Below are the most recent funding streams that have been made available to Métis Chartered Communities.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to either the Community Engagement or Community Finance team.
Open For Applications
- Michif Language Micro-Grants
- MNBC Board Strategic Priority Funds
- Community Cultural Initiatives, Capacity, and Governance (CCICG)
Distributed and Reporting Pending
Michif Language Micro-Grants
About
Funding of up to $10,000 per Métis Chartered Community (MCC) is available to support community-led Michif language activities. Examples of eligible activities include hosting Michif-themed events, purchasing language resources, hosting Michif speakers or other Michif learners in the community, hiring a Michif language champion or coordinator, and hosting Michif language workshops or learning circles.
If successful in receiving funding, reports are due by March 15, 2027.
Apply
Please express your interest by October 9, 2026. Submission of an Expression of Interest does not guarantee that the full amount requested, or any funding, will be approved. Funding allocations will be determined based on the proposed activities, timelines, and overall demand. We will strive to support all communities we can with the funding available.
MNBC Board Strategic Priority Funds
The MNBC Board of Directors frequently receives requests from Métis Chartered Communities for support through Board Strategic Priority Funds. To ensure a fair, consistent, and transparent approach, a structured process is now in place to guide how requests are submitted and reviewed.
Non-Event Funding Requests
Emergent or unexpected needs fall under this category. Some examples include emergency infrastructure/equipment needs, natural disaster supports, community health/wellness emergencies, or unexpected cultural/spiritual/ceremonial events.*
Application Process
Please email communityfinance@mnbc.ca with a brief description of the situation for initial assessment.
Application Timelines
There are no deadlines – applications for this type of funding will be accepted throughout the year.
*Requests for funding to support the office infrastructure should also follow the above process. Community Finance will review the initial submission before passing it along to the Ministry of Housing for follow-up.
Event Funding Requests
An event is defined as any initiative that involves gathering Citizens and community members together for a set period of time in celebration of culture, heritage, language, belonging, community, and connection.
Application Process
For the October 2026 round of funding, a total of $40,000 is available. Funding will be distributed equally to all MCCs who apply and meet the evaluation criteria up to a maximum of $5,000. Funding must be used to cover event implementation costs. Please note, this funding is available for events taking place from December 2026 onwards.
Evaluation Criteria
- Supports Métis-led, community-based events that bring people together in the celebration of culture, heritage, language, belonging, and connection.
- Demonstrates clear alignment with MNBC priorities and the Métis Chartered Community’s goals.
- Shows clear benefits for Métis Citizens and, if applicable, the broader community.
- Includes collaboration with other Métis Chartered Communities or regional participation (not required but prioritized).
- Proposal is clear, realistic, and achievable within the proposed scope and resources.
- Identifies appropriate and realistic ways to understand success and community impact.
- Provides a clear and realistic timeline for planning and delivery.
- Costs are reasonable, eligible, itemized, and aligned with the scope of the event.
Eligible and Non-Eligible Expenses
Eligible expenses include:
- Venue rental (community halls, cultural centres, outdoor spaces, etc.)
- Equipment rental (audio/visual, tents, chairs, tables, stages)
- Catering and food (including traditional foods and meals for participants)
- Cultural activities and workshops (traditional practices, Elder-led sessions, and cultural learning)
- Event materials and supplies (decorations, cultural resources, and activity supplies)
- Entertainment and performers (musicians, dancers, cultural presenters)
- Honoraria for Elders, knowledge keepers, cultural leaders, and performers, per
- MNBC recommended guidelines:
- Opening or Closing Prayer $200
- Half Day (up to 4 hours maximum) $350
- Full Day (4 hours or more) $500
- Fees for professional services (facilitators, interpreters, cultural teachers, security, childminding)
- Promotional materials (posters, invitations, social media ads, printing)
- Event insurance and permits
- Administration (limited to 10% of total funding)
Non-eligible expenses include:
- Gift cards
- Donations
- Personal expenses not directly tied to the event (personal travel, clothing, grooming, etc.)
- Alcohol or other recreational substances
- Capital purchases (vehicles, buildings, major renovations, etc)
- Large equipment purchases not specific to the event (computers, sound systems for ongoing use)
- Salaries for regular staff (unless the funding is meant to cover event staff wages)
- Projects or events conducted outside the geographical limits of the applying community (unless applying regionally)
Application Timelines
There are two deadlines per year: April 15 and October 15. Please submit applications well in advance of desired event dates.
Reporting
If successful in receiving funding, reports are due by March 31 of the following year. Reports must be submitted before MCCs are eligible to apply for another round of funding.
Community Cultural Initiatives, Capacity, and Governance (CCICG)
CCICG funding is designed to strengthen community capacity, governance, and cultural initiatives, supporting activities such as strategic planning, training, administrative development, and community-based cultural events, including ceremonies, workshops, and Elder engagement. Each Métis Chartered Community is eligible to receive $10,000 in funding.
MNBC continues to work closely with various levels of government to advocate for and secure additional direct funding for Métis Chartered Communities.
Reports must be received by February 28, 2027. Please note that failure to submit a report may impact eligibility for future CCICG funding.
Safe Métis Community Funding
MNBC’s Ministry of Women and Gender Equity provided a total of $400,000 in accordance with our 60/40 population-based funding model. Applications were due August 5, 2026.
Funding may be used to support a wide range of community-led activities that promote awareness, prevention, healing, education, and connection while supporting the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV), intimate partner violence (IPV), family violence, and other forms of violence that impact Métis individuals, families, and communities.
Previous Initiatives
Below are some previous initiatives that this funding has supported to assist you in planning.
Community Events and Gatherings
Community feasts, seasonal gatherings, kitchen parties, cultural celebrations, and events that promote awareness, healing, and community connection. MMIWG2S+ commemorative events, Red Dress Day activities, vigils, and community conversations.
