CTJ funding is for projects related to the work surrounding unmarked graves and burials at former Indian Residential Schools.  CTJ provides funding supports for projects that can include research, engagement and knowledge gathering, healing and ceremony, memorialization and commemoration, support groups, and bringing children home.

Annual group funding is for First Nation and/or Métis governments and/or communities listed as a “qualified donee” with the Canada Revenue Agency at the time of application. Group funding is for education programs focused on promoting healing and reconciliation and the wellbeing of First Nation communities. 

If you are unsure which type of funding to apply for, please call 1 (888) 268-0520 or email info@fgfoundation.ca.

1. How is the Continuing Their Journey (CTJ) program funding different than the annual group funding?

The “Continuing Their Journey” (CTJ) Program is to support First Nation communities and Survivors with projects directly related to the burial sites and unmarked graves at former Indian Residential Schools. CTJ is specifically intended to address the traumas of the Indian Residential Schools System experienced by Survivors and their descendants residing in First Nation communities following the recovery and presence of unmarked graves at a former Indian Residential School site.

To be eligible for CTJ funding, project proposals must address the unmarked graves at former Indian Residential Schools by focusing on research, engagement and knowledge gathering, healing and ceremony, memorialization and commemoration, support groups, and/or bringing children home. Please see the CTJ page for a list of supported projects.

2. What types of programming can be funded by Continuing Their Journey?

Any Survivor organizations, support/counseling groups, First Nation organizations, governments, or communities with a project proposal related to the finding of unmarked graves at a former Indian Residential School site are welcome to apply.

The CTJ Program is an FG Foundation Program. Applicants do not require qualified donee status and/or registered CRA charitable status to be considered eligible for CTJ projects. 

All applications must have written support from leadership and proof of Survivor involvement. We would recommend any prospective applications to have this documentation ready prior to confirming their interest in applying for this program.

The application process for the Continuing Their Journey Program is ongoing annually as funding permits. Deadlines for the CTJ Program are approximately every four months. For updates about CTJ application deadlines, subscribe to our newsletter at fgfoundation.ca or contact info@fgfoundation.ca for details.

4. What are the deadlines for the CTJ program?

The application process for the Continuing Their Journey program is different from the group and individual FG Foundation application process. 

Parties wishing to apply for the CTJ Program must contact info@fgfoundation.ca to express their interest. A program officer will follow up to help guide them through the online application and answer any questions.

Your organization must provide proof of leadership support for the proposed project, as well as Survivor involvement in the project. 

6. What supporting documentation do I need to file a CTJ application?

The maximum amount an applicant can apply for through CTJ funding is $200,000 for one year.  

7. What is the maximum amount of money a group can apply for through the CTJ?

Applicants can apply for additional years of funding after the initial funding is complete.

8. Can CTJ recipient be awarded more than once?

Yes, the CTJ Program and Group/Organization fund are separate. Each program does not affect or restrict applicants from applying for other types of programming. 

9. If I receive funding as a Group/Organization or Individual, can I also apply for CTJ funding and vice versa?

Contact us and we'll do our best to help find a solution.

Learn how to apply as a group or organization, how funding decisions are made, restrictions on funding and other questions. 

Advice and answers from the FG Foundation Team

We're here to help with your application process. First, let's figure out if we have a solution in our documentation.

Discover how to apply as an individual, what kind of funding is available, what the screening process is like and more.

Learn more about how we were created, where the money in the FG Foundation came from and other answers.

Learn more about how we were created, where the money in the FG Foundation came from, and other answers.

The FG Foundation accepts applications for education programs focused on healing, reconciliation, and knowledge building. Funding from the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement is accessibly to First Nations citizens and organizations through a competitive application process. There are three funding streams available: individual, organizational, and the Continuing Their Journey Program.

The mission of the FG Foundation is to create meaningful opportunities that enhance the quality of life for First Nations peoples. We fund a variety of programming that are self-determined by First Nation organizations and communities. These programs can be local, regional, or national, reflecting the goals and needs of the communities and their members.

The CTJ program supports First Nation communities and Survivors with projects directly related to the burial sites and unmarked graves at former Indian Residential Schools. Additionally, the FG Foundation supports First Nations individuals in achieving their educational goals, having funded over 7,000 learners for post-secondary, training & training, along with cultural knowledge building, and land-based activities.

What is the mission of the FG Foundation?

The FG Foundation contributes to the wellbeing of First Nation communities, individuals, and organizations by supporting social, educational, employment and cultural programming. This supports the retention of First Nations culture and values across Turtle Island. As part of its mission, the FG Foundation promotes First Nations way of life, cultural practices, and educational programs as part of overall healing and reconciliation efforts in response to the impacts of the Indian Residential Schools system.

