The Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund (IPRF) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities and organizations across Canada. Established as an Indigenous-led initiative, the IPRF provides targeted funding and resources to Indigenous-led groups, particularly in response to challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing socio-economic disparities.

Mission and Vision

The fund is grounded in the values and voices of Indigenous Peoples, honouring their leadership and knowledge as central to decision-making processes. It aims to foster resilience within Indigenous communities by supporting projects that promote food sovereignty, food security, and food justice, among other community-centered priorities. The IPRF recognizes the importance of shared history and collective memory in building strong communities, echoing reflections by Indigenous leaders such as George Erasmus of the Dene Nation.

History and Background

The IPRF was created amidst the COVID-19 pandemic to address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous peoples, especially those living in remote and rural areas with limited access to critical supports. It emerged through a coalition of Indigenous leaders and philanthropic partners, including The Counselling Foundation of Canada, Laidlaw Foundation, Lawson Foundation, and McConnell Foundation. Community Foundations of Canada serves as a supporting partner, enhancing the fund's infrastructure and outreach.

Governance and Eligibility

The Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund is governed by Indigenous leadership, ensuring that Indigenous knowledge and priorities guide funding decisions. Eligible applicants must be Indigenous-led organizations or groups with at least 51% Indigenous representation on their governing bodies. Eligible entities include community groups, registered not-for-profit organizations, registered charities, and elected Indigenous councils (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit). Organizations must have a bank account in their name and primarily serve Indigenous populations.

Ineligible applicants include individuals, for-profit companies, non-Indigenous-led organizations, government bodies, organizations outside Canada, the Crown, and the United Nations.

Funding Priorities

The IPRF supports Indigenous-led projects that directly serve Indigenous Peoples within Canada. Typical project areas include:

• Food sovereignty and food justice initiatives
• Community health and wellness projects
• Indigenous cultural preservation and revitalization efforts

Projects that are ineligible for funding include fundraising activities, completed projects, profit-generating ventures, and those outside Canadian territories.

Impact and Recognition

The fund has been recognized as a critical philanthropic response to the pandemic's impact on Indigenous communities, leveraging Indigenous leadership and local knowledge to direct resources flexibly and adaptively where they are needed most. The IPRF also contributes to building Indigenous philanthropic infrastructure in Canada, supporting long-term community resilience and self-determination.

Business Registration Number: 776982746RR0001

The Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund operates with a commitment to Indigenous self-governance and empowerment, serving as a vital resource for Indigenous-led organizations working to strengthen their communities in the face of ongoing challenges.

[1] https://www.iprfund.ca [2] https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2025/02/05/apply-for-the-2025-indigenous-peoples-resilience-fund/ [3] https://communityfoundations.ca/initiatives/indigenous-peoples-resilience-fund/ [4] https://communityfoundations.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/IPRF-Application-Guidelines-Apr-8-Updated.pdf [5] https://philab.uqam.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Indigenous_FINAL_2.pdf