First Nations and Métis Community Partnership Projects (Canada)

Deadline: 31-Oct-2026

The First Nations and Métis Community Partnership Projects Fund supports projects that promote safe communities, strong families, student achievement, and economic growth across Saskatchewan. Established by the Government of Saskatchewan, the fund aims to foster reconciliation and meaningful collaboration between First Nation and Métis communities, agencies, organizations, and other Saskatchewan-based partners. The programme supports projects that build authentic partnerships and deliver tangible benefits to Saskatchewan residents, with particular emphasis on cross-cultural and inter-generational initiatives. Successful applicants may receive funding covering up to 40% of eligible project costs, with a maximum grant of $45,000.

About the First Nations and Métis Community Partnership Projects Fund

The fund was established to encourage stronger relationships and collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities across Saskatchewan.

It supports projects that:

- Build meaningful partnerships. - Promote reconciliation. - Encourage cross-cultural collaboration. - Support inter-generational initiatives. - Deliver tangible benefits to Saskatchewan residents. - Address important community and economic priorities. Projects should demonstrate a clear partnership approach and align with at least one of the programme’s priority areas. How Much Funding Is Available? Successful applicants may receive funding of up to 40% of eligible project costs.

The maximum grant available is:

- Up to $45,000 per project. Applicants should demonstrate how the requested funding will contribute to the proposed project’s objectives and how the remaining eligible costs will be supported. Priority Areas Projects must align with at least one of four priority areas: Applicants should clearly identify the priority area their project addresses and explain how the proposed activities will contribute to measurable or achievable benefits. Safe Communities Projects under the safe communities priority can focus on initiatives that contribute to stronger, safer, and more connected communities. Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed activities will provide meaningful benefits to Saskatchewan residents and strengthen community partnerships. Strong Families The strong families priority supports initiatives that contribute to family and community wellbeing. Projects can incorporate cross-cultural or inter-generational approaches where these activities strengthen relationships and deliver tangible benefits to participating communities. Student Achievement Projects supporting student achievement can address initiatives designed to improve educational outcomes and engagement. Partnerships between Indigenous communities, organizations, schools, and other relevant stakeholders can help develop projects that support students while incorporating cultural and community perspectives. Economic Growth Projects focused on economic growth should demonstrate how the proposed initiative can contribute to economic opportunities or broader community development. Applicants should explain the expected benefits and demonstrate that the project has achievable goals and a strong partnership foundation. Preference for Innovative Partnerships The fund gives preference to projects that demonstrate: - Innovation. - High-quality partnerships. - Achievable goals. - Meaningful collaboration. - Tangible benefits to Saskatchewan residents. Projects that demonstrate a strong and authentic partnership approach can be particularly competitive. Preference for New Projects Preference is given to projects that have not received funding from this programme during the previous 12 months. Applicants who have previously received support should therefore consider the programme’s previous-funding requirement when determining eligibility for a new application. Eligible Project Costs Funding can support a range of eligible expenses associated with delivering an approved project.

Eligible expenses include:

- Contracted services. - Honoraria for Elders and Knowledge Keepers. - In-province travel. - Materials and supplies. - Cultural protocol expenses. - Administrative costs up to 10% of the grant amount. Applicants should ensure that proposed expenses are directly connected to the eligible project. Honoraria for Elders and Knowledge Keepers The programme recognizes the importance of Indigenous knowledge and cultural participation. Honoraria for Elders and Knowledge Keepers are among the eligible project expenses. This can support meaningful participation by individuals contributing cultural knowledge, guidance, and expertise to eligible initiatives. Administrative Costs Administrative expenses can be included within the project budget, but they are subject to a specific limit. Administrative costs are eligible up to 10% of the grant amount. Applicants should ensure that administrative expenses remain within this limit when preparing their budgets. Ineligible Expenses Several categories of expenditure are not eligible for funding.

These include:

- Staff salaries for core operations. - Out-of-province travel. - Capital expenditures. - Major asset purchases. Applicants should distinguish between project-specific eligible expenses and the organization’s regular operating or capital costs. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants include Saskatchewan-based organizations and institutions that can undertake projects aligned with the programme’s objectives.

Eligible applicants are:

- Registered Saskatchewan-based non-profit organizations. - First Nations. - Tribal Councils. - Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. - Métis Nation-Saskatchewan or its affiliates. - Municipalities. - Provincial school divisions. Applicants must meet the relevant programme requirements and, where applicable, demonstrate an authentic partnership with an Indigenous community or organization.

Partnership Requirement for Non-Indigenous Organizations

Non-Indigenous non-p