Operating Grant for Indigenous-led Organizations

Overview of the Operating Grant for Indigenous-led Organizations program:

This grant aims to empower Indigenous-led non-profit organizations in Edmonton by offering financial assistance to support their operations. The program focuses on initiatives that: Promote the resurgence of Indigenous cultures, languages, identities, and ceremonies. Ensure safe, inclusive, and healing spaces for Indigenous communities. Increase awareness and address responses to historical colonialism, trauma, and violence. Provide education, training, employment, and economic security for Indigenous Peoples. Support learning and advance research within Indigenous contexts. By funding these areas, the grant seeks to strengthen the capacity of Indigenous organizations to serve their communities effectively. Funding Amount The total funding pool for this grant is $1,000,000. Individual grant awards may cover up to 25% of an organization's eligible operating expenses, with a maximum grant amount of $50,000. The exact award is determined based on the number of eligible applications and the specific needs of each organization.

Benefits of the Operating Grant for Indigenous-led Organizations program:

• Financial support to sustain and enhance the operations of Indigenous-led organizations.
• Empowerment of organizations to deliver programs and services that align with Indigenous cultural values and community needs.
• Strengthening of organizational capacity to address issues related to historical trauma, cultural resurgence, and economic development.

Eligibility criteria of the Operating Grant for Indigenous-led Organizations program:

• To be eligible for this grant, organizations must:
• Be a registered non-profit organization operating for at least one year and in good standing with the City of Edmonton.
• Be Indigenous-led, meaning the majority of the board, management, staff, and volunteers identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, or Inuit).
• Have Indigenous cultures central to the organization's history, governance, and daily operations.
• Offer programs and services developed by and for Indigenous people.
• Ensure that at least 75% of participants served reside in Edmonton.
• Align their mandate with one or more of the grant priorities mentioned above.
• Not receive operating funds from other City of Edmonton sources, including City Council, Committees of City Council, or grants administered by the Edmonton Arts Council or Edmonton Heritage Council.