Grants

This Open Call will have two streams of funding: the Reinforce stream, and the Retain stream. Applicants can choose to apply for either one or both streams. If applying to both, the applicant must submit two separate full applications. Note: applicants will only receive funding from one stream.

Reinforce Stream

Applicants can request funding up to $1 million toward multiyear projects that are between 1 to 4 years in duration.

This stream will focus on supporting Indigenous Teacher Education Programs (ITEPs) that are planning on scaling their programs or are in pipeline. Initiatives must demonstrate how they will measurably increase the numbers of accredited First Nations, Inuit, and Métis K-12 educators. The RHF will invest in innovative and Indigenous-led projects that are rooted in reciprocity, are culturally responsive, bring value to Indigenous education, and measurably encourage more Indigenous teachers into the profession.

Examples of possible projects under this stream include but are not limited to:

• Accelerated pathways for student teachers and/or educators into the teaching profession
• Integrating land-based pedagogies, outdoor education, and place-based learning into teacher education programs
• Programming that incorporates and emphasizes First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis language preservation, revitalization, and promotion
• etc.

Retain Stream

Applicants can request funding up to $500,000 toward multiyear projects that are between 1 to 2 years in duration.

This stream will focus on capacity building and resource development that supports First Nations, Métis, and Inuit K-12 educators. Teacher retention deeply affects the delivery of quality education for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. Recognizing that there is a need for culturally responsive teaching resources and spaces that are accessible to Indigenous teachers, this stream aims to fund projects that will support First Nations, Métis, and Inuit educators by providing them with the tools they need to stay and thrive in the profession.

Examples of possible projects under this stream include but are not limited to:

• Development of an online platform for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis K-12 educators to network, share teaching resources, etc.
• K-12 curriculum development for specific First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Groups (e.g. books, teaching material, videos, etc.)
• The creation of language resources that will support the instructional practices of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis teachers
• etc.

Proposals for either stream should demonstrate the project’s measurable reach and impact on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students and/or educators.

A consensus-based peer review adjudication process for eligible applications will involve a nationally representative and diverse panel of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis education experts. An evaluation framework and matrix was developed by an Indigenous research organization to guide the peer review process to ensure cultural responsiveness, relevance, and inclusivity.

The scoring matrix, including the specific criteria and weighting, can be accessed below or on the granting portal to ensure clarity and transparency in the evaluation process. Both streams will be reviewed in cohesion with the four priority areas identified in the scoring matrix:

1. Indigenous Representation & Relationships
2. Relevance and Deliverables
3. Outcomes and Impact
4. Budget and Innovation

The RHF seeks to support a range of projects with a geographic spread, rural and urban, coast to coast to coast. In our funding distribution, we want to ensure we have a balance of these elements in support of diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and communities, while also ensuring support for those regions with the most significant Indigenous teacher gaps.

Application Deadline: Both funding streams will be accepting applications until March 28, 2025, 11:59 (PT)

Funding decisions will be communicated in May 2025.

If you’re unable to apply for this cycle of granting, please know there will be opportunities to apply for more grants in the future.

Before beginning your application, please review the FAQs below, granting guidelines, and the scoring matrix. If you require additional support, please refer to the “support” tab of the ITE granting page of the portal, where you will find video resources and information on drop-in times that will be scheduled throughout the granting period.

• Portal + Application Support Video Guide
• Granting Guidelines
• Scoring Matrix
• Application Preview – Retain
• Application Preview – Reinforce

What is the ITE Initiative?

Through the Indigenous Teacher Education Initiative, the RHF is dedicated to enriching Canada’s education landscape by supporting Indigenous-led initiatives aimed at increasing the number of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis teachers by 10,000. In consultation with Indigenous education sectors, RHF’s ITE Initiative is investing in educational pathways, resources, partnerships, and research that supports the attainment, accreditation, and retention of K-12 Indigenous teachers.

What is the 2024 Open Call?

The 2024 Open Call invites project submissions via two funding streams: Reinforce and Retain.

• Reinforce: Applicants can request funding up to $1 million toward multiyear projects that are between 1 to 4 years in duration.
• Retain: Applicants can request funding up to $500,000 toward multiyear projects that are between 1 to 2 years in duration.

For more information on the funding stream themes, please read the granting guidelines document.

How do you define Indigenous led?

RHF is committed to supporting projects that are Indigenous led, meaning the senior leadership of the project is First Nations, Inuit, or Métis. Applications that can demonstrate that 75% of the initiative’s staff (including instructors) and implementing partners are Indigenous will score higher due to their commitment to ensuring that the project is deeply guided by Indigenous people, knowledge frameworks, worldviews, and educational approaches.

Who is eligible to apply?

Both qualified and non-qualified donees can apply, but to be deemed eligible for either stream, the applicant must be one of the following:

• Canadian Post Secondary institution, including Indigenous College, University, or Institute
• A First Nation, Inuit, or Métis community registered as a qualified donee
• Collective school representative body, or school division registered as a qualified donee
• Other Registered Charitable Organization
• Registered Non-profit / non-qualified donee

Please refer to: CRA Qualified Donee Definition

How can I apply?

• Check your eligibility
• Read the granting guidelines to help guide your submission (below)
• Read the scoring matrix to help guide your submission (below)
• Click on “Apply Now” at the bottom of the page, then fill in the form to request login access to the granting portal

When will you accept applications?

Both funding streams will be accepting applications from November 18th 2024 to March 28, 2025 at 11:59 PST

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Reach out to us by email at indigenous.autochtone@rhf-frh.ca