March 19, 2024 – Environment and Climate Change Canada announced a new, designated funding stream under the Low-Carbon Economy Fund’s Indigenous Leadership Fund, in which up to $7.39 million will be spent to support Indigenous-owned and -led renewable energy, energy efficiency, or low-carbon heating projects.

Eligible applicants for the designated funding stream are Indigenous governments, communities, and organizations not already included in the funding streams for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.

(This can include Indigenous-owned businesses and corporations, Indigenous not-for-profit organizations, Métis Settlements, and Indigenous research, academic or educational institutions.)

Eligible projects must be past the concept stage and ready for deployment or construction. This means project planning and pre-feasibility activities have been completed, other funding has been secured or is close to being secured, and partnership agreements, impact or environmental assessments, and permitting requirements have been finalized or near finalization.

Proposals that include non-Indigenous partners must provide transparent and comprehensive information on the ownership and governance structure of the project, including details on decision-making processes.

Eligible applicants interested in this funding stream can email LeadershipAutochtoneFEFEC-IndigenousLeadershipLCEF@ec.gc.ca to receive the Eligibility Criteria and Expression of Interest form.

This call for proposals is open now until March 31, 2027. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until available funding is allocated.