Artwork:
nch7mut | One Heart, One Mind, One People
míkw’achi7m | Marissa Nahanee, sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Nisg̱a'a Nation
Photo Credit: Muncho Lake, British Columbia, Ryan Dickie, Fort Nelson First Nation
míkw’achi7m | Marissa Nahanee, sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Nisg̱a'a Nation
Photo Credit: Muncho Lake, British Columbia, Ryan Dickie, Fort Nelson First Nation
Indigenous Communities Fund
The TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund (ICF) offers $5,000 - $25,000 grants for Indigenous-led social, health and community programs. Together, we can make the future friendly by supporting Indigenous leaders and community groups who know their communities best.
Our commitment to reconciliation
In partnership with Indigenous Peoples, TELUS is committed to progressing the path of reconciliation in a deeply meaningful way and is dedicated to fulfilling our role and responsibilities in this regard.
For more than a decade, TELUS has collaborated with Indigenous Peoples and organizations to enable connectivity and bridge digital, geographic and socio-economic divides.
Working together, we are helping create tangible outcomes that will impact generations to come.
Funding Indigenous-led solutions
The TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund provides flexible grant funding to Indigenous-led programs supporting Indigenous Peoples in Canada across all provinces and territories.
Funding is available for projects focused on, but not limited to:
- Health, mental health and well-being
- Access to education and resources
- Preservation of the land and water
- Community building and enhancement
- Intergenerational language and cultural revitalization
Preference may be given to programs where technology is being used to advance reconciliation.
Application deadlines
Applications are reviewed two times per year. The application portal will remain open until either the first 200 applicants are received or the deadline is reached, whichever comes first. We encourage all applicants to apply early.
Please allow 12 weeks following the application deadline to receive a response regarding your application status. Applications are due by midnight (your local time) on the following dates:
- Spring: Now closed
- Fall: September 9 to October 11, 2024, or until the first 200 applicants are received.
Please note: Applying for the fund does not guarantee that an applicant will receive funding.
If you are an Indigenous-led registered charity or qualified donee supporting youth through health or education programs, apply for a
TELUS Friendly Future Foundation Community Board grant
.Funding guidelines
The ICF provides one-time grants to Indigenous-led organizations such as Band Councils, Indigenous Governments or representative groups, community groups and non-profits.
Non-Indigenous-led organizations can apply if they demonstrate a clear and tangible relationship with an Indigenous organization and have documented support from an Indigenous-led organization or community.
Eligible organizations can apply once per calendar year. $5,000 - $25,000 grants are available to support Indigenous-led initiatives that support tangible positive outcomes.
Requests eligible for funding:
- Your organization, community group or project supports Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) within Canada
- Your organization has not received funding from TELUS or the Indigenous Communities Fund in the last two years
- You clearly address a pressing social or well-being need and create measurable community outcomes such as, but not limited to:
- Accomplishing individual and community wellness and healing
- Reviving cultural strength, knowledge and skills
- Helping overcome geographical and economical barriers
- Increasing social connections to help foster community engagement.
Requests ineligible for funding:
- For-profit initiatives
- Retroactive funding
- Religious-focused projects or organizations
- Sponsorship requests
- Sole proprietorship/Individually-owned applicants
- Lobbying
- Projects that operate outside of Canada
- Go-Fund-Me campaigns or individual fundraising initiatives
Indigenous Communities Fund recipients
TELUS is proud to announce the first round of 2024 recipients of the Indigenous Communities Fund.
Through the Improved Community Access program, the
Labrador Friendship Centre
will provide access to technology, transportation, facilitate more accessible and sensory-friendly programming, emergency food relief and resume and job procurement programming. The funding will support the purchase of low-cost laptops for clients in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador, whose lack of access is creating a barrier to education and community connection.The
Winnipeg Indigenous Friendship Centre
Inc., located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is leveraging funds to operationalize a 24-hour safe rides service for women by women. This service will benefit Indigenous women and girls, including paid positions for administrators and drivers. The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) highlights the need for safe transportation alternatives for female-identifying Indigenous people in urban and remote settings. The program will help women travel to medical appointments, home communities, and away from unsafe situations. In addition, this program will provide on-the-job training and employment opportunities, empowering women to increase their economic independence.Through the Food for All Makeso Sakahikan Inniuwak Program, the
Fox Lake Cree Nation
is providing community members with fresh produce and increased access to traditional foods. Funds will be used to address food security challenges for Nation members in Fox Lake Cree Nation Bird Reserve and the town of Gilliam, Manitoba. Funding will enhance core staffing, provide secure storage units and offer training opportunities to build capacity and ensure program sustainability.The
Nanwakolas Council Society
, located in Campbell River, British Columbia, is supporting Nanwakolas Nation participants through the expansion of a sustainable clam gardening program. The Nanwakolas member Nations have preserved coastal environments for generations, utilizing ancient agricultural techniques like loxiwe, or clam gardens, to enhance marine species productivity. This project will involve Guardian crews and knowledge holders to lead restoration activities and educate community members, fostering environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. The
Positive Living North: No Kheyoh T'sih’en T'sehena Society
will leverage funding to support Indigenous people at risk of or living with HIV or HCV with food and nutrition and a culturally safe environment. The Food Hub Program, located in downtown Prince George, British Columbia, addresses the challenges of stigma and homelessness, promoting cultural safety and social support. Collaboration with community organizations aims to address root causes of HIV/AIDS/HCV risk and enhance overall well-being for people living with HIV or HCV, creating a holistic approach to care and support.The
Hamlet of Pond Inlet
located in Pond Inlet, Nunavut, will use funds to support the purchase of computers and provide instruction for youth. The center will provide online and in-person courses, small group learning sessions and mentorship to enhance computer literacy and technical skills. Interactive Indigenous language learning platforms and language games will engage young learners, fostering curiosity and cultural connection.
Past recipients
2023 - Fall
2023 - Spring
2022 - Fall
2022 - Spring
2021
TELUS’ commitment to artistic integrity
We are committed to supporting the artistic practices of Indigenous Peoples, while being mindful of the historic role organizations have played in the misappropriation of Indigenous art and culture. We have an obligation and responsibility to ensure that TELUS’ use of Indigenous art in our digital and physical spaces is respectful of Indigenous artists. TELUS works with each artist to ensure that they retain full intellectual property and control over their work.
Contact us
If you have a question or a funding request that falls outside of the application deadlines, please contact us at
[email protected]