Nation Building Grant

The Nation Building Grant provides multi-year funding to BC First Nations and Tribal Councils, supporting self-determined priorities that enhance governance structures, institutional capacity, and community resilience, advancing self-determination and sovereignty.

How to Apply

Four women from Squamish Nation involved in the Climate Action Strategy, standing outdoors during a community-based climate initiative.

Who Can Apply

B.C. First Nations
B.C. Tribal Councils
Development Corporation/Organization wholly owned and operated by a BC 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 costs or 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.

Land-use, strategic, community energy, and economic development plans
Governance capacity, legal frameworks, and policy development
Title, Rights, and resource management strategies
Custom election and membership codes
Genealogy studies and records digitization
Housing policies and community development planning
Community safety, justice, and climate action strategies
Habitat restoration and environmental feasibility studies
Commercial development and business acquisition plans
Digital tools and platforms for community engagement

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can salaries be covered by this grant?

Yes, but only salaries for new hires directly related to your Nation Building project are eligible. Existing staff salaries, wages, honorariums, or top-ups are not eligible.

Can any Nation apply for a two-year grant?

Two-year grants are limited and only available to projects that demonstrate a substantial workload and require significant effort. NRT will carefully review each two-year application to ensure it meets this criterion.

How do I know if my project is eligible for funding?

Eligible projects should strengthen your Nation’s institutional, governance, or community capacity, advancing self-determination, resiliency, or sovereignty. If you’re unsure, please contact us to validate your project idea before applying.

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

How to Apply

The Nation Building application is hosted on the NRT Grant Portal, to apply please click on the link below or on the top right of the screen to create an NRT Portal Account.
If you have questions or want to discuss a potential project, please contact us at nationbuilding@nrtf.ca and we will arrange a time to connect with you.