Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative – Economic Stream

Important dates

Overview

The Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative – Economic Stream (IRI-ES) provides flexible funding for capacity and opportunity development projects that improve economic outcomes for Indigenous communities. The initiative is designed to support Indigenous communities in pursuing economic priorities based on their unique needs.

Note: If you are looking for funding for Indigenous languages, cultures or arts projects, see the Cultural Stream.

Funding

IRI-ES applicants can receive a maximum of $100,000 to support an Indigenous-owned economic development project.

Funding for successful projects is determined by the requested amount, eligible costs and initiative budget. 

There is no requirement for the applicant to contribute financially; however, all sources of funding should be disclosed in the proposal.

The IRI-ES may be stacked with other government (federal, provincial, municipal) and industry funding sources. For the purpose of this grant, the grant stack funding level to a recipient from all government sources can be up to 100% of eligible costs.

How to apply

Before you submit your application, read the IRI-ES Application Guidelines.

Step 1. Fill out and sign the application form

IRI-ES Grant Application Form

Make sure your form is:

• fully completed
• signed and dated

Incomplete applications can lead to delays, as they often require additional follow-up and clarification. 

Step 2. Create a project proposal

For your proposal, you must provide the following:

• project overview including a description of proposed activities
• specific outcomes, results and community reconciliation benefit(s)
• detailed timelines of the project activities
• qualifications and experience of the executive managers or key people leading the project
• detailed budget
• appendices including additional information, such as these examples:
  • business plan
  • organizational chart
  • one or more cost estimates showing a breakdown from professional services

Step 3. Document community support

You must demonstrate support for your project by providing the following:

• Band Council Resolution for a First Nation
• Council Resolution for a Metis Settlement
• Board Resolution from a community-owned company or development corporation
• Board Motion from a not-for-profit Indigenous organization

Additional letters of support from Indigenous communities or organizations may accompany the above support documents.

Step 4. Submit your application package

Email your application package to [email protected].

After you apply

Once your application is received, we will do the following:

1. A preliminary assessment will be conducted to ensure that each application provides sufficient information to undertake a full assessment.
2. A full assessment will confirm applicant eligibility and suitability with the IRI-CS.
3. Additional information may be requested.
4. A grant manager will communicate the status of the application.
5. A final decision will be sent through email.

Decisions are final and there is no appeal process.

Alberta signature use

Grant recipients may use the Alberta signature (logo) to recognize the Alberta government’s funding contribution. The Alberta signature should be clearly displayed in a way that indicates the Government of Alberta is a sponsor – and not a partner that is running the event, program, initiative or involved with the organization.

To request permission and for further information, contact: [email protected].

Reporting

• If your project is approved, we will enter into a funding agreement with you.
• You are expected to report on the activities and results of the projects as detailed in the funding agreement and provide financial statements.

Grant recipients

See the list of recent IRI grant recipients.

Contact

Connect with the Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative program:
Email: [email protected]

Related

• Reconciliation in Alberta
• Aboriginal Business Investment Fund
• Indigenous grants