Atlantic Canada Business Grants

Indigenous community

Indigenous Cultural Heritage Program

Amount:

$15,000

Type of Program:

Grants

Description:

The Indigenous Cultural Heritage Program (formerly the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Program) supports Indigenous projects that involve the safeguarding of traditions and culture, including language, traditional knowledge and skills, storytelling, music, games and other pastimes, knowledge of the landscape, customs, cultural practices and beliefs, food customs, and living off the land.

Comments on Funding:

Funding is up to 100% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $15,000.
For projects that involve recognizing and celebrating traditional culture in events of short-term duration, the maximum funding is $1,000.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to show other contributions, either financial or in-kind. 

When It Ends:

Ongoing

Deadline:

May 20

Eligibility:

The applicant must:

  • established Indigenous groups/organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador with a cultural focus,
  • Indigenous professionals (Indigenous artisans, cultural workers and educators). They can apply for professional skills development if they have a demonstrated background in culture and have community support.

Application Steps:

1

are encouraged to discuss their project ideas with an Heritage Officer prior to submitting a proposal,

2

must complete the application form and include any letters of support to demonstrate community support, information on other partnerships and in-kind contributions,

3

will apply for a 90% advance payment of the approved project contribution,

4

must submit a final report documenting the activities, including copies of research/field work and any promotional material produced to receive the final amount (the 10% holdback).

​An Indigenous Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee, including representatives from Indigenous organizations, reviews proposals and makes recommendations to the Department on project funding.

Documentation Needed: 

​Applicants must submit:

  • the application form, including the following information: a brief description of applicant background, project objectives/description and work plan, a demonstrated need (feasibility studies, surveys, needs assessments, etc if applicable), who the project is for and how it will lead to the safeguarding of cultural heritage, a budget breakdown, how the project will be evaluated,
  • any letters of support that reflect support from their community, information on other partnerships and in-kind contributions.

Program Contact:

​Indigenous Cultural Heritage Program

​Indigenous Cultural Heritage Program Guidelines​​​

JEDI Aboriginal Development Fund (JADF)

Amount:

$8,000.00

Type of Program:

Grants & Loan

Description:

The JEDI Aboriginal Development Fund (JADF) provides funding to entrepreneurs/existing businesses and communities to support business and community economic development planning in the First Nation communities of New Brunswick.  

Comments on Funding:

Funding for Community Economic Development is up to 50% of total planning costs, not to exceed $8,000.
Funding for Business/Entrepreneurship Development is up to 50% of total planning costs, not to exceed $4,000.

When It Ends:

Ongoing

Deadline:

Rolling Deadline

Eligibility:

The applicant must be:

  • an entrepreneur,
  • an existing business, 
  • a community,
  • Indigenous people/business across New Brunswick.

Application Steps:

1

The applicant must complete and submit the Online Application Form.

Other Things to Note:

The project has limited funding and applications will be assessed on a first come, first serve basis.

Program Contact:

JEDI Aboriginal Development Fund (JADF)

Mi’kmaq Cultural Activities Program

  • This program is currently closed.

Amount:

$10,000.00

Type of Program:

Grants

Description:

The Mi’kmaq Cultural Activities Program provides funding to Nova Scotia-based Mi’kmaq groups or organization to help build and empower Mi’kmaq communities through artistic and cultural activities and support the sharing of traditional knowledge, culture and language. 

Comments on Funding:

Funding is up to a maximum contribution of 75% of eligible costs to a maximum of $10,000. Requests exceeding $10,000 may be given consideration.
Combined public sector contributions cannot exceed 90%.

Applicants must contribute a minimum of 25% towards eligible project costs. This includes a minimum of 10% cash from the project sponsor to demonstrate commitment and sustainability. In-kind support can only be used when there is an incremental and quantifiable value to the service that relates directly to the project.

When It Ends:

Closed

Deadline:

March 31
June 30

Eligibility:

  • Applicants must be Nova Scotia-based Mi’kmaq groups or organizations.

Application Steps:

Applicants:

1

are strongly encouraged to speak with the Program Officer to discuss their proposed activity well in advance of the deadline and before completing/submitting an application, 

2

must deliver the application by hand, courier or by regular mail. Applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on May 1 or September 15. Applications postmarked on the deadline date are acceptable.

Documentation Needed: 

Applicants:

  • must complete, sign and date the application forms,
  • may include relevant support materials such as photos and support letters,
  • must include a proposal with completed cover and budget pages with project details given on separate pages as detailed in Part D of the application.

Other Things to Note:

The deadline for the 2021-2022 cycle was 1 December 2021. 

Program Contact:

​Mi'kmaq Cultural Activities Program

​Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Cultural and Heritage and Support4Culture

​Mi’kmaw Cultural Activities Program​​​​​​