Indigenous Health Equity Fund - Targeted Initiatives
Funding support for short-term, high impact and innovative activities focused on improving Indigenous health.
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About Targeted Initiatives
Indigenous Services Canada provides $10 million per year to support short-term, high-impact and innovative Indigenous-led priorities in health. This funding is intended for projects focused on a specific goal for improving Indigenous health. Funding may range up to $500,000 per project, and each project can be completed over a period of up to 3 years.
Eligible activities
Projects must have a clear and specific objective, demonstrating measurable short-term impact.
Activities should focus on improving health services access, delivery, or outcomes for First Nations, Inuit, and/or Métis populations.
Organizations are encouraged to explore innovative approaches, processes, or technologies, such as (but not limited to):
- Enhancing culturally safe service delivery models for communities with limited health service access
- Integrating Indigenous knowledge, values, and cultural practices with traditional healthcare approaches
- Addressing cross-cutting health priorities, such as Indigenous women’s health, urban Indigenous health, or 2SLGBTQQIA+ health services
- Partnering with provincial and territorial health authorities to improve Indigenous health outcomes
Ineligible activities
The fund cannot be used to support insured health services covered by the Canada Health Act, as these services fall under provincial or territorial responsibility.
Examples of ineligible activities are:
- medically necessary diagnostic and treatment services
- inpatient/outpatient hospital services
- services provided by medical practitioners
Who can apply
Due to high demand for Targeted Initiatives Funding in 2025-26, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is reaching out directly to organizations to submit a proposal.
Deadline
We’ve asked organizations who we reached out to directly to submit their proposal by April 30, 2025.
If we receive an insufficient number of proposals by the deadline, we may open a broader call for proposals.
How to apply
We will assess proposals based on the following criteria:
- Objective: a clear, single-purpose objective aligned with the fund's goals
- Activities: detailed description of proposed activities and alignment with the project's objectives
- Timelines: feasible project timeline, with priority given to short-term projects or distinct phases of ongoing initiatives (maximum of three years)
- Outcomes and impact: clearly defined, measurable results with an actionable plan for assessing success
- Budget: a detailed, itemized budget up to $500,000, including cost justification and alignment with activities
- Innovation and partnerships: use of new approaches, technologies, or partnerships that improve service delivery and integrate Indigenous knowledge
Contact us
Email fesa-ihef@sac-isc.gc.ca for more information.