Opening Spring 2026

Upcoming Funding Dates

This stream will next open for applications in Spring 2026. Please check back here for more information, and review previous funding guides (at the bottom of the page!). 

Description

The Scaling Grant Stream is a multi-year funding stream that will support small and emerging groups to scale and build their projects over three phases.   

  • In Phase One (Sprout), grantees will receive an initial grant of $5,000 to begin exploring, testing or piloting an idea or initiative.  
  • In Phase Two (Blossom) grantees will receive $10,000 to grow their first initiative or run a different activity.
  • In Phase Three (Grow), grantees will receive a final grant of $15,000.   

In total, funded groups will receive $30,000 over two years. Groups must complete the previous phase before they can receive their next installment of funding. This funding stream aims to empower youth collectives, letting them slowly make a bigger impact and build more skills over time. With flexible funding options, it lets projects grow naturally, supporting long-lasting success.

There is a priority in this stream to support:  

  • New and emerging Indigenous youth-led grassroots groups and collectives 
  • Projects that are testing and/or trying a new idea  
  • New groups who have never run a project before  
  • Groups who have never received funding from Creation before 

Groups should focus on providing programming, training or capacity-building opportunities for Indigenous youth. Below are some possible examples of eligible projects. These examples do not include every type of project that we would fund.   

  • Projects that support the core operations or growth of a collective  
  • Programs for youth to participate in recreational, wellness and/or arts-based programming  
  • Cultural programming, including ceremonies, teaching circles and land-based activities  
  • Peer-led circles where youth can build relationships and participate in online activities  
  • Intergenerational programs, that provide youth opportunities to work with Elders, parents, families, children, etc
  • Programs that increase youth leadership skills  
  • Professional development programs for members of a youth council/organization to increase their knowledge about organizational governance  
  • Projects that target making resources (such as mental health services) safer and more accessible 

Eligibility

Creation will prioritize funding grassroots youth groups consisting of a minimum of 2 Indigenous youth. Please note: for the purpose of this program, IYR defines Indigenous as status and non-status First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada, living both on and off-reserve. 

Eligible groups and projects include: 

  • Unincorporated/grassroots youth groups/collectives/councils comprised primarily of Indigenous youth
  • Emerging, incorporated youth groups  
  • Projects must serve primarily serve Indigenous youth
     

Ineligible groups and projects: Individuals and/or projects that are not led by 2+ Indigenous youth  

  • Projects that are not youth-led (or where the majority of leadership is 30+) 
  • Non-Indigenous groups and organizations  Groups that have received more than $10,000 in funding from IYR over the past 12 months 
  • Projects taking place outside of Canada  
  • For profit corporations  
  • Groups with an organizational budget of over $100,000

Examples of Funded Projects

Learn about some projects that have been funded in this stream:

Wolverines Hockey aims to inspire Indigenous girls to want to play hockey and “Be a Wolverine” through mentorship, role modelling, and opportunities to participate in free fitness and recreation events, both dry land activities and on the ice. They will reach 30 Indigenous youth and 13 community members with their project.  

Inawendiwin will transform a pre-existing space in the Manitoba Youth Centre prison into an Indigenous Book Library, to ensure youth in the prison system have access to Indigenous knowledge, culture, and storytelling. They will also coordinate Indigenous Author Visits to the prison, and distribute books to other correctional centres. They will reach 380 Indigenous youth and 255 community members with their project.

NSCAD Treaty Space Gallery will create a functional Indigenous Student Centre, in response to requests from Indigenous Students. The centre will provide educational, cultural, traditional, social supports and more. They will reach 15 Indigenous youth with their project.

Stream Specific FAQ

See the general FAQ here.

Yes. But it’s also okay if that budget changes throughout your project (because your project might change!). Please just speak to your Grant Coordinator about this!  

Yes! You can lead different projects for each phase, if it makes sense for your group. For example, a group could have a community garden program in phase 1; a harvesting, cooking, and food preservation program in phase 2; and then a community kitchen/food pantry in phase 3. 

Yes! Because projects this stream focuses on funding new groups and small grassroots groups testing out new projects, phase 1 can be a trial period for trying out a new project idea. Sometimes, that first idea doesn’t work out as planned and groups might need to change what they’re doing, and that’s okay! If your project or plan changes between phases, just let your grant coordinator know, and they’ll guide you through any forms or documents you might need to fill out. 

Near the end of the first and second phase, you will complete a “Garden Status” update. You can either fill out a form in writing, or you can meet with your grant coordinator and talk to them to complete the update. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be ready to start your next phase, and we will process the second payment for your grant. At the end of the third phase, you’ll have a more formal final report to complete. Currently, the final report can only be submitted in writing, but your grant coordinator can help you fill that out if you’re having trouble with it! 

Stream Impact & Reports

IYR has run 1 round of the Scaling Grants Funding Stream. In total $150,000 in funding has been given to 5 projects. Funded projects will reach over 500 Indigenous youth. What excites us about this stream is that we get to support projects that are just taking off, and throughout their journey over the course of two years. We’re excited to see what projects have stayed the same and which have changed and grown.   

Past Scaling Grants Funding Guides

2024

July  View English Guide  |  View French Guide

Grant Contact Name and Pronouns

Patricia Eve Martin

(she/her)

Grant Coordinator