Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations program

On this page

• About the program
• Eligible activities
• Who can apply
• Deadline
• How to apply
• Guidelines
• Contact us

About the program

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) is working with Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations to:

• develop and support relationships based on trust and respect
• create opportunities to empower and engage Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations in decision-making processes that impact their lives

This program will provide contribution funding for projects that:

• increase the ability of Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations to engage at the grassroots level
• advance grassroots voices and the priorities of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ people within all levels of government
• support real and meaningful systemic change in Canada

The goals of this program are to:

• actively engage grassroots in the development of the governments' legislative and policy agendas
• ensure that government policies, programs, legislation and services are reflective of grassroots priorities and perspectives
• increase awareness of government policies and programs among grassroots through outreach with Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ communities and organizations
• improve access to funding opportunities through relationship building across all level of government

Budget 2021 granted funding to support Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations through CIRNAC. $36.3 million over 5 years beginning in 2021 to 2022, and $8.6 million ongoing was set aside for this program to allow stable and longer-term project funding.

This program in part responds to the MMIWG Call for Justice 1.8, which calls upon governments to support national, regional, and local Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations.

Eligible activities

Eligible activities improve organizations' ability to investigate, develop, propose, review, inform or consult on policy or program development.

For a list of eligible activities, consult the Application guidelines.

Who can apply

To be eligible for funding, your organization must be or have:

• a Canadian organization
• an Indigenous not-for-profit organization
• a mandate that specifically focuses on Indigenous women, Two-spirit, Indigenous LGBTQI+ peoples (on and off-reserve, First Nation, non-status Indian, Métis, Inuit and urban)
• proof of incorporation or registration and current good standing

Deadline

We are currently accepting applications and supporting documents for one-year projects for the fiscal year 2025 to 2026 on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials at their earliest convenience to ensure consideration.

A national call for proposals for fiscal year 2026 to 2027 is anticipated to launch in fall 2025.

How to apply

1. Complete the application form (PAW# 9839284). To download the form:
   • visit the Proposals, applications, work plans web page
   • select fiscal year 2025-2026
   • search for PAW#9839284
2. If you are having trouble accessing the application form online, you can contact us by email. Consult the application guidelines to review additional information and requirements before submitting your application. The guidelines include more details on:
   • eligible and ineligible activities
   • eligible and ineligible expenses
   • the process used to approve projects
   • the reporting requirements
3. Email or mail your application to the address listed in Contact us.

Please make sure that your application is fully complete and that all mandatory documents are included. The following documents must accompany the application form:

• proof of incorporation
• organization's bylaws
• list of board of directors members

You may also be asked to provide:

• information about your organization
• proof of project supports, if any
• your latest audited financial statements

Submitting a proposal does not guarantee funding. Funding amounts will vary based on the number of applications received and availability of funds.

Guidelines

For more information on the selection process, reporting requirements and eligible expenses, consult Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Organizations program: Application guidelines.

Contact us

If you have questions about the program, need an application form or need help preparing your application, please contact:

Email: femmesautochtones-indigenouswomen@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

Mailing address
Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Relations Unit
Indigenous and External Relations Branch
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
10 rue Wellington, 20th Floor
Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0H4
Canada