Environment and Climate Change Canada – Indigenous Leadership Fund

Program Summary:

The Indigenous Leadership Fund is a new program under the Low Carbon Economy Fund. It provides up to $180 million by 2029 to support climate action by Indigenous peoples. The program will fund Indigenous-owned and led renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon heating projects. These projects will help meet Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction target and net-zero emissions by 2050. This is a key part of the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan.

Recognizing the unique rights, interests, and circumstances of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis governments, communities, and organizations, the Indigenous Leadership Fund will use a distinctions-based approach to deliver funding to support projects that:

• are Indigenous-owned and led
• advance Indigenous climate leadership
• support the self-determined climate, social, and economic priorities of Indigenous peoples

Eligible Recipients:

First Nations tribal or band councils, Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations, First Nations-owned businesses and corporations, First Nations not-for-profit organizations

Application Deadline:

The First Nations funding stream of the Indigenous Leadership Fund will be open from October 30, 2023 to March 31, 2027. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Contact Information:

To inquire if a project is eligible, an email can be sent to LeadershipAutochtoneFEFEC-IndigenousLeadershipLCEF@ec.gc.ca for a preliminary eligibility assessment following which a full application package will be sent to begin the formal application process.