Indigenous Youth

About the Program

As part of our commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada, the Peter Gilgan Foundation has dedicated funds to reducing barriers and uplifting opportunities and wellbeing for Indigenous young people. Informed by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as well as the guidance of community leaders who generously share their wisdom and worldviews, we strive to ensure:

• Our objectives centre Indigenous self-determination
• Our approach remains rooted in relationship
• Our leadership emerges with humility

What We Fund

We seek to support Indigenous-led organizations that are meeting the holistic needs of Indigenous youth in the areas of: 

• Housing & safe spaces 
• Health & healing 
• Education & knowledge 
• Economic opportunity & building capacity 
• Food security & sovereignty 

All Indigenous Youth grants are single-year commitments, so we encourage applicants to focus their proposal on efforts that that can deliver meaningful outcomes or impact within that timeframe.

This funding is best suited to:

• Filling a specific gap in your program, services, or budget
• Helping pilot or prove a new concept
• Supporting an expansion or stretch initiative that builds on your existing strengths

Due to budget limitations and our commitment to reaching a broad network of communities, we’re not able to fund long-term operational or sustained programming needs. Instead, we aim to play a catalytic, time-bound role – helping organizations move an idea forward or meet a moment of opportunity.

Grant Types

We welcome grant applications from Indigenous-led organizations that are: 

• Registered charities 
• Qualified donees 
• Nonprofit organizations delivering charitable initiatives

Funding is available as both project grants and general operating grants. Registered charities and qualified donees are welcome to apply for either type of grant depending on what would best suit the needs of the organization. Nonprofit organizations are only eligible to apply for project grant funding at this time. 

Eligibility and Deadlines

Applicants are eligible to apply for a maximum of 10% of their organization’s annual revenue up to:

• $50,000 for registered charities and qualified donees
• $25,000 for nonprofit organizations

Priority will be given to: 

• Organizations that are community-based and culturally connected
• Organizations serving Indigenous youth in rural and remote communities
• Projects that are led by youth or informed by youth voices
• Efforts that focus on integrated solutions rather than isolated interventions

We do not accept applications for: 

• Capital campaigns
• Capital or infrastructure expenses
• Emergency relief
• Endowments
• Fundraising drives or event sponsorship
• Government services
• Individuals
• Scholarships or bursaries
• Singular events that are not connected to ongoing programs or services

We do not accept applications from:

• Non-Indigenous-led organizations or partnerships
• Well-established and -resourced entities (examples: post-secondary institutions, hospital foundations, conservancy or historical associations)
• For-profit businesses and enterprises (including corporations and social enterprises)

There is no application deadline, you can apply at any time. However, if you have submitted an unsuccessful application to the Peter Gilgan Foundation, please wait at least 12 months before reapplying.  

How to Apply

The Indigenous Youth grant program has a single-round application process. To apply, first create an account on our online application portal, then complete the 2-page application form which consists of a variety of short, medium, and long answer questions. There is an opportunity to provide additional information and context regarding your organization, project, or proposal if the application form is found to be limiting or lacking in any way. You can save your answers right in your account and pick up where you left off should you need to pause your work. 

Once you have completed all application tasks, including attaching requested financial documents, please select the “submit” button. We accept applications for the Indigenous Youth grant program on a rolling basis, and review submissions every other month throughout the year. 

Foundation staff may reach out to offer a virtual or in-person meeting at your convenience as part of our application review process. You will be notified about the outcome of your application within approximately 8 to 12 weeks.

If you have any questions regarding the Indigenous Youth grant program or the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@petergilganfoundation.org