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Indigenous Arts and Culture Leadership Grant – Major Project (Canada)

Deadline: 23-Apr-2026

The Indigenous Arts and Culture Leadership Grant (IACL) Major Project provides up to $30,000 to support First Nations and/or Métis-led cultural initiatives in Saskatchewan.

The grant funds community-driven projects that strengthen Indigenous leadership, revitalize cultural practices, and promote intergenerational knowledge transmission, with priority given to northern, rural, and underserved communities.

Eligible applicants are Saskatchewan-registered non-profit organizations with a cultural mandate that meet governance and compliance requirements.

The Indigenous Arts and Culture Leadership Grant (IACL) Major Project supports significant cultural initiatives led by First Nations and/or Métis communities in Saskatchewan.

The program focuses on:

  • Cultural revitalization

  • Indigenous leadership development

  • Intergenerational knowledge transmission

  • Community-based cultural continuity

The grant was formerly known as the Aboriginal Arts and Culture Leadership Grant and was renamed to reflect its commitment to Indigenous communities.

Program Purpose

The IACL Major Project aims to take constructive action in response to the ongoing impacts of colonialism on First Nations and Métis cultures.

The program supports initiatives that:

  • Revitalize worldviews and knowledge systems

  • Strengthen cultural practices and languages

  • Preserve oral histories, laws, and protocols

  • Reaffirm relationships to the land

  • Build leadership skills within communities

A strong emphasis is placed on:

Funding Details

Under the Major Project category:

  • Maximum funding: Up to $30,000 per project

  • Funding type: Project-based grant

  • Purpose: Delivery of eligible cultural activities

Projects must align clearly with the grant’s purpose and Indigenous cultural priorities.

Priority Areas

Priority is given to:

  • Projects taking place in northern Saskatchewan

  • Rural or underserved communities

  • Initiatives led by First Nations and/or Métis communities or organizations

  • Applicants new to the program

  • Projects that did not receive an IACL grant in the previous year

  • Applicants that have not received more than $30,000 in SaskCulture or Saskatchewan Lotteries operational funding in the past year

Priority does not guarantee funding but strengthens competitiveness.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility is restricted to Saskatchewan-based non-profit cultural organizations.

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must:

  • Be a registered non-profit organization in Saskatchewan

  • Have a primarily cultural mandate in:

    • Arts

    • Heritage

    • Multiculturalism

    • Cultural Industries

  • Or demonstrate significant engagement in cultural activity

  • Have been registered for at least one full fiscal year

  • Be in good standing with Information Services Corporation (ISC)

  • Have no outstanding grant follow-ups due to SaskCulture

  • Provide a signed copy of the most recent annual financial statement submitted to ISC

Projects must be First Nations and/or Métis-led and culturally grounded.

Ineligible Applicants

The following are not eligible:

  • Federal or provincial government departments

  • Crown corporations

  • Organizations receiving funding directed by the Government of Saskatchewan

  • Districts for Sport, Culture and Recreation

  • Eligible Cultural Organizations receiving operational funding directly from the Culture Section of the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund

  • Schools

  • Post-secondary institutions

  • Libraries

  • Non-profit professional organizations without an integral First Nations or Métis focus

  • Unincorporated groups

  • Businesses

  • Individuals

Eligible Activities

Funded projects must:

  • Reflect First Nations and/or Métis identities

  • Promote cultural continuity

  • Be community-driven

  • Deliver measurable cultural impact

Examples may include:

  • Cultural camps and land-based learning

  • Language revitalization programs

  • Elders–youth mentorship initiatives

  • Traditional arts workshops

  • Community storytelling and oral history projects

  • Cultural leadership training

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Organizational Eligibility

Ensure your organization:

  • Meets registration requirements

  • Has completed at least one full fiscal year

  • Is in good standing with ISC

  • Has no outstanding SaskCulture reports

Step 2: Develop a Culturally Grounded Project Plan

Clearly outline:

  • Cultural objectives

  • Community impact

  • Youth and intergenerational involvement

  • Leadership development outcomes

  • Timeline and deliverables

Step 3: Prepare a Detailed Budget

Include:

  • Total project cost

  • Requested amount (up to $30,000)

  • Other funding sources

  • Justified expense breakdown

Step 4: Gather Required Documentation

Provide:

  • Most recent signed annual financial statement

  • Proof of good standing with ISC

  • Any required governance documentation

Step 5: Contact the Program Consultant

Organizations are encouraged to consult with the program advisor to ensure alignment with grant objectives before submission.

Step 6: Submit Complete Application

Ensure all eligibility and documentation requirements are met.

Incomplete or ineligible applications will not be considered.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following:

  • Submitting projects that are not First Nations or Métis-led

  • Applying as an unincorporated group

  • Failing to demonstrate cultural impact

  • Ignoring youth or intergenerational elements

  • Exceeding the $30,000 funding cap

  • Having outstanding grant reports

  • Not aligning clearly with the program’s purpose

Strong applications clearly link project activities to cultural revitalization and leadership development.

Why This Grant Matters

The IACL Major Project plays a critical role in:

  • Strengthening Indigenous self-determination

  • Preserving and revitalizing cultural traditions

  • Supporting Indigenous youth leadership

  • Addressing the ongoing impacts of colonialism

  • Sustaining First Nations and Métis cultural identities

By investing in community-driven initiatives, the grant supports long-term cultural continuity in Saskatchewan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much funding can an organization request?

Organizations may request up to $30,000 under the Major Project category.

2. Who can apply?

Registered non-profit organizations in Saskatchewan with a cultural mandate and First Nations and/or Métis focus.

3. Can individuals apply?

No. Individuals and businesses are not eligible.

4. Are schools or universities eligible?

No. Schools and post-secondary institutions are not eligible under this category.

5. Are northern or rural projects prioritized?

Yes. Projects in northern, rural, or underserved communities receive priority consideration.

6. Is prior IACL funding a barrier?

Projects that received IACL funding in the previous year may receive lower priority.

7. Do applicants need to be in good standing with ISC?

Yes. Good standing with Information Services Corporation (ISC) is mandatory.

Conclusion

The Indigenous Arts and Culture Leadership Grant (IACL) Major Project provides up to $30,000 to support transformative, First Nations and Métis-led cultural initiatives in Saskatchewan.

With a strong focus on leadership development, intergenerational knowledge transmission, and cultural revitalization, the grant strengthens Indigenous identity, resilience, and community-driven cultural continuity.

Eligible Saskatchewan non-profits with culturally grounded, youth-focused projects are well positioned to apply and make meaningful impact.

For more information, visit SaskCulture .