What are the FG Foundation ’s current objectives?

The funds available to beneficiaries from the FG Foundation come from the residual settlement funds of the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement, specifically designated for education programs aimed at healing and reconciliation. These funds are separate from formal compensation packages such as the Common Experience Payment, Independent Assessment Payment, and Personal Education Credits all of which have been closed since 2015. The FG Foundation funds are available to First Nation individuals, governments, and organizations, with preference given to former Indian Residential School Survivors.

Where did the money in the FG Foundation come from?

The FG Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees, which includes a representative from each province and territory across Turtle Island. The Board is responsible for overseeing the management, strategic direction, and operations of the FG Foundation. You can learn more about our current Board of Trustees here.

What is the governing structure of the FG Foundation?

No. The FG Foundation is a separate, independent organization but has an obligation to report its activities to the Chiefs in Assembly of the AFN once a year.

Is the FG Foundation part of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN)?

No. The NIB Trust Fund was established as a charity in 1975, with different mandate from the National Indian Brotherhood (NIB), now known as the Assembly of First Nations (AFN).   In September 2023, the NIB Trust Fund was renamed to the Future Generations Foundation (FG Foundation). The FG Foundation administers the residual funds from the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement to support communities and individuals in education programs aimed at healing and reconciliation.

Is the FG Foundation the same as the “National Indian Brotherhood” (NIB)?

The FG Foundation aims to offer funding to First Nations and Métis individuals and organizations through a competitive application process for the next 20 years. Plans are in place to ensure the longevity of the FG Foundation. To view our financial statements, click here.

How long will funding be available through the FG Foundation?

To access funding through FG Foundation, there is a competitive application process for both organizations and individuals. The individual application is available online every April, while the organization application can be accessed online every November. The Continuing Their Journey Program operates year-round, with no application deadlines or fixed start dates. All application calls and details can be accessed directly from our website.  

All applications must be submitted online at https://www.fgfoundation.ca/granting/how-to-apply

How do I access funding through FG Foundation?

Education programs supported by the FG Foundation are designed to advance individual or community education, personal development, and cultural revitalization. These programs focus on literacy, trades, and the preservation, reclamation, development, or understanding of First Nations histories, cultures, or languages.

Programs may be offered by educational institutions, cultural centers, organizations, communities, or individuals, and can vary in duration (short-term or long-term), format (informal or formal), and certification status (certified or non-certified).

Examples of eligible education programs include, but are not limited to:

Strengthen education and employment training: Initiatives that prepare individuals for meaningful careers or skill-building opportunities.

Promote First Nations languages and cultures: Efforts to preserve, teach, and celebrate traditional languages, arts, and cultural practices.

Foster community and personal development: Programs aimed at addressing the impacts of intergenerational trauma, including access to counseling, healing initiatives, and other activities to help communities recover from the harms caused by the Indian Residential School system.

These education programs are integral to the FG Foundation’s mission of supporting healing, reconciliation, and the empowerment of First Nations peoples across Turtle Island.

What constitutes an education program for the purposes of the FG Foundation application process?

All applications are assessed based on principles, criteria, priorities, and guidelines set out by the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, Administration Plan, and the FG Foundation. The Board of Trustees appoints the Selection Committee, which reviews all complete applications and makes recommendations to the Board.

Applications must be received by the deadline and contain all requested documentation to be evaluated and forwarded to the Selection Committee.

Due to the large number of applications received by FG Foundation, the screening and selection process typically takes about three to four months.

Organization funding decisions are usually released end of March.

Individual funding decisions are typically released by the end of September or beginning of October.

The Continuing Their Journey Program operates year-round, with no application deadlines or specific start dates.

All funding decisions are aligned with the scheduling of the Board of Trustees’ meetings, ensuring a thorough and fair review process. 

Learn about applying as an individual, how funding decisions are made, restrictions on funding, and other questions.

Individuals can apply for a maximum of up to $20,000. However, in the 2024-2025 Individual call, the average award amount was $5,200.

What is the maximum amount of money an applicant can apply for?

Preference is given to former students of residential schools, but all First Nations individuals over the age of 18 before December 31, 2025, with a valid social insurance number are eligible to apply through a competitive application process.

Do I need to be a former residential school student (or family member) to be eligible for funding?

First Nations individuals residing outside of Canada are eligible to apply for funding through FG Foundation, provided they have a valid Social Insurance Number.

