Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Regional Partnership Grants Program
Highlights
This program is a fantastic opportunity for your business. It offers project-based funding to help you manage and respond to mineral exploration and development activities. This funding can cover costs associated with coordinating reviews, enhancing understanding of processes, and building relationships with industry and government.
What You Get
- Funding up to $130,000 per year for up to three years
- Support for advanced exploration and development projects
- Education and relationship-building initiatives
- Mineral development advisor positions
Benefits
- Increased knowledge and understanding of mineral development processes
- Enhanced capacity to participate in regulatory consultations
- Improved economic development opportunities for your community
Applying is straightforward, and the program is designed to be accessible to eligible businesses like yours. This funding can significantly boost your ability to engage with and benefit from mineral exploration activities in your area.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Eligible Expenses:
- Costs associated with coordinating the review of advanced exploration and development projects.
- Costs related to education and relationship-building activities.
- Expenses for values mapping and related projects.
- Funding for a Mineral Development Advisor (MDA) position.
Use of Funds:
- Funds can be used for project-based activities.
- Can cover costs for regulatory processes, economic development activities, and educational initiatives.
Restrictions:
- Funds cannot be used to replace support received from project proponents.
- Cannot be used for expenses outside the scope of the specified eligible activities.
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with applying for or receiving this grant.
Qualifications
- Must be an Indigenous community or organization in Ontario.
- Must be 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) for early exploration support.
- Must have received ten or more exploration plans or permit applications in the previous fiscal year for the mineral development advisor stream.
- If fewer than ten exploration plans or permit applications were received, must be engaged in reviewing two or more closure plans, closure plan amendments, or mineral development-related environmental assessments.
- Joint applicants must provide a Band Council Resolution in support of the application from each community represented on the application.
Must discuss the sub-stream with one of the ministry’s Mineral Exploration and Development Consultants (MEDC) before applying for advanced exploration and development support.
Disqualifications:
- Non-Indigenous communities or organizations.
- Indigenous communities or organizations outside Ontario.
- Areas with low or no mineral exploration or development activity.
- Communities that do not meet the exploration permit application criteria for early exploration support.
- Communities that do not meet the exploration plans or permit applications criteria for the mineral development advisor stream and are not engaged in reviewing closure plans or related assessments.
Description
This program offers your business a fantastic opportunity to receive funding from the Government of Ontario. You can get financial support for various projects related to mineral exploration and development.
You can receive up to $130,000 per year for up to three years. This money can be used to hire a Mineral Development Advisor (MDA) who will help your community engage in regulatory consultation processes. This includes reviewing exploration plans, permit applications, and environmental assessments.
The funding is project-based and covers costs associated with coordinating the review of advanced exploration and development projects. It is not intended to replace support from project proponents but to supplement it.
This program is highly beneficial as it helps increase your community’s knowledge and understanding of mineral development. It also supports economic development activities, making it easier for your business to navigate and benefit from the mineral exploration and development processes.
Program Steps
Register on Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON):
- Visit the TPON website.
- Create an account if you do not already have one.
- Log in to your account.
Prepare Documentation:
- Gather the necessary documents, which may include:
- Business registration details.
- Financial statements.
- Business plan.
- Quotes for project costs.
- Proof of insurance.
- Band Council Resolution (for joint applicants).
- Gather the necessary documents, which may include:
Consult with a Mineral Exploration and Development Consultant (MEDC):
- Contact an MEDC to discuss your project and get guidance on the application process.
Complete the Application Form:
- Access the application form through your TPON account.
- Fill out all required fields with accurate information about your business and project.
Attach Required Documents:
- Upload all the prepared documentation to the application form.
- Ensure all files are clear and legible.
Review and Submit Application:
- Double-check all information and attached documents for accuracy.
- Submit the completed application through TPON.
Follow Up:
- Monitor your email and TPON account for any updates or requests for additional information.
- Respond promptly to any inquiries from the Ministry of Mines.
Await Approval:
- The Ministry will review your application.
- If approved, you will be notified of the funding amount and any further steps.
Receive Funding:
- Upon approval, follow the instructions provided to receive the funding.
- Use the funds as outlined in your application to support your project.
