Project Development Stream

For this funding stream, we welcome applications led by:

• First Nations, including governments, bands, corporations controlled by First Nations, and First Nations not-for-profit organizations
• Rural and remotely located communities with populations of 5,000 or fewer, represented by local or regional governments, including municipalities, regional districts, and electoral areas

We encourage proposals that foster economic reconciliation with First Nations and Indigenous people. Often, great projects create meaningful partnerships and mutually beneficial opportunities based on holistic, values-driven approaches to attaining community economic prosperity.

Under this stream, we don’t fund individuals, local governments with populations greater than 5,000 citizens, non-Indigenous non-profits, or businesses operating for private profit.

Under the Act governing the Trust, projects must be located within our defined service region. See Our Region for a map.

In recognition of First Nations territories, the Trust welcomes proposals from First Nations for projects in areas adjacent to our service region that deliver economic development outcomes benefiting communities within the region.

We fund projects that advance the planning and strategic relationships needed to attract new investment. Eligible work connects to one or more of our eight Investment Priorities and prepares a project for future investment through our Capital and Innovation program.

• Planning for a project that would not be eligible for investment through the Trust’s Capital and Innovation Program.
• Feasibility studies, which come before this stream and test whether a project is worth pursuing.
• Preliminary planning phases such as early design concepts, as this stream funds the investment-ready stage that follows.

We fund 50% of the total project to a maximum of $30,000 per project. Our investment is always one part of a larger funding package that includes other funders and ideally a contribution from the organization leading the project.

• Costs incurred after Trust staff have provided written confirmation the application is complete
• Consultant and professional service fees
• Research, analysis, and planning activities
• Community and partner engagement activities
• Data collection and technical studies
• Other direct costs required to complete the approved project

• Costs incurred prior to Trust staff providing written confirmation that the application is complete
• Ongoing organizational operating expenses
• Internal staffing and administration costs
• In-kind contributions
• Capital purchases and construction activities
• Costs unrelated to the approved scope of work

We have a continuous intake with no posted deadlines. When we start working together, we focus on preparing a complete application for one of the three Regional Advisory Committee meetings we hold each year.
To learn more about our process, see How We Fund – Building your proposal.

We bring more to a project than money. We aim to be a true partner, invested not only in what gets built but in the impact it creates and the outcomes it delivers. Our How We Fund page walks through our developmental approach to investing in economic projects, from the first conversation to the final report:

• Connecting with us
• Building your proposal
• Submitting
• Due diligence, review, and decision
• Agreement and funding
• Project implementation and reporting

As you build your proposal, we encourage you to read our Application Form.

When you are ready to submit, your complete application includes the documents below. We are glad to talk through any of them with you before you start.

Project Concept Outline, including your description of the capital project you will be developing and the process you will undertake to produce the following deliverables:

• A detailed capital expenditure plan, which may include final design drawings with costs supported by quotes from qualified suppliers
• A business or operating plan, including a financial forecast for operations to assess short- and long-term viability
• Identification of permits, approvals, or letters of authorization the project will require
• Letters of support from partners, rightsholders, and key stakeholders

Along with the project concept outline, please provide:

• Quotes from one or more qualified consultants or business advisors
• Letters of support from partners, rightsholders, or key stakeholders, including local businesses, as relevant to the project
• Your most recent financial statements, audited if available
• For first-time not-for-profit or community-owned company applicants: your constitution, bylaws, articles, and current list of directors