Do you have to be a resident of Canada to access FG Foundation funds?

You may be taxed on the funding you receive.

The information below pertaining to taxation is taken from Canada's Income Tax Regulations which may be subject to change.  This taxation information is not legal advice or taxation advice and is only included here as general information to recipients.  All recipients of a scholarship, training & trade, and cultural learning award or any other financial incentive from the Future Generations Foundation are advised to consult the Income Tax Act and Regulations that may apply to him or her and/or consult with a taxation professional with respect to taxation reporting requirements. 

The Future Generations Foundation shall not be liable for any errors of any kind of a recipient's taxation reporting including but not limited to under-reporting, over-reporting, errors in calculating income tax payments, tax refunds or income tax exemptions.

For Individuals Receiving a Scholarship or Training & Trades Award:

All successful applicants who receive a scholarship, or training & trades award will receive a T4A slip from the Future Generations Foundation.

For all provinces and territories except Quebec, scholarship, or training & trades award income is fully exempt from tax when the income is received in connection with a program for which the student will get an education amount tax credit and for which the student is enrolled full-time.  The income is not reported on the tax return. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/publications/p105.html

For part-time students who can claim the part-time education amount, the amount of the scholarship, or training & trades award that will be exempted will be to cover tuition fees and costs of program-related materials. The Canada Revenue Agency provides a calculator to determine what amount is not exempted and that will need to be reported on line 130 of your personal tax return.

If you are not eligible to claim the education amount, then only the first $500 of awards is tax free.  Amounts received in excess of $500 are reported on line 130 of your personal tax return.

For Quebec students, the amount received will need to be included in the income, but a deduction for the full amount is allowed.  The scholarship, or training & trades award amount from box O of the RL-1 slip will be reported on Line 154 of the Quebec personal income tax return. It will also be reported on line 295, which deducts the amount from the taxable income.

 For Individuals Receiving a Cultural Learning Award:

All successful applicants who receive an award will receive a T4A slip from the Future Generations Foundation. Since these amounts are not dedicated for education, recipients will be required to include this income on line 130 (Other income) on their personal tax return. For Québec recipients the amount will be included on line 154 (Other income) of the Québec personal income tax return.

The amount will be fully taxable, but no tax will be deducted at source when the award is distributed. The recipients will be required to pay tax when filing their personal income tax return.

Will I be taxed on the funding I receive?

The FG Foundation aims to offer funding to First Nations individuals and organizations through a competitive application process for the next 20 years. Plans are in place to ensure the longevity of the FG Foundation. To view our financial statements, click here.

How long will funding be available through FG Foundation?

The FG Foundation cannot disburse funding for the following purposes:

Supplementation or compensation of an individual’s Common Experience Payment or Personal Credits amount

Activities outside the FG Foundation’s objectives

We advise against submitting multiple applications. All applications are considered under one applicant, and if you submit multiple applications, they will be evaluated in competition with each other.

Can you apply for two programs, a scholarship and cultural learning award? 

The funding received by the FG Foundation from the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement specifically pertains to Indian Residential Schools. The Indian Day School Settlement is a separate class action lawsuit. However, all day school survivors who are a recognized member of a First Nations community are eligible to apply to the FG Foundation.

Is there a Section for Federal Indian Day School Survivors?

Applications are accepted only online at https://fgfoundation.smapply.io/

Faxed, email, or posted applications will not be accepted. The application must be completed online.

All applications are assessed based on specific principles and guidelines outlined in the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, as well as the FG Foundation’s Terms and Conditions and Administration Plan.

Applications are first screened to ensure they are received by the deadline and include all necessary documentation and eligibility requirements. Only complete applications move forward to the Selection Committee for evaluation and scoring.

The Selection Committee then makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees, who make final decision on funding applications. Applicants will be notified of the decision via email.

What are the criteria for applications and what is the screening process?

Application deadlines are at 5:00 pm EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) on the date stated on the application form.

No. The FG Foundation application is only available to view once the application opens. The application opens every year in April and closes in June.

View our new How to Apply Toolkit! The toolkit will help you understand the format of the application, provide insightful tips, and give you with a general outline of what to expect when applying to the FG Foundation 2024-2025 Call for Applications.

Is it possible to see a copy of the application before applying?

Yes, the appeal process document can be found here. Please note that the appeal process does not guarantee funding. Organizations and individuals that were not successful are encouraged to apply again in the next funding round.

My project or individual proposal was denied funding by FG Foundation. Is there an appeal process?

Payments from the FG Foundation for education programs for individuals include, but are not limited to, the following:

Financial assistance for costs associated with attending post-secondary institutions.

Financial assistance to individuals to access opportunities in arts, science, or athletics.

Funding to support job skills training for First Nations individuals.

Support for research on First Nations culture, history, and language to inform curriculum development and educate the public.

Support to foster personal development by providing access to programs addressing harms resulting from Indian Residential schools, including access to counseling, family development, mental health, land-based healing and health promotion.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

Technical training for career advancement.

Programs promoting the preservation, reclamation, development, or understanding of First Nations history, cultures, or languages.

Cultural education in tradition, ceremony, or knowledge building.

Strengthening education and employment training.

Fostering community and personal development, including access to counseling, mental health, land-based healing and other programs to heal communities from harms caused by the Indian Residential Schools.

What can individual applicants use the money for?

No. FG Foundation does not offer funding for personal businesses, as this does not align with the mandate outlined in the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement for these funds.

Can I use this funding to start my own business?

Yes. FG Foundation funds cannot be used to reduce, replace, or duplicate existing support from federal, provincial, territorial or local governments. However, they can be used to augment and complement this funding. Additionally, the funds cannot be used to pay off debts, capital expenditures or purchases, including construction or renovation of fixed assets, or acquisition of land, watercraft, or aircraft.

Are there any restrictions to how the funds are used?

Education programs supported by the FG Foundation as designed to advance individual education and personal development, encompassing areas such as literacy or trades training. These programs also include initiatives related to preserving, reclaiming, developing, or understanding First Nations history, cultures, or languages.

These programs can be offered by various entities, including education institutions, cultural centers, organizations, communities, and individuals or organizations. They may vary in duration (short or long-term), formality (informal or formal), and certification status (certified or non-certified).

Educational programs eligible for FG Foundation support include, but are not limited to, those that:

Strengthen education and employment training opportunities;

Promote First Nations languages and cultures; or,

Foster community and personal development, including access to counseling and other initiatives aimed at healing communities from harms caused by the Indian Residential Schools.

No. Personal credit payments and all other formal compensation packages (Common Experience Payment and Independent Assessment Payments) are complete. The FG Foundation funds are a separate opportunity for First Nations individuals and organizations to access funding for education programs aimed at healing, reconciliation, and knowledge building.

I did not receive my personal education credit. Can I get it now through the FG Foundation?

No. Only educational activities taking place between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026, will be considered for funding.

Can I apply for funding for an education program that has finished?

Funds will be dispersed to successful individual applicants through the following methods:

Scholarship (Post-Secondary): Money awards for post-secondary education studies (e.g. University and College level studies).

Training and Trades (Training/Certification): Money awards for certificate programs and training from non-post-secondary institutions (e.g. Nechi Institute, AFOA, or other non-post-secondary certified institution).

Cultural Learning (Healing, Cultural, Language, Traditional Knowledge Building): Money awards for individuals pursuing healing, cultural, language, or traditional knowledge building that are not offered through formal education institutions. This may include life skills programs, learning a language or skill from an elder or expert, participating in traditional ceremonies, or acquiring land-based skills, among others.

How will funds be dispersed to successful applicants?

Funding is available for one academic year per application, covering programming from September and August. The FG Foundation aims to notify applicants by the end of September. Successful applicants will receive 90% of their approved amount after the submission and review of acceptable documents. The remaining 10% will be released once final grades or final reports are submitted.

How long will my funding last, and how will it be dispersed and when?

The FG Foundation can accept the following official documents from the institution as Confirmation of Enrollment:

Payment invoices related to program registration

Official letter regarding enrollment or registration

Applicants’ transcripts demonstrating active enrollment in their program

What will the FG Foundation accept in terms of the Confirmation of Enrollment? 

Yes. Your application will be screened along with other applicants in the competitive process.

If I receive funding this year, can I apply next year as well?

Yes. The organization and individual applications are separate processes and will be reviewed independently through a competitive process.

If I receive funding as part of an organization, can I also apply for individual funding and vice versa?

No, the application must be submitted by the individual seeking funding. However, the FG Foundation is committed to supporting accessibility for all applicants, including those with disabilities. Information sessions and a toolkit are available to help with the application process. If additional accommodations are needed, applicants are encouraged to contact the FG Foundation for support.

Can I apply on behalf of my son, daughter, or dependent?

This question should be directed to your existing funders. FG Foundation funds cannot be used to reduce, replace, or duplicate existing support available through federal, provincial, territorial, or local governments. However, may be used to augment and complement this funding.

I have been approved for funding from FG Foundation. Will this affect my Treaty-based funding?

