To learn more and apply for the Indigenous Community Support Fund, click here: https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1585189335380/1585189357198
What is the Indigenous Community Support Fund?
The Indigenous Community Support Fund was first announced on March 18, 2020 by the federal government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund originally included $305 million to address immediate needs in First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities but has since seen two funding increases, bringing the total investment to $685 million.
This fund provides Indigenous leadership with the flexibility needed to design and implement community-based solutions to prepare for and react to the spread of COVID-19 within their communities. A portion of these funds will be set aside for support to regional, urban and off-reserve Indigenous organizations.
These funds could be used for measures including, but not limited to:
support for Elders and vulnerable community members
measures to address food insecurity
educational and other support for children
mental health assistance and emergency response services
preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Who can access this funding?
First Nations communities (including self-governing and modern treaty Nations)
Inuit communities in Inuit Nunangat
Métis governing members in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario
Urban and off-reserve Indigenous organizations
How is funding accessed?
The additional $305 million announced on August 12 will be distributed through a combination of allocations directly to First Nations, Inuit, and Metis leadership, and needs-based funding which will be application driven.
On-reserve and self-governing First Nations communities will receive funding directly from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). The amount provided to each community will be based on the following considerations: a base amount per community, the total population residing in community (based on 2016 Census population) and remoteness, and community wellbeing index scores. The funding will flow through existing agreements.
Indigenous organizations and communities providing services to Indigenous peoples in urban centres or First Nations peoples off reserve will have an opportunity to submit a proposal for needs-based funding.
Information on how to apply is forthcoming from ISC, updates can be found at https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1585189335380/1585189357198#b.
On August 12, the Government of Canada announced an additional $305 million for the Indigenous Community Support Fund, read full release here: