The Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Funding Opportunities
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) empowers community leaders across Canada by providing funding opportunities from various places. This growing list of provincial and national funding opportunities to assist First Nation projects is available to every nation in each province. The list of available programs includes the Municipal Asset Management Fund, Municipalities for Climate Innovation, the Green Municipal Fund, and the First Nation – Municipal Funding Resources website, which allows First Nations all over the country to gain financial support for their economic development projects.
First Nation Municipal Funding Opportunities
Funding resources are available to all First Nation Municipalities across Canada. The funding resources are available at the Provincial and National levels. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) tries to keep its funding programs current. They also request you to contact them directly if you have any information or suggestions for applicable funding opportunities.
Every province in Canada has many organizations that help First Nation municipalities by providing them with financial support (some non-repayable loans) for economic developments or other projects that improve businesses and jobs within First Nation Municipalities.
*If you need support for any of your economic development projects or need more information on any of these programs, contact your local FCM Funding Advisor.
Manitoba Funding Opportunities:
First Peoples Fund: First Peoples Economic Growth Fund
First Nations may apply to this program to:
- Acquire or expand a viable business.
- Acquire capital and operating costs to start.
First Peoples Economic Growth Fund: Business Plan Assistance
- This fund helps Manitoba First Nation community-owned businesses for start-ups and expansions.
- Acquisitions in hopes that these businesses will create wealth or jobs in their communities.
There are many different funding programs on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) website at the federal and national levels for First Nation municipalities all over Canada. The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (all territories), the Government of Canada – Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, Infrastructure Canada and Aboriginal Financial Institutions are just a handful of organizations that have funding programs available for First Nation municipalities to apply for.
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has many focus areas. For example, the FCM says, “Housing is the bedrock of livable and prosperous communities. We advocate for action or social and affordable housing, so all Canadians have a decent place to call home.”
In 2017, the FCM and the Federal Government created the National Housing Strategy based on the FCM’s recommendations.
In 2020, during the pandemic, the FCM and the Federal Government worked together to establish the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI). Through the RHI, FCM has been helping to repurpose available land, deploy modular homes, and build and deliver affordable housing.
“We need leadership from all orders of Government to tackle the housing affordability crisis. Together, we can make sure everyone in Canada can access a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home.” - Housing, Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
By: Tricia Cook, Content Navigator