Who is eligible to apply?
Bands, Tribal Councils, registered societies, and incorporated organizations representing First Nations who are working together on a project are eligible to apply. Applicants must be legal entities representing First Nations or Bands under the Indian Act. Please refer to the Capacity Initiative Proposal Guidelines for further details.
|
| Back to Top |
|
|
What types of activities are funded?
The BC Capacity Initiative can support a broad range of activities that contribute to First Nations’ capacity to consult, negotiate, implement or manage land and resources components of current or future aboriginal title settlement agreements. Below are categories of activities supported:
- Comprehensive community planning to establish the strategic foundation for where a community wishes to be once aboriginal title settlement agreements have been achieved.
- Developing land and resources governance structures and regulatory frameworks that are linked to land and resources consultation, negotiation or management.
- Developing land and resources skills through sector-specific training by accredited institutions and on-the-job assignments, or professional skills development in key areas that support consultation, negotiation and management of land and resources.
- Surveying, inventory and recording of traditional land use and resource management knowledge.
Please refer to the Capacity Initiative Proposal Guidelines for further details.
|
| Back to Top |
|
|
Can we have more than one BCCI proposal?
One proposal will be accepted per applicant. Please note that First Nations who are participating in a regional proposal (e.g. proposal from a Tribal Council) may also submit a proposal on behalf of their community (e.g. proposal from a member band) as long as the project is not being duplicated.
|
| Back to Top |
|
|
How much can we apply for?
The maximum amount of funding that can be requested for a proposal that is submitted on behalf of one First Nation community or organization is $75,000 for one fiscal year. The maximum funding available for a regional proposal that is submitted on behalf of several First Nation communities is $200,000 for one fiscal year.
|
| Back to Top |
|
|
What costs are allowable? What costs are not allowable?
Allowable project costs include, but are not limited to:
- Salaries and benefits
- Honoraria
- Tuition fees and training services
- Information and software needed to support the project
- Consulting services
- Supplies and materials
- Travel
Please refer to the Capacity Initiative Proposal Guidelines for further details and maximum amounts for some of the costs.
|
| Back to Top |
|
|
When does the project have to be done?
Projects must be completed within one fiscal year (i.e. Project can begin on or after April 1st and complete by March 31st, in the following year, or earlier).
|
| Back to Top |
|
|
What happens after we submit our proposal by closing date?
Applicants will receive a letter of receipt of application in December (following the closing date) from the Capacity Initiative Secretariat. Applications are then screened for eligibility. Applicants of ineligible applications will be notified. Eligible applications are then evaluated and assessed for merit by the Capacity Initiative Council. Applicants will be advised of the results of this evaluation process by a letter of decision in February/March, in the following year.. Selected proposals will be recommended for funding, subject to submitting a detailed project plan and budget information.
|
| Back to Top |
|
|
How do we know if we have been approved?
Applicants will receive a letter of recommendation indicating that a Contribution Agreement is being generated for signature by the recipient. Applicants may receive this letter as early as April.
|
| Back to Top |
|
|
What do I do if my proposal was not approved/funded?
Contact the BC Capacity Initiative Secretariat, Alice Wong, at alice.wong@inac-ainc.gc.ca or (604) 775-5118, to request a summary or discuss the evaluation comments made on the proposal during the proposal review process.
|
| Back to Top |
|
|
How do we know if we have been approved?
Recommended Applicants will receive a letter of approval upon by the BCCI Secretariat of the submitted detailed project plan and budget information. At that time, a Contribution Agreement will be generated at INAC for signature by the recipient . Applicants may receive this letter as early as May.
|
| Back to Top |
|
|
Is there an appeal process?
No. BC Capacity Initiative funding is fully allocated each year during the Council Proposal Recommendation Meeting.
|
| Back to Top |
|
|
What if my proposal does not arrive at 1138 Melville on the closing date?
If the proposal package (two hard copies of the proposal and supporting documents) does not arrive at 1138 Melville by the closing date (please check the Proposal Guidelines for the closing date), the proposal will not be accepted and reviewed.
|
| Back to Top |
|
|
Who do I contact if I have questions about the proposal process?
Contact the BC Capacity Initiative Secretariat, Alice Wong, at (604) 775-5118.
|
| Back to Top |
|
|