrictions
No
IFI can fund up to 100% of any project; applicants and their partners are encouraged to make contributions to their project; applicants are encouraged to limit major capital requests to not more than 25% of need.
Professional Input Required
No
Specific Eligibility Requirements
Eligible project activities:• Studies, plans, evaluations, assessments or related activities to identify or developeconomic or business opportunities;• Identification of opportunities, application and development of agreements or licenses;• Strategic, business, human resources, marketing and financial planning or communityplanning, including development or expansion of Indigenous joint ventures, partnerships orbusinesses;• Capacity development and training;• Development of tools, technology, products, services and systems;• Engineering design, environmental planning and permitting or other project designactivities for forest resource development;• Site development, facility construction and commissioning, and business start-up andexpansion operations;• Other types of activity – provide details on how these activities support increased Indigenous participation and economic development in the forest sector;• Capital funding - capital requests will require a business plan and other relevant supportingdocuments (capital includes purchase of equipment and machinery, business start-up orexpansion costs (including supplies, fuel and fuel storage), site development infrastructuredirectly related to the project and costs to acquire ownership in new or existing businesses or to license or acquire intellectual property).
Other Eligible Applicants
Indigenous-owned BusinessesIndigenous Organizations
- Indigenous Organizations
- Indigenous-owned Businesses (50% or more Indigenous-owned)
Type of Funding
- Grant
- Non-repayable Contribution
Range of Funding Available per Project
- Under $100 000
- From $100 000 to $1 000 000
- Over $1 000 000
Description of Funding
- The Program can fund both capacity projects (such as planning), and capital investments.
- The IFI was renewed in 2023 in the amount of $13 million over three years.
Eligible Costs
EngineeringDesign
Planning
Operational and Maintenance Costs
Capital Costs
Community Engagement
Equipment/Material Purchase
Project Management
Staff Costs
Administration Fees
Capacity Building for the Community
Training
Research and Development
Eligible expenditures include costs that support your project:
1) professional and technical services;
2) training and skills development;
3) facility/transportation/equipment rentals;
4) communications materials;
5) planning and design costs;
6) capital costs, including equipment and machinery, business start-up or expansion costs (including supplies, fuel and fuel storage), site development infrastructure directly related to the project and costs to acquire ownership in new or existing businesses or to license or acquire intellectual property;
7) salaries, wages and benefits, excluding post-employment benefits such as severance;
8) travel, including accommodation, meals, and allowances (based on approved rates such as the National Joint Council rates or similar);
9) GST/PST/HST net of any tax rebate to which a Recipient is entitled ; and,
10) Other: Honoraria (including ceremonial costs, and hospitality costs for community engagement events and project meetings); Overhead (directly related to the project, not to exceed 15% of total contribution); and Other (other applicable costs).
1) professional and technical services;
2) training and skills development;
3) facility/transportation/equipment rentals;
4) communications materials;
5) planning and design costs;
6) capital costs, including equipment and machinery, business start-up or expansion costs (including supplies, fuel and fuel storage), site development infrastructure directly related to the project and costs to acquire ownership in new or existing businesses or to license or acquire intellectual property;
7) salaries, wages and benefits, excluding post-employment benefits such as severance;
8) travel, including accommodation, meals, and allowances (based on approved rates such as the National Joint Council rates or similar);
9) GST/PST/HST net of any tax rebate to which a Recipient is entitled ; and,
10) Other: Honoraria (including ceremonial costs, and hospitality costs for community engagement events and project meetings); Overhead (directly related to the project, not to exceed 15% of total contribution); and Other (other applicable costs).
Reporting Requirements
Progress reports and final reports
Expected Timeframe for Funding Decision
3 to 5 months, Applications received to the IFI will be reviewed by an Indigenous-majority Expert Review Panel, who makes recommendations to NRCan on the merits and risks of each project. NRCan considered these recommendations when reviewing applications and taking funding decisions.
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 businesses, including startup or expansion; Developing forestry related tools, technology, products, and services; launching or expanding forest sector businesses.
Preparing plans/assessments that cultivate economic opportunities in forestry; Training and skills development to support forestry projects; Planning for businesses, including startup or expansion; Developing forestry related tools, technology, products, and services; launching or expanding forest sector businesses.