Indigenous Heritage Micro-Grant Program

Deadline: 6-Nov-20

The First Peoples’ Cultural Council has announced the Indigenous Heritage Micro-Grant Program to support the revitalization of Indigenous cultural heritage in British Columbia.

This funding program supports new activities on a one-time basis that help to revitalize Indigenous heritage.

Indigenous Heritage Micro-Grants are for organizations in B.C. with a mandate or a focus that includes Indigenous heritage. This can include First Nations bands and tribal councils, First Nations schools, daycares and adult education centers and not-for-profit societies registered in B.C. that are in good standing and with more than half of the directors identifying as Indigenous.

The Indigenous Cultural Heritage Micro Grant (ICH MG) program will provide support for projects initiated and directed by Indigenous organizations who have demonstrated commitment to their cultural heritage practices as described in the definition provided above. The ICH MG program is meant to support individuals and organizations to:

undertake activities supporting the performance, preservation and/or sharing of Indigenous heritage
increase knowledge sharing with elders
assist in developing cultural heritage skills in Indigenous communities

Funding Information

Funding through the Indigenous ICH MG program is up to $2,000.

Eligible Expenses

Travel (transportation and accommodation) for project participants to attend project events or meetings, visit a community, or undertake research outside their community
Meeting/event space rental
Food and hospitality
Honoraria for Elders, facilitators, and others
Materials and supplies
Equipment rental or costs up to a total of 60% of the funding granted (max. $1,200). This may include the purchase of iPods or similar technology to facilitate adherence to COVID-19 related health and safety protocols.
Display/shelving costs up to a total of 60% of the funding granted (max. $1,200)
Printing costs for promotional or educational materials
Administration expenses such as phone, computer, bookkeeping, etc., are eligible up to 15% of the funding granted, (maximum $300)
Other expenses may be eligible; please contact FPCC if you have questions.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an ICH MG, organizations must have a mandate or a focus which includes Indigenous heritage and be:

a BC First Nation band or tribal council; OR
a not-for-profit registered in BC in good standing and governed by Indigenous individuals (at least 51% of Directors identify as Indigenous); OR
a First Nation school or adult education center operating in BC.

Additionally, applicants must:

Demonstrate how their project contributes to the revitalization of Indigenous heritage; AND
Demonstrate how the Indigenous Heritage Micro Grant will support emergent activities on a one-time basis; AND
Submit a signed application (only one application per organization) with a realistic, balanced budget which demonstrates financial need and an achievable project timeline; AND
Have completed all reporting for any previous projects funded by FPCC.

To be eligible for an ICH MG, applicants must also ensure all FPCC COVID-19 Program Guidelines are met, these are outlined below:

Abide by your community or First Nation’s COVID-19 plan and orders
Follow the guidelines stated by the B.C. Health Officer
Avoid any in person contact with Elders for program related activities, unless you currently live in the same household
Avoid travel between First Nations communities, provinces or countries for program related activities
Practice social distancing for any small group activities for your program ensuring that indoor spaces allow for safe social distancing, approved indoor ventilation,
Singing activities will be limited to outdoor settings with increased physical distancing
Gatherings of 5 people or less is recommended and more than 10 people are not permitted for FPCC program activities. Wearing masks when gathering is recommended to keep everyone safe.
As per the BC Health Officer orders, do not plan any program activities for groups over 50 individuals
When gathering, practice food safe measures, avoid sharing food, dishes or utensils
Avoid sharing any equipment as this increases the risk of transferring the virus.
Do not require in-person participation in program activities but find solutions to make programs accessible for those who do not wish to gather in person
Project proposals must be prepared to modify their projects at any time if the BC Health Officer orders change. You may view the COVID-19 Phase 1-3.