Our Story
New Relationship Trust (NRT) is an Indigenous-led nonprofit based in British Columbia. Since 2006, we have distributed funding to First Nations communities across BC to advance governance, economic development, education, clean energy, food sovereignty, and long-term self-determination. We manage an over $100 million portfolio, built to create compounding impact across generations, not just single grant cycles.
Our Impact
Over 19 years, NRT has funded 9,132 projects and distributed $260 million in total disbursements to First Nations communities across BC.
In 2024-2025 alone, $72.1 million in grants were distributed, supporting everything from clean energy infrastructure to youth scholarships to Indigenous food sovereignty.
Our work reaches every corner of the province. In 2024-2025, 99% of First Nations accessed the Declaration Act Engagement Fund, and projects from every region in BC were supported through the Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty initiative.
Our programs support:
- Youth education, scholarships, and bursaries
- Indigenous food sovereignty and food security
- Clean energy and diesel reduction
- Economic development and entrepreneurship
- Skills training and labour market participation
- Nation building, governance, and land use planning
Our History
NRT was established in 2006 following the Transformative Change Accord, a landmark agreement between the First Nation Leadership Council, the Province of BC, and the Government of Canada. The Accord recognized that closing the socio-economic gap in First Nations communities required Indigenous-led funding approaches.
That principle still guides everything we do. In 2026, NRT will mark its 20th anniversary of empowering First Nations in BC.
Our Model
NRT operates as a self-sustaining nonprofit. Investment income from our portfolio funds both our operations and our grant programs, meaning our core funding is not dependent on government cycles or donor contributions.
In 2024-2025, NRT achieved an 11.23% return on investments, with a fund balance of $119 million. Additional capacity is unlocked through partnerships with private donors, foundations, corporations, and federal and provincial governments, allowing NRT to administer strategic funding far beyond what its endowment alone could support, including more than $67 million in strategic partner grants in 2024-2025.
Philanthropic contributions go further here. Private giving expands what we can do, reaching more communities and delivering measurably greater impact.
Vision
Empowered, healthy, resilient, and thriving First Nations communities for all generations.
Mission
To be a partner and catalyst in supporting capacity development transformation across First Nations in British Columbia.
Our Values 
Accountability
We continuously work on behalf of First Nations, demonstrating accountability and transparency through meaningful engagement, ongoing evaluation, and reporting.
Integrity
We build and sustain trust through fairness, honesty, and professionalism that reflects the best interests of First Nations.
Humility
We observe, listen, and have empathy in collaborating with all our partners to find new and better ways to serve First Nations.
Reciprocity
We seek opportunities to share, learn and draw upon the unique cultures, customs, and wisdom of First Nations in delivering relevant, responsive, and innovative programs.
Respect
We make decisions that respect the unique circumstances, goals, and aspirations of each First Nation.
Accountability
We continuously work on behalf of First Nations, demonstrating accountability and transparency through meaningful engagement, ongoing evaluation, and reporting.
Integrity
We build and sustain trust through fairness, honesty, and professionalism that reflects the best interests of First Nations.
Humility
We observe, listen, and have empathy in collaborating with all our partners to find new and better ways to serve First Nations.
Reciprocity
We seek opportunities to share, learn and draw upon the unique cultures, customs, and wisdom of First Nations in delivering relevant, responsive, and innovative programs.
Respect
We make decisions that respect the unique circumstances, goals, and aspirations of each First Nation.
These are the operating standards behind how we design programs, engage with communities, and report on outcomes.
In our 2023 Community Engagement Report, First Nations described NRT’s funding process as clear, low-barrier, and responsive, and NRT staff as genuinely trusted partners. That trust is the result of 19 years of relationship-first, Indigenous-led program delivery.
Partner With Us
NRT welcomes philanthropic partners who want to accelerate Indigenous-led change in BC. We are a registered nonprofit with transparent governance, published annual impact reports, audited financials, and a proven model for responsible long-term stewardship of capital.
Partner with NRT