Many Indigenous communities are already leading efforts to protect species at risk. The challenge is finding stable funding that respects Indigenous leadership and local knowledge. The Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR) is a federal program designed to support Indigenous-led conservation projects that protect and recover aquatic species at risk across Canada.
The Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk is a non-repayable federal contribution program administered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Its goal is to support Indigenous communities and organizations in conserving and recovering aquatic species listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).
AFSAR is built around a core principle: Indigenous communities are best positioned to protect species within their traditional territories. The program supports projects that combine Indigenous knowledge systems with western science, while strengthening local stewardship capacity.
AFSAR is open to a range of Indigenous-led applicants, including:
Applicants must be directly involved in aquatic species at risk conservation, such as fish, marine mammals, or aquatic plants listed under SARA.
The Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk focuses on on-the-ground conservation and long-term stewardship. Funded projects typically fall into three main categories.
Funding can support activities that directly improve survival and recovery outcomes for species at risk, such as:
These projects often use community-based monitoring and Indigenous guardianship models.
AFSAR also invests in people, not just projects. Eligible activities include:
This approach helps ensure conservation work continues beyond the funding period.
Projects may include:
These partnerships strengthen species recovery efforts while respecting Indigenous governance.
AFSAR does not publish a fixed maximum funding amount. Funding levels vary based on:
Approved funding is provided as a non-repayable contribution, meaning it does not need to be paid back.
Because amounts and intakes can change year to year, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province, sector, and Indigenous eligibility in seconds.
There is no single national deadline for the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk. Instead:
Applicants are encouraged to connect with their regional DFO contact early to confirm priorities and timelines.
Projects must directly support aquatic species listed under SARA. General environmental projects without a clear species focus are unlikely to be approved.
Early conversations with regional DFO staff can clarify eligibility and improve alignment with funding priorities.
AFSAR funding includes progress and financial reporting. Make sure your community has the capacity to track outcomes and expenses.
AFSAR funding is project-based. Multi-year work may require reapplying or phasing projects carefully.
Q: Is the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk a grant or a loan?
It is a non-repayable federal contribution, not a loan. Approved recipients do not need to repay the funding.
Q: What species does AFSAR focus on?
AFSAR supports projects involving aquatic species at risk, including fish, marine mammals, and aquatic plants listed under the Species at Risk Act.
Q: Can AFSAR funding be combined with other grants?
In some cases, yes. Funding stacking may be allowed as long as the same project costs are not double-funded.
Q: Are for-profit Indigenous businesses eligible?
Eligibility is generally limited to Indigenous communities and organizations. For-profit entities should confirm eligibility with DFO before applying.
Q: Is AFSAR funding taxable?
AFSAR is generally treated as grant funding. Tax treatment can vary, so recipients should confirm with a qualified tax advisor.
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