Open Call for Indigenous Communities Fund (Canada)

Deadline: 07-Oct-2026

The Indigenous Communities Fund (ICF) provides one-time grants of $5,000 to $25,000 for initiatives that create measurable and tangible positive outcomes for Indigenous peoples in Canada. Established by TELUS, the fund supports Indigenous-led organizations and community initiatives focused on wellness, cultural strength, knowledge, social connection, and reducing geographical or economic barriers.

About the Indigenous Communities Fund

The Indigenous Communities Fund was established by TELUS to provide targeted financial support for Indigenous-led initiatives across Canada. The fund focuses on projects that address important social and well-being needs within Indigenous communities. Supported initiatives should demonstrate clear and measurable benefits for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. The programme aims to strengthen communities by supporting projects that: - Improve individual and community wellness. - Revive and strengthen Indigenous culture and knowledge. - Help communities overcome geographical barriers. - Address economic barriers. - Increase social connections. - Encourage community participation and engagement. - Create tangible positive outcomes for Indigenous peoples. Funding Available Eligible organizations can apply for one-time grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

Key funding details include:

- Grant amount: $5,000 to $25,000.

- Funding type: One-time grant.

- Geographic focus: Canada.

- Target beneficiaries: First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.

- Project leadership: Primarily Indigenous-led initiatives.

- Expected outcome: Measurable and tangible positive impact on Indigenous communities.

Who Is Eligible? The fund is primarily intended for Indigenous-led organizations and community groups operating in Canada.

Eligible applicants may include:

- Band Councils. - Indigenous Governments. - Indigenous representative groups. - Indigenous community groups. - Indigenous non-profit organizations. - Other eligible Indigenous-led organizations. Non-Indigenous-led organizations may also apply if they can demonstrate a clear and tangible relationship with an Indigenous organization and provide documented support from an Indigenous-led organization or community. What Projects Can Be Supported? Projects should respond to social, cultural, economic, geographical, or well-being needs affecting Indigenous communities.

Potential areas of support include:

- Community wellness: Initiatives that improve individual or collective well-being.

- Cultural revitalization: Projects that help preserve or revive Indigenous culture, traditions, and knowledge.

- Community connection: Activities that strengthen relationships and encourage community engagement.

- Accessibility: Initiatives that help address geographical barriers to services, activities, or opportunities.

- Economic barriers: Projects that help communities overcome barriers that affect participation and well-being.

- Social engagement: Activities that create stronger social connections within Indigenous communities.

Projects should clearly explain the expected benefits and demonstrate how the initiative will create measurable positive outcomes. Indigenous Communities Fund Eligibility Requirements Applicants should meet the fund’s key eligibility requirements before applying.

To be considered:

- The applicant or initiative must meet the fund’s organizational eligibility requirements. - The project must operate within Canada. - The initiative should benefit First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit peoples. - The project should demonstrate tangible and measurable positive outcomes. - The applicant must not have received funding from TELUS or the Indigenous Communities Fund within the previous two years. - Non-Indigenous-led organizations must have a clear relationship with an Indigenous organization and documented support from an Indigenous-led group or community. Who Is Not Eligible? The Indigenous Communities Fund does not support certain types of organizations, activities, or requests.

Ineligible requests include:

- For-profit initiatives. - Retroactive funding requests. - Religious-focused projects. - Sponsorship requests. - Sole proprietorships. - Lobbying activities. - Projects operating outside Canada. - Individual fundraising campaigns. Applicants should review their project against these exclusions before preparing an application. How the Indigenous Communities Fund Works The fund provides one-time financial support for eligible projects that demonstrate meaningful benefits for Indigenous communities.

- Check applicant eligibility: Confirm that your organization falls within an eligible category or meets the requirements for non-Indigenous-led applicants.

- Confirm the location: Make sure the proposed project operates within Canada.

- Identify the community need: Clearly explain the social, cultural, economic, geographical, or wellness issue the project will address.

- Define the beneficiaries: Specify how First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit peoples will benefit from the initiative.

- Develop measurable outcomes: Explain what tangible changes the project is expected to create and how those outcomes can be demonstrated.

- Check previous funding: Ensure that the organization has not received TELUS or Indigenous Communities Fund funding within the previous two years.

- Prepare the funding request: Request an amount between $5,000 and $25,000 and explain how the grant will be used.

- Check for exclusions: Make sure the proposal does not involve for-profit activities, lobbying, sponsorships, retroactive costs, religious-focused activities, or other excluded requests. Why It Matters The Indigenous Communities Fund provides targeted funding for community-led initiatives addressing practical and social needs among Indigenous peoples in Canada.

The funding can help organizations:

- Strengthen Indigenous community wellness. - Support cultural revitalization. - Preserve Indigenous knowledge. - Build stronger social c