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Indigenous Stewardship Fund
The Indigenous Leadership Initiative has always believed that Guardians programs are strongest when they have a broad base of financial support. ILI is proud to contribute to diversified funding streams for Guardians.
Private Funds for Guardians Programs
Diversified Funding
The fund will help broaden the base of financial support for Guardians. Federal investments already provide core support for Guardians’ work, particularly where it overlaps with Canada’s nature and climate targets. Impact benefit agreements, provincial co-management agreements, research grants, and other partnerships can provide financing as well.
Private philanthropy has a role to play, especially through investing in innovation and supporting stewardship priorities identified by First Nations.
ILI’s Indigenous Stewardship Fund is made possible thanks to a partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. In 2025, ILI received a landmark gift from the foundation to advance Indigenous-led conservation and stewardship and deliver impact in the lives of Indigenous youth.
The Indigenous Leadership Initiative has launched a new, one-time fund for First Nations Guardians programs. Called the Indigenous Stewardship Fund, this $2 million fund recognizes the essential role Guardians play in protecting lands and waters, supporting community resilience, maintaining cultural knowledge, and strengthening Nationhood.
This will be the largest private Indigenous-led stewardship fund at a national scale to date. While a few initiatives support Guardians at the regional level, this fund will be open to programs across the country.
Supporting Boots on the Ground
The Indigenous Stewardship Fund is designed to uplift the great work Guardians do every day.
It will direct investments into the field quickly and efficiently. The intake process will be clear and straightforward, and the reporting will be lean and efficient.
Eligible activities include:
Maintaining salaries for Guardians and coordinators
Supporting critical operational continuity
Conducting community engagement
Mentoring youth connected to ongoing Guardians initiatives.
Please note:
Projects funded through this opportunity must take place within the funding period beginning DATE and ending no later than February 28, 2027.
Who Is Eligible
This fund aims to help ensure that strong, resilient Guardians programs are operational and can undertake essential stewardship activities. It focuses on stabilizing and sustaining existing capacity rather than launching new or expanding existing programs.
Eligible applicants to the ILI Indigenous Stewardship Fund include First Nations, and networks of First Nations, including Tribal Councils, and/or Guardians organizations. Applicants will have formalized Guardians on their traditional lands and waters.
Priority will be given to established Guardians initiatives that can demonstrate:
Immediate operational or staffing needs (including especially any risks to existing Guardian jobs without immediate support);
Clear and practical plans to maintain essential stewardship and community-based activities;
Strong community leadership support and partnerships;
Opportunities for youth involvement through employment, mentorship, cultural learning, or knowledge transfer.
Selection Process
ILI has convened an independent Expert Recommendation Committee to evaluate applications and make recommendations for funding.
Members of the committee bring decades of experience leading or working with Guardians programs across the country. They have demonstrated expertise in management and oversight of Guardians, project management and budget development, and proposal evaluation and assessment.
Once the Expert Recommendation Committee reviews and ranks funding proposals according to the approved evaluation criteria, they will create a final recommendation list for consideration and approval by ILI leadership.
Programs will be notified within weeks of applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
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