The Funding Indigenous Resurgence in Edmonton (FIRE) Impact grant provides up to $10,000 to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals, collectives, and organizations to support larger heritage-based projects that positively impact Indigenous people and engage broader audiences and community in storytelling and heritage work.  

If you are planning an initiative that focuses on strengthening your personal connection to culture, or an initiative with a smaller community reach, please consider applying for the Cultural Connection Fund (CCF). 

To be eligible for a FIRE Impact Grant:  

• You must be a First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit individual, registered Indigenous-led non-profit society, or an Indigenous-led collective  

• If you are applying as an individual, you must be over the age of 18.  

• You cannot currently have a FIRE or HCIP 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 demonstrate a connection to Edmonton 

• The project must have clear start and end dates with a specific scope of activities  

• Your residence, location of work, or proposed project is in Edmonton and/or Treaty 6 territory. 

• Indigenous peoples living on First Nations reserves and Métis settlements in Treaty 6 territory are encouraged to apply.  

The following are not eligible for funding through this grant stream:  

• Projects that are a part of your organizations ongoing operations and programs 

• For-profit businesses 

• Projects that are not focused on Indigenous heritage in some way 

• Organizational anniversary projects or events  

• Fundraising projects or events 

• Professional development 

• Projects that have received funding through other City of Edmonton grant programs, including the Edmonton Arts Council, to cover the same budgeted expenses (please contact us at FIRE@edmontonheritage.ca if you have questions about this) 

Eligible Expenses 

All costs related to the planning and execution of your project are eligible except for:  

• Expenses that have been incurred prior to notification of funding 

• Expenses that will go towards organizational projects or events 

• Fundraising expenses or events 

• Expenses related to professional development opportunities 

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.  

Our Commitment 

We offer FIRE grant recipients: 

• Ongoing support – our experienced team offers support throughout the entire application process 
• Connections – we will facilitate connections with other grantees, professionals, and organizations that will advance your project 
• 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 and select the successful recipients. 

Funding decisions are based on alignment with evaluation criteria, the number of requests received, and intention to support a range of projects that tell diverse Indigenous stories in Edmonton. The jury bases their recommendations on each project’s potential value and impact on Edmonton’s Indigenous community while considering each application’s alignment with Connections & Exchanges.  

• Relationality: The project is designed in a way that is respectful and considerate of Indigenous ways of knowing and being.  
• Resurgence: The project provides opportunity for cultural learning and creates space for Indigenous peoples’ lived experiences to be shared.  
• Impact: The project primarily and positively impacts Indigenous people in Edmonton and/or Treaty 6. 
• Expectations: The project is strongly tied to heritage and demonstrates feasibility in its timeline, budget, and team/applicant ability.   

Application Timeline 

You will receive notification of funding eight (8) weeks after the application deadline. Successful projects must be completed within one (1) year of notification of funding. Successful applicants must submit a grant report within 90 days of the completion of their project.  

Grants are Income 

EHC is required by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to issue T4A slips to individuals who receive funds in excess of $500.00 per calendar year. If you receive a grant you will need to report this income when you file your personal taxes. For your tax-related questions, contact the Canada Revenue Agency or a qualified financial advisor. 

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. 

Please follow this link to see the complete and detailed FIRE Impact Grant Guidelines

Read about recipients of the latest grant run here. 

Find the answer to your question in our FIRE FAQs 

Or check out our series of short videos for helpful hints on how to make an outstanding application: 

FIRE Grants: 5 Tips for Applicants 

How Do I create a Budget