Through the Aboriginal Grants Initiative, the Ministry of First Nations and Métis Relations provides small grants to organizations for a variety of First Nations and Métis events, projects and other initiatives.

Grant proposals must include a well-defined plan with clear objectives and goals, and include a budget. The initiative must fit within the Ministry's focus categories and must also address a demonstrated need in the Aboriginal community. Please note, capital expenditures are ineligible for funding.

Focus categories for First Nations and Métis initiatives in 2007-08 are:

• Youth Leadership
• Cultural Promotion: Repatriation, Heritage Languages and Elders
• Women
• Literacy
• Honouring Veterans
• Cultural Activities
• Policy and Research

Applicants are encouraged to apply no less than two months before the event or start of the project, as proposals are reviewed on a monthly basis and it is important to allow time for processing.

The proposal must describe the applicant’s interests, experiences and past successes and state what other sources of funding or in-kind support are being pursued and, where possible, demonstrate a partnership with other organizations or communities.

Typical examples of grants and projects are: $500 for a historical research project, $1,500 for a cultural celebration, and $3,000 for a province-wide conference. Applicants must have at least one other source of funding or in-kind support.

For more information please contact:

Aboriginal Grants Initiative
Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis Relations
210 – 1855 Victoria Avenue
REGINA, SK S4P 3T2
Phone: (306) 798-0489
Fax: (306) 787-5832