Cultural, Land-Based, and Wellness Activities
Land-based learning, harvesting, fishing, cultural outings, ceremonies, traditional crafts, beading, sash weaving, drum making, and other activities that strengthen Métis identity and wellness.
Workshops and Learning Opportunities
Workshops on healthy relationships, gender-based violence prevention, personal safety, cultural identity, parenting, trauma, self-defense, financial literacy, digital safety, or other topics that build knowledge and resilience.
Elder-led teachings, youth engagement, and community sessions delivered independently or in partnership with local organizations.
Men’s, Youth, and Family Programming
Programs that support healthy masculinity, respect, accountability, leadership, youth empowerment, family strengthening, and intergenerational connection.
Community Spaces and Creative Initiatives
Drop-in spaces, community art projects, awareness campaigns, contests, exhibits, and other initiatives that encourage healing, connection, and education.
Reporting
Métis Chartered Communities must submit a report detailing the use of the funds by July 31, 2027.
Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) Community Governance and Engagement Funding
MNBC’s Ministry of Education is implementing a Board-approved governance and engagement funding investment through the 60/40 allocation model to each Métis Chartered Community over two fiscal years (FY 2026–2027 and FY 2027–2028). This represents a total investment of $3,900,000 across the two years, subject to community opt-in.
More About This Funding
The IELCC Community Governance and Engagement Funding Initiative is designed to strengthen Métis Chartered Community capacity to meaningfully participate in early learning and K–12 education systems, planning, engagement, and decision making.
This funding is intended to:
- Strengthen community governance capacity in early years (0–8), including engagement in elementary systems and school transition processes.
- Enable active participation in Indigenous Education Councils (IECs) and early years tables.
- Support engagement with school districts and regional education planning processes.
- Enhance professional development for community representatives.
- Support culturally grounded early years initiatives (birth to eight).
- Improve alignment between provincial strategies and local Métis priorities.
- Advance Métis Nation building and self-determination through strengthened governance structures.
Reporting Requirements
Métis Chartered Communities must opt-in to receive this funding and agree to submit a report on how the funds were spent at the end of each fiscal year to ensure accountability and alignment with the purpose of the funding.
Note: This funding is a structured governance and engagement investment, not discretionary program funding. Reporting should therefore emphasize governance participation, professional development, and community influence rather than program delivery. Continuation beyond March 31, 2028, is not guaranteed and subject to future Board approval.
Reporting deadline: April 1, 2027
Reporting Guidelines
MCCs will be asked to provide information that reflects governance, engagement, and capacity-building activities supported by the funding:
Engagement
- Number of Indigenous Education Council (IEC) or early years table meetings attended
- Number of other early years or regional education engagement activities participated in
- Contributions to school district engagement or regional planning/advisory bodies related to early years, early elementary (K–3), or transition-to-school planning.
Professional Development
- Number and type of professional development activities attended by community representatives
- Training, workshops, or conferences that supported leadership, governance, or early years system knowledge
Community Impact (if applicable)
- Number of children (birth to eight) indirectly impacted through governance or engagement activities
- Examples of how community input influenced early years or K–3 planning and decision-making
Narrative Section
MCCs will be asked to provide a short description of:
- How the funding strengthened governance capacity and regional participation
- Outcomes of engagement in decision-making or policy discussions
- Successes, lessons learned, or examples of influence on early years systems
How The Funds May Be Used
The funding should be used in a way that contributes to the Métis Chartered Community’s capacity to participate in, influence, or support Early Years and K–12 Education initiatives. Communities should be able to explain generally how the funding helped strengthen their capacity, engagement, representation, or local priorities in these areas.
View this information sheet for more details or the click the accordians below.
Eligible Use of Funds
Please note that the following items are examples and do not constitute an exhaustive list.
Governance Participation
- Attendance at Indigenous Education Councils (IECs)
- Participation in regional early years tables
- School district engagement activities
- MNBC-led education and early years initiatives
- Travel, mileage, accommodation, and meal costs
Professional Development
- Conferences, workshops, and training relevant to early learning (0-8) and K–12 education
- Governance and leadership development
- Travel associated with professional learning
Early Years and Education Engagement Activities
- Community engagement sessions related to early learning (0-8) or K–12 education
- Cultural and language-based early learning initiatives (birth to eight)
- Family early years events aligned with IELCC priorities
- Supplies and materials
Staffing Support
- Hiring or allocating staff capacity to support governance participation and education engagement activities
Administration Costs (up to 10%)
- Administrative costs directly attributable to approved IELCC-related governance and engagement activities (up to 10% of total allocation).
Honoraria may be used to compensate individuals for the following:
- Opening and/or closing prayer by an Elder and/or Knowledge Keeper
- Attending an event or meeting in a special capacity (situations in which an individual is providing assistance beyond what would normally be expected within their regular duties)
- Consultation
- Participation in a committee meeting, such as IEC and Early Years Table meetings.
- Payments made to volunteers for assistance with set‐up or supporting activities at special events
Honoraria Rates
- Opening or Closing Prayer $200
- Half Day (minimum of 4 hours) $350
- Full Day (minimum of 4+ hours) $500
- If an individual must travel, that individual may be compensated for their travel, in addition to the honorarium rate for their time.
Ineligible Use of Funds
Funds may not be used for:
- Activities unrelated to early learning (0–8) or K–12 education engagement
- General community operations outside the IELCC scope
- Capital projects
- Expenses inconsistent with IELCC objectives
- Costs incurred outside the approved funding period
- Retroactive expenses incurred prior to funding approval
- Direct program delivery costs unrelated to governance and engagement
- Gift cards and donations.
MNBC reserves the right to recover funds not used in accordance with approved purposes.