Indigenous Forestry Initiative
Also known as: IFI
NRCan's Indigenous Forestry Initiative funds Indigenous-led forest-sector projects. The grant stream is open now (intake 2026-02-25 to 2028-09-01): grants up to $45,000 per project for Indigenous communities and entities holding Section 35 collective rights, forest planning, capacity building, Indigenous Knowledge protection, events and consultations. The larger contribution stream is currently closed. The program was renewed with $16.9M for 2026-2029; awards are competitive against a limited budget.
Key facts
- Amount
- Up to $45,000
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- Instrument
- Grant (non-repayable)
- Status
- Next intake not announced watch this page or subscribe to the calendar
- Who qualifies
- Indigenous community, indigenous rights holding entity
- National program, all Northern Ontario districts eligible
- Indigenous communities and other entities who hold collective Indigenous and Treaty rights under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982
- First Nations, Inuit and Métis groups
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Application process
- Confirm the grant intake is open (current window: 2026-02-25 to 2028-09-01)
- Submit proposal (work plan, budget, team capacity)
- Competitive merit-based assessment against the program's limited budget
natural-resources.canada.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Common questions
What does the IFI grant stream fund?
Gathering, developing and protecting Indigenous Knowledge; capacity for engagement with government and industry; hiring subject matter experts; land use and sustainable forest management planning; and events, workshops, and community consultations on forest sector issues, up to $45,000 per project.
Is the contribution stream open?
No, as of 2026-08-17 the contribution funding stream is closed; only the grant stream (up to $45,000) is accepting applications, until 2028-09-01.
Who can apply?
Indigenous communities and other entities holding collective Indigenous and Treaty rights under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, First Nations, Inuit and Métis groups. Individual businesses should look at IFI-delivered programs like NADF or Waubetek instead.
Apply
Apply on the funder’s site and confirm current terms there: