Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation component of the Commemorate Canada program provides funding (up to a maximum of $10,000 per organization) to eligible recipients for initiatives that increase awareness and commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30).
Offered by Canadian Heritage
Amount
Up to $10,000
Up to a maximum of $10,000 in funding per project; total government assistance cannot exceed 100% of total project-related costs, and applicants should anticipate receiving approximately half of the maximum eligible support
Quick eligibility check
Who can apply
We are responsible for determining the eligibility of each applicant, its project, and project-related expenses.
The Program is highly competitive. Requests for funding may exceed our available resources. If your organization is eligible, submitting an application does not guarantee funding.
Organizations may only submit one application. If multiple groups are collaborating on a project, only the lead organization may apply. Multiple applications for the same project (e.g., same date and location) will not be considered.
Who can apply
To be eligible for funding, your organization must be:
- an Indigenous government, band council, or tribal council, or its delegated authority;
- an Indigenous not-for-profit organization or group;
- a for-profit Indigenous organization, provided that the project for which you are requesting funding will not result in income generation for your sole benefit;
- an Indigenous ad hoc committee that has formed for a specific project; or
- an Indigenous-led institution including accredited programs.
Non-Indigenous applicants are considered in exceptional circumstances, as determined by the Program. The organization must work in close partnership with an Indigenous organization and include a letter of support outlining their role in the project.
In the case of partnerships, one organization must assume the lead role and responsibility for the overall management and coordination of the project.
In addition, organizations with overdue final program reports may be ineligible to receive funds from the program.
Eligible projects
To be eligible for funding from the component, your project must:
- demonstrate that it meets the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation objectives;
- take place on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day (September 30), during the month of September or in the week following September 30;
- be free of charge (no admission fees or donation required for entry); and
- be open to the public and/or community.
Examples of eligible projects:
- community ceremonies;
- healing workshops, Elder, Survivor or Knowledge Keeper presentations;
- commemorative murals, cairns and plaques;
- educational and awareness materials, speaker series; and
- cultural and artistic initiatives.
The project must not be designed for fundraising purposes or generate commercial advantage or profit.
About the funding
This funding, available through the Celebration and Commemoration Program, will provide up to a maximum of $10,000 in funding to eligible recipients to support initiatives that will:
To ensure the success of your project, we encourage you to have other funding sources. This may include contributions from your organization, the private sector or other levels of government.
The total financial assistance received from the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation component and other levels of government (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal) cannot exceed 100% of your total project-related costs.
Each project can receive up to a maximum of $10,000 in funding from the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation component.
Show all funding details
Please be advised that, due to significant demand on the program, the level of funding available is limited. Consequently, applicants should anticipate receiving approximately half of the maximum eligible support.
How funding is provided
We will determine if funding will be disbursed as a grant or as a contribution.
A grant is a payment issued to a recipient for a project. The conditions you agree to at the time of application will apply. At the end of your project, you will be required to submit a report and/or participate in the evaluation of results.
A contribution is a conditional payment issued for a specific purpose, as outlined in a funding agreement. The agreement is signed by your organization and by us and specifies the terms and conditions to receive payment. At the end of your project, you must submit a final financial and final activity/results report.
Only project-related expenses are eligible. These may include:
- project management expenses (e.g., project manager, consultant and professional fees, researcher, technology support);
- honoraria (e.g., Elders, Knowledge Keepers, speakers);
- artistic expenses (artist and performer fees, Master of Ceremony, design costs);
- planning and activity expenses (e.g., event venue, production and logistic expenses, supplies, equipment rental, decoration);
- marketing and communications expenses (advertising, outreach, signage, translation, and photography);
- merchandise and giveaway expenses (e.g., purchase of orange t-shirts, commemorative pins), which may not exceed 25% of the total amount requested;
- administrative expenses (e.g., salaries and benefits, mailing, printing, photocopying), which may not exceed 15% of the total amount requested;
- hospitality expenses (e.g., ceremonial and traditional foods, beverages (excluding alcohol), plates, utensils and napkins);Footnote 1 and
- travel within Canada (e.g., local transportation, accommodation and meals).Footnote 1
If funding is approved, we may fund expenses incurred as of April 1, 2026. However, if you incur expenses for your project before receiving written confirmation of your funding approval, you will be doing so at your own risk.
Footnote 1
Reasonable travel/hospitality expenses inside Canada, which must not exceed the rates permitted for travel on government business.
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