Skip to content
FundRadar

Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages · Canada

Innovation Initiative: Kickstarter Stream

Accepting applications

New Indigenous language projects that try something different: salaries, Elder honoraria, software and digital tools. Reviewed every quarter.

Open the funder's page Check your potential fit

Matching is a starting point. The funder decides who is eligible.

Program at a glance

Application status
Accepting applications
Funding amount
Up to $150,000 a year, for up to 2 years
Listed deadline
Any time - a review committee meets every quarter
Who can apply
Nonprofits, First Nations, Métis and Inuit organizations, Individuals. Only for First Nations, Métis and Inuit applicants.
Where
Anywhere in Canada
Good for
Indigenous languages, Technology and digital
Pays for
A project, Paying people, Equipment or supplies

Who it's intended for

Details
Early-stage projects on Indigenous languages in Canada by Indigenous groups, organizations and governments. Covers salaries, Elder and Knowledge Keeper honoraria, software and equipment; admin capped at 15%. Not language program delivery or operating costs. Contact innovation@ocil-ila.ca.

Source checked against the funder's website on November 2, 2026. Could not open the eligibility PDF to confirm whether individuals can apply; applicant tag left as is. Always confirm current details with the funder.

Still to confirm

A profile match does not check every requirement. Confirm these points on the funder's page before applying.

  • Whether the current intake is accepting applications, and its exact cutoff time and timezone.
  • Early-stage projects on Indigenous languages in Canada by Indigenous groups, organizations and governments. Covers salaries, Elder and Knowledge Keeper honoraria, software and equipment; admin capped at 15%. Not language program delivery or operating costs. Contact innovation@ocil-ila.ca.
  • Any registration, membership or previous-funding restrictions.
  • Which costs are covered and what supporting documents are needed.

Similar programs

  • Canadian HeritageCanadaNovember 16, 2026 (in 4 days)

    Accepting applications

    Indigenous Languages Component

    Federal funding for First Nations language projects: classes, speakers' wages, recordings, resources and equipment.

    Source checked November 9, 2026

    Up to 100% of eligible costs; grants up to $150,000 a year
  • Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous LanguagesCanadaAny time - a review committee meets every quarter

    Accepting applications

    Innovation Initiative: Innovation Stream

    Large, multi-year funding for Indigenous language projects that are already working and ready to grow.

    Source checked November 2, 2026

    $150,000 to $1,000,000 per project, up to 3 years
  • Canada Council for the ArtsCanada2027 date TBA (was May 6, 2026)

    Awaiting next round

    Creating, Knowing and Sharing: Long-Term Projects

    Multi-year (1 to 3 year) Indigenous arts, culture and language projects from the Canada Council.

    Source checked November 9, 2026

    See the funder's website
  • Canada Council for the ArtsCanadaNovember 25, 2026 (in 13 days)

    Deadline listed; check intake

    Creating, Knowing and Sharing: Short-Term Projects

    Canada Council's main Indigenous arts program: projects that create, share or pass on First Nations, Inuit or Métis arts, culture and language.

    Source checked October 21, 2026

    Up to $100,000 per calendar year ($50,000 with an emerging artist profile)
  • Indigenous Services CanadaCanada2026-27 call closed May 5, 2026; watch for the next call

    Awaiting next round

    First Nations and Inuit Cultural Education Centres Program

    Funding to run cultural education centres and their programs: languages, traditional and contemporary cultural skills, and cultural programs for students.

    Source checked October 23, 2026

    Set case by case

See all grants and scholarships