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Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty (IFS)

The Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty (IFS) Grant offers non-repayable funding to BC First Nations, Indigenous organizations, businesses, and entrepreneurs to support the development, growth, and innovation of Indigenous food systems, agriculture, sustainability, and food sovereignty.

Offered by Ministry of Agriculture and Food

Amount

Stream 1 (Planning & Development): community businesses and Indigenous farms up to $150,000; entrepreneurs up to $100,000. Stream 2 (Implementation & Capital): community businesses and Indigenous farms up to $250,000; entrepreneurs up to $150,000.

Quick eligibility check

Years in business
No minimum stated
Employees
No limit stated
Revenue
No limit stated
Legal structure
Incorporated, sole proprietor, partnership, co-operative, non-profit, Indigenous-owned entity, other
Location
British Columbia

Who can apply

Applicants must be:

  1. First Nation communities (Indian Act, Self-government, or Treaty) or any of their departments or organizations under their authority or control (eg. Economic development corp, community school etc)
  2. Tribal Councils
  3. Métis Nation Chartered Communities
  4. Indigenous led not for profit organizations that supports programs primarily for the benefit of Indigenous peoples and where it can be demonstrated that decisions and directions of the organizations are being made by Indigenous peoples at the highest governance level (i.e. at least 51% decision making power)
  5. Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs engaged in food production or processing, including for profit or social enterprise, cooperative or other similar body where applicant or majority indigenous ownership (at least 51%) can validate their indigenous ancestry or affiliation (status card, Métis citizenship card) or other method of validating a clear and authentic connection to their Indigenous heritage

About the funding

The Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty (IFS) Grant offers non-repayable funding to BC First Nations, Indigenous organizations, businesses, and entrepreneurs to support the development, growth, and innovation of Indigenous food systems, agriculture, sustainability, and food sovereignty.

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