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

Deadline: 23-Apr-2026

The Indigenous Arts and Culture Leadership (IACL) Small Project Grant supports First Nations and/or Métis-led cultural initiatives in Saskatchewan. Grants of up to $15,000 fund projects that revitalize cultural practices, transmit knowledge to youth, and build leadership skills while addressing the legacies of colonialism. Priority is given to projects in northern, rural, and underserved communities, particularly from organizations new to the program.

The IACL Small Project Grant empowers First Nations and/or Métis-led organizations in Saskatchewan to implement cultural initiatives that strengthen leadership, preserve knowledge systems, and sustain Indigenous cultural practices.

The grant focuses on projects that:

• Revitalize worldviews, cultural knowledge, languages, oral histories, laws, and protocols

• Foster intergenerational learning and participation

• Support youth engagement in cultural practices

• Strengthen relationships to the land through cultural skill transmission

Program Objectives

The grant seeks to:

• Take constructive action against the legacies of colonialism impacting First Nations and/or Métis cultures

• Support culturally impactful activities rooted in community priorities

• Build leadership skills within Indigenous communities

• Sustain cultural expressions and ensure knowledge continuity across generations

Priority Focus Areas

Preference is given to projects that:

• Take place in northern, rural, or underserved communities

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

• Are new to the IACL program

• Have not received an IACL grant in the previous year

• Have not received more than $30,000 in SaskCulture or Sask Lotteries operational funding in the last year

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: $15,000

• Funding supports cultural projects that create meaningful impact for First Nations and/or Métis peoples

• Grants may be used for activities such as:

  • Cultural workshops and skill-building programs

  • Intergenerational knowledge-sharing initiatives

  • Language revitalization projects

  • Artistic and heritage-based cultural expressions

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered non-profit organizations in Saskatchewan

• Organizations with a primary cultural mandate in Arts, Heritage, Multiculturalism, or Cultural Industries, as defined by SaskCulture

• Organizations demonstrating significant engagement in cultural activity

• Must have been a registered non-profit for at least one full fiscal year

• Must be in good standing with Information Services Corporation

• Must have no outstanding SaskCulture grant follow-ups

• Must provide a signed copy of the most recently submitted annual financial statement

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organization:

• Is registered as a non-profit in Saskatchewan

• Has a cultural mandate or significant cultural engagement

• Meets the financial and compliance requirements

Step 2: Develop Your Project

• Focus on revitalizing cultural knowledge, practices, or leadership

• Include intergenerational participation and youth engagement

• Highlight impact on community and cultural sustainability

Step 3: Prepare Application

Include:

• Project objectives and expected cultural impact

• Timeline and activity plan

• Budget and justification for requested funds

• Organizational information and annual financial statement

Step 4: Submit Application

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Cultural significance and community impact

• Alignment with IACL objectives

• Organizational capacity and readiness to deliver the project

• Potential for leadership development and knowledge transmission

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Submitting applications from organizations not registered as non-profits

2. Failing to provide the most recent annual financial statement

3. Applying for projects outside the focus on First Nations and/or Métis cultural leadership

4. Overlooking youth or intergenerational participation in project design

5. Applying for organizations with outstanding grant follow-ups with SaskCulture

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible to apply?

Registered non-profit organizations in Saskatchewan with a primarily cultural mandate or demonstrated engagement in cultural activity.

2. What is the maximum grant amount?

Up to $15,000 per project.

3. Are projects in urban areas eligible?

Yes, but priority is given to projects in northern, rural, or underserved communities.

4. Can organizations that previously received IACL funding apply?

Yes, but preference is given to organizations new to the program or those that have not received an IACL grant in the previous year.

5. What types of projects are supported?

Projects that revitalize cultural practices, transmit knowledge to youth, sustain Indigenous languages, and build leadership skills.

6. Are youth-focused activities encouraged?

Yes. Projects that engage youth and support intergenerational knowledge transmission are strongly encouraged.

7. What documentation is required?

A signed copy of the most recent annual financial statement, proof of non-profit registration, and confirmation of good standing with Information Services Corporation.

Conclusion

The IACL Small Project Grant supports First Nations and/or Métis-led initiatives that strengthen cultural leadership and sustain Indigenous knowledge and practices in Saskatchewan.

By funding projects that engage youth, revitalize traditions, and address the legacies of colonialism, the grant ensures the continuation of cultural knowledge and fosters meaningful impact across generations.

For more information, visit SaskCulture.