Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Economic Diversification Grants Program
Highlights
This program is a great opportunity for your business. It offers project-based funding to support your participation in regulatory processes and economic development activities related to mineral exploration and development. This funding can help you manage the costs associated with coordinating reviews of exploration and development projects.
What You Get
- Funding up to $130,000 per year for up to three years
- Support for advanced exploration and development projects
- Assistance with early exploration projects
- Education and relationship-building initiatives
- Values mapping and related projects
Benefits
- Increased knowledge and understanding of mineral development processes
- Enhanced relationships with industry and government
- Improved capacity to respond to regulatory requests
- Financial support that is project-based and tailored to your needs
Applying for this program is straightforward, and being approved can significantly enhance your ability to participate effectively in the mineral development sector.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Eligible Expenses:
- Costs associated with coordinating the review of advanced exploration and development projects.
- Costs related to early exploration projects.
- Expenses for education and relationship-building activities.
- Funding for a Mineral Development Advisor (MDA) to participate in regulatory consultation processes.
- Projects focusing on values identification or related projects to support regulatory processes under the Mining Act.
Use of Funds:
- Funds can be used for project-based activities that support the review and development of exploration projects.
- Funds can be allocated towards enhancing understanding of mineral exploration and development processes.
- Funds can be used to develop relationships between Indigenous communities, industry, and government.
Restrictions:
- Funds cannot be used to replace support received from project proponents.
- Funds are not intended for general operational costs unrelated to the specific projects outlined.
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with applying for or receiving this grant.
Qualifications
Qualifications:
- Must be an Indigenous community or organization in Ontario.
- Must be located in an area of high mineral exploration or development activity.
- Must have received two to ten exploration permit applications in the previous fiscal year (April 1 to March 31).
- Joint applicants must provide a Band Council Resolution in support of the application from each community represented.
- For the Mineral Development Advisor stream:
- Must have received ten or more exploration plans or permit applications in the previous fiscal year.
- Communities receiving fewer than ten exploration plans or permit applications may be eligible if engaged in reviewing two or more closure plans, closure plan amendments, or mineral development-related environmental assessments.
- For values mapping and related projects:
- Must be an Indigenous community or organization in Ontario.
- Joint applicants must provide a Band Council Resolution in support of the application from each community represented.
Disqualifications:
- Communities not located in areas of high mineral exploration or development activity.
- Communities or organizations that have not received the required number of exploration permit applications or plans in the previous fiscal year.
- Joint applicants without a Band Council Resolution from each community represented.
Description
This program offers your business a valuable opportunity to receive funding for various projects. You can get up to $130,000 per year for up to three years. This money can help you hire a Mineral Development Advisor (MDA) to assist with regulatory processes, such as reviewing exploration plans, permits, and environmental assessments.
The funding can be used for:
- Hiring a Mineral Development Advisor
- Increasing your community’s knowledge of mineral development
- Participating effectively in regulatory consultations
Key benefits include:
- Up to $130,000 per year for three years
- Increased understanding of the mineral development process
- Enhanced participation in regulatory reviews
This funding is project-based and tailored to support communities with high mineral development activity. It ensures you have the resources needed to navigate complex regulatory environments, ultimately benefiting your business and community.
Program Steps
Register for Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON): Create an account on the Transfer Payment Ontario platform. This will be your portal for submitting the application and managing the process.
Log in to TPON: Use your credentials to log in to the Transfer Payment Ontario system.
Download Program Guidelines: Obtain the application guide for the specific sub-stream you are applying for. This will provide detailed instructions and requirements.
Prepare Documentation: Gather the necessary documents to support your application. These typically include:
- A detailed project proposal
- Financial statements
- Band Council Resolution (if applicable)
- Proof of community support
- Any other documents specified in the program guidelines
Consult with a Mineral Exploration and Development Consultant (MEDC): Discuss your project with an MEDC to ensure it aligns with the program’s objectives and to receive guidance on the application process.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form available on TPON. Ensure all sections are completed accurately and thoroughly.
Upload Documentation: Attach all required documents to your application on the TPON platform. Double-check that all files are correctly uploaded and legible.
Review and Submit: Carefully review your application and attached documents. Once you are confident that everything is in order, submit your application through TPON.
Confirmation and Tracking: After submission, you will receive a confirmation of receipt. Use TPON to track the status of your application and respond to any requests for additional information.
Follow Up: Stay in contact with the program coordinator or your MEDC for any updates or further instructions regarding your application.