All applications are assessed based on the principles, key criteria, priorities, and guidelines outlined in the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, the Administration Plan, and the FG Foundation’s policies. The Board of Trustees appoints a Selection Committee to review all complete applications and make funding recommendations. Applications are first screened to ensure they meet the submission deadline and include all required documentation. Only complete applications are forwarded to the Selection Committee for evaluation and consideration.

Due to the large number of applications received by FG Foundation, the screening and selection process typically takes about four months. Individual funding decisions are typically released by the end of September.

Learn how to apply as an organization, how funding decisions are made, restrictions on funding, and other questions.

To be eligible for funding, organizations must be either:

First Nation governments and/or communities who are listed as a “qualified donee” with the Canada Revenue Agency; or, 

First Nation Organizations or societies who are listed as a Charities with the Canada Revenue Agency; and  

All First Nations regardless of their Qualified Donee Status.  

For more information on qualified donees, registered charities, and First Nation governments, please see the following resources:

Qualified Donee – Municipal or Public Body Performing a Function of Government in Canada

List of charities and certain other qualified donees - basic search

What are the eligibility requirements for organizations applying for funding?

Currently, provincial, regional and community projects can apply for up to $200,000. National projects can apply for up to $400,000.

What is the maximum amount of money an organization can apply for through the FG Foundation?

Due to the large number of applications received by FG Foundation, the screening and selection process typically takes about three months. Organization funding decisions are usually released end of March.

All applications are assessed based on principles, key criteria, priorities, and guidelines established by the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, the Administration Plan, and the FG Foundation. The Board of Trustees appoints a Selection Committee that reviews all complete applications and makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees. Applications are first screened to ensure they meet the submission deadline and include all required documentation. Only complete applications move forward for evaluation by the Selection Committee.

No, the FG Foundation application can only be viewed once the application period opens. Applications open each November and close in January.

View our new How to Apply Toolkit! The toolkit will provide a general outline of the application, provide helpful tips, and insights into the process for the 2025-2026 Call for Applications.

You can apply online at https://fgfoundation.smapply.io/

Education programs supported by the FG Foundation focus on advancing initiatives related to the preservation, reclamation, development, or understanding of First Nations history, cultures, or languages.

Programs may be provided by education institutions, cultural centers, organizations, communities, or other groups and can vary in duration (short- or long-term), structure (informal or formal), and certification status.

Programs eligible for funding include, but are not limited to:

Promoting First Nations languages and cultures.

Fostering community and personal development.

Addressing the impacts and recovery efforts related to Indian Residential School sites.

Supporting healing, family, and youth-focused initiatives.

Applications are assessed based specific principles and guidelines set out by the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement and the FG Foundation’s Terms and Conditions and Administration Plan.

Initial Screening: Applications are screened to ensure they’ve been received by deadline and contain all necessary documentation, including proof of eligibility. Only complete applications will be evaluated.

Evaluation: Complete applications are forwarded to the Selection Committee for assessment.

Recommendations: The Selection Committee makes funding recommendations to the Board of Trustees.

Notification: Applicants will be informed of the final decision via email.

Eligible expenses for organization applicants include:

Elder fees, guide fees, equipment, supplies, travel, fuel, and other similar incidental costs related to traditional education programs.

Instructional delivery wages and mandatory employment-related costs.

Purchase and development of course materials and supplies.

Adaption of current course material to add First Nation content.

Clothing specific to the training requirements (e.g., uniforms, steel-toed boots, raingear).

What can organization applicants use the money for?

Yes, there are restrictions. The funds cannot be used to:

Reduce, replace, or duplicate existing support available through federal, provincial, territorial or local governments

Cover capital expenditures, such as construction, renovation, acquisition of fixed assets, or the purchase of land, watercraft, or aircraft.

However, the funds may be used to augment or complement existing support from these sources.

The FG Foundation cannot disburse or distribute funding for:

Yes, the FG Foundation Call for Applications from Organizations is accessible to non-Indigenous organizations if the programming is intended for First Nations individuals.

Can Non-Indigenous Organizations apply for funding from the FG Foundation if the programming is intended for First Nations citizens?

Scope: Programs with a nationwide reach, coast to coast to coast. 

Requirement: Must promote an education program for First Nations citizens at a national level.

Funding: Can be funded for a single year or a combined maximum period of up to 5 yrs.

Reporting: Requires annual proposals, budgets, and reports. May require Audited Financial Statements.

Requirement: Must promote an education program for First Nations citizens at a provincial level.

Scope: Programs targeting specific local communities.

Advice and answers from the FG Foundation Team

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