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.

What is the mission of the FG Foundation?

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 are the FG Foundation ’s current objectives?

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.

Where did the money in the FG Foundation come from?

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.

What is the governing structure of the FG Foundation?

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.

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

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

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.

How long will funding be available through the FG Foundation?

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 do I access funding through 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.  

Late applications will not be accepted.

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

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

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.

How are funding decisions made?

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.

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 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.