What are the eligibility requirements for organizations applying for funding?

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
• Qualified donees
• List of charities and certain other qualified donees - basic search
• First Nation Profiles

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

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

How long will funding be available through FG Foundation?

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.

What are the application deadlines?

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

How long does the review process take?

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.

How are funding decisions made?

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.

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

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.

How can I apply?

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

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

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

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:

• Strengthening education and employment training.
• 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.

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

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.

Screening Process:

1. 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.
2. Evaluation: Complete applications are forwarded to the Selection Committee for assessment.
3. Recommendations: The Selection Committee makes funding recommendations to the Board of Trustees.
4. Notification: Applicants will be informed of the final decision via email.

What can organization applicants use the money for?

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.
• Tuition and associated fees.
• 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).
• Transportation.
• Accommodations and meals.
• Administration

Are there any restrictions to how the funds are used?

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

• Reduce, replace, or duplicate existing support available through federal, provincial, territorial or local governments
• Pay debts
• 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.

What won’t or can’t be funded?

The FG Foundation cannot disburse or distribute funding for:

• Supplementation or compensation of an individual’s Common Experience Payment or Personal Credits amount
• Claims for compensation
• Legal action
• Entrepreneurial activities
• Capital costs
• Activities outside the FG Foundation’s objectives
• Partisan and/or political activities
• Payments for past student loans or debts

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

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

What is the difference between National, Regional, and Local Community Projects?

National Programs

• 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.
• Maximum Funding: $400 000 annually.
• Reporting: Requires annual proposals, budgets, and reports. May require Audited Financial Statements.

Regional Programs

• Scope: Programs with a provincial focus.
• Requirement: Must promote an education program for First Nations citizens at a provincial level.
• Funding: Can be funded for a single year or a combined maximum period of up to 5 yrs.
• Maximum Funding: $200,000 annually.
• Reporting: Requires annual proposals, budgets, and reports. May require Audited Financial Statements.

Local/Community Programs

• Scope: Programs targeting specific local communities.
• Requirement: Must promote an education program for First Nations citizens with the local community.
• Funding: Can be funded for a single year or a combined maximum for up to 5 yrs.
• Maximum Funding: $200 000 annually.
• Reporting: Requires annual proposals, budgets, and reports. May require Audited Financial Statements.

If an organization does not have qualified donee or charitable status, can they partner with an organization that does?

Yes, the partner organization must have charitable status or qualified donee status at the time of application and will act as the grantee.

What if an organization does not have qualified donee status at the time of applying, but plans to obtain it soon?

The organization must have confirmed qualified donee status at time of application unless they are a First Nation. All First Nations are eligible to apply.

How will funds be dispersed to successful organization applicants?

Successful funding for organizations will be dispersed through:

• Grants: A grant is a non-repayable fund to a recipient to fund a specific project or targeted research. Grants may require some level of compliance and reporting.
• Sponsorship: The FG Foundation may assist community organizations in providing sponsorship to individuals to attend educational and career programs, enabling young people from their local communities to pursue college, university, and career success.

Will you accept multiple applications for different programming from one organization?

Yes, but it is not recommended.  Multiple applications from the same organization for different programs will compete against each other in the selection process.

Is multi-year funding available for organizations?

Yes, multi-year funding is available for organizations. Applications can be for one-year terms or multi-year, with a maximum duration of five years. However, each successful organization is limited to accessing the Indian residential School Settlement (IRSSA) to only two agreements within a ten-year period.

If the applicant organizations do not have audited financial statements, are other documents that are acceptable for the application?

Yes, acceptable documents can include a statement of income, a statement of cash flows, or any document that demonstrates the financial capacity of the registered charity, qualified donee, or First Nation.

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

Yes, you can apply again next year. Your application will be evaluated alongside other applicants in the competitive process. As per the administration plan, an organization are limited to accessing the Indian residential School Settlement (IRSSA) to only two funding agreements within a ten-year funding period.

I have been approved for funding from FG Foundation. Will this affect my other funding?

This depends on the policies of your existing funders. 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 supplement and enhance that funding.

My organization’s project or proposal was refused funding by FG Foundation. Is there an appeal process?

Yes, there is an appeal process available. The appeal process document can be found here. However, it’s important to note that the appeal process does not guarantee funds. Organizations who we not successful in receiving funding are encouraged to apply again in the next round.

My organization has received funding from the FG Foundation twice in the past and is currently ineligible due to the limit of two funding agreements within a ten-year period. Has this changed?

Yes. The Future Generations Foundation recently launched the Beyond Reconciliation campaign to secure charitable funds beyond the constraints of the Indian Residential School Settlement (IRSSA) funds. With the introduction of these unrestricted funds, organizations that were previously restricted due to IRSSA limitations are now eligible to apply during the Call for Organization Applications.

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

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