Deadline: March 31, 2025
Grant Amount: Up to $10,000
How to Apply
Applications are open. The deadline to apply is March 31 at 4PM.
We have launched a new online grants portal, streamlining applications and enhancing accessibility for heritage funding programs. All applications must be submitted though our online portal.
If you are experiencing issues with the portal please contact fire@edmontonheritage.ca.
Grant Guidelines
The Funding Indigenous Resurgence in Edmonton (FIRE) grant provides funding assistance—up to $10,000—to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals and organizations to support heritage-based projects that tell important stories about our community.
The project might explore Indigenous heritage in the form of research, writing, art, conferences, programming, speaker or reading series, ceremony, cultural camps, and more. Click here to see examples of past projects we have funded.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted through our Online Portal
Who is Eligible?
- You must be a First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit person over the age of 18.
- You cannot currently have a FIRE-funded project underway. Applicants can only receive one FIRE grant per calendar year.
- The project must explore Indigenous heritage in some way.
- The project must have clear start and end dates with a specific scope of activities (if applying as a non-profit or collective, your project must be distinct from your organization’s ongoing operations or programs).
- You must be an individual, registered non-profit society, or Indigenous-led collective.
- Your residence, location of work, or proposed project is in Edmonton and/or Treaty 6 and Métis homelands.
- Indigenous peoples living on First Nations reserves and Métis settlements in Treaty 6 are encouraged to apply.
FIRE Grants exclude educational institutions and government owned and operated facilities. Individuals employed by these institutions are eligible if they can demonstrate that the project is outside of their professional role within the organization.
Eligible Expenses
All costs related to planning, execution, and promotion of your project are eligible except for expenses that have been incurred prior to notification of funding.
Please note that grants are taxable income that must be reported when filing personal income taxes. If successful, the grant cheque will be made out to the organization or individual identified as the applicant on the grant application form. EHC is unable to distribute grant funds to multiple recipients or make grant payments in installments. EHC recommends seeking professional accounting assistance if you have questions about reporting this income.
Our Commitment
We offer FIRE grant recipients:
- Ongoing support – our experienced team offers project mentorship throughout the entire application process
- Connections – we will facilitate connections with other grantees, professionals, and organizations that will advance your project, such as Arts Habitat Edmonton who will help in your search for venues and spaces in Edmonton to suit your project needs
- Promotion – we will use our platforms to share your story, spotlight your work, and inspire others
- Continued relationship – we will continue working with you to help build your capacity to apply for other grants, such as the EHC’s Heritage Community Investment Program (HCIP) grants
Your Commitment
In receiving a grant, you commit to:
- Keeping the EHC updated on project changes and key dates, including special events, launches, and press and media opportunities
- Acknowledging the EHC in all promotional materials
- Submitting a final report to EHC when the project is complete and by the deadline in your grant agreement
Application Evaluation
The EHC reviews all applications for completeness and program eligibility, and a selected Indigenous peer jury will evaluate all eligible applications. Final funding recommendations may be made to the EHC Board of Directors for authorization where required.
Application Timeline
The application process from the application deadline to the notification of funding can take up to eight (8) weeks. Successful projects must be complete within one (1) year of notification of funding.
Would you like to have a phone call or Zoom meeting to chat about your grant application? We can provide support throughout the application process including assistance with putting together a budget or project description and helping to explain any of the questions in the form. We can also answer any questions you have about required materials or your eligibility. Contact Indigenous Initiatives Lead Jessica Johns at jjohns@edmontonheritage.ca
Where Can I Learn More?
Would you like to discuss your grant application? We offer support with budgeting, project descriptions, form questions, required materials, and eligibility. Contact us at FIRE@edmontonheritage.ca.
Read about recipients of the latest grant run here.
Find the answer to your question on our FIRE FAQs
Or check out our series of short videos for helpful hints on how to make an outstanding application: