Nation Building Grants

Who Can Apply

• B.C. First Nations
• B.C. Tribal Councils
• B.C. Indigenous organizations created under the authority of a B.C. First Nation

Prior to completing an application as an indigenous organization, please contact the Program Specialist for the program at nationbuilding@nrtf.ca to ensure the project meets eligibility.

Intake Frequency

• The annual intake and approval process will open each calendar year in May and close, the earlier of December or when the annual funding available has been exhausted.

Funding Amount

• 1-year grant of up to $60,000, or
• 2-year grant of up to $120,000
• One project per Nation or Tribal Council per year (including organizations under the Nation or Tribal Council authority)

Eligible Funding Activities

NRT will consider all projects and activities meant to strengthen the institutional, governance, and community capacities in reclaiming and rebuilding resiliency, self-determination, and sovereignty within each Nation’s context.  

Eligible costs include:

• Professional, legal, technical, and consulting fees (quotes are required if cost is $15,000 or more to one consultant/contractor/service provider.
• Community engagement costs.
• Supplies, materials, and equipment costs.
• Capital materials and software acquisition.
• Capacity development & training, mentorship, & Knowledge sharing related to the project.
• Other reasonable administrative costs or any incremental costs associated with the project.

Ineligible costs include:

• Existing administration and overhead costs not associated directly to the project.
• Existing staff wages, salaries, or top-ups or honorariums to employees.
• Capital expenditures not directly related to a project.

Example project types are listed below. It is a non-exhaustive list, so if you are unsure if your project is eligible, you may contact us before applying to validate the project concept or idea.

Examples of past funded projects:

Funding Approval Process

NRT will validate applications upon submission based on organization and project eligibility, application completeness and nation-building concept or idea. Please allow up to 2 weeks after submitting a fully complete application to receive a funding decision.

Contact Us For Support

The New Relationship Trust encourages applicants to reach out if you have questions, require assistance, or wish to discuss aspects of the application. 

Please contact us at the email address below and we will respond soon.

By Email: nationbuilding@nrtf.ca