How to Apply for Indigenous Partnerships for Species at Risk (IPSAR)

How to Apply for Indigenous Partnerships for Species at Risk (IPSAR)

Many Indigenous communities are leading important work to protect species at risk, but federal funding programs can be hard to interpret. Indigenous Partnerships for Species at Risk (IPSAR) is a national program that supports Indigenous‑led conservation, stewardship, and recovery projects across Canada. The program is administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada and is open to eligible applicants in every province and territory.

IPSAR was formerly called the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR). The name changed, but the goal stayed the same: support Indigenous knowledge, leadership, and action in species at risk conservation.

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Eligibility Requirements

IPSAR is a non‑repayable contribution funding program. This means approved projects receive grant funding that does not need to be paid back, as long as you meet the agreement terms.

Who Can Apply

IPSAR funding is reserved for Indigenous‑led applicants. Eligible applicants include:

• Indigenous communities, such as First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities
• Indigenous governments and governing bodies
• Indigenous organizations and associations involved in conservation or land stewardship
• Indigenous‑led not‑for‑profit organizations working on species at risk initiatives

Projects must show clear Indigenous leadership and meaningful involvement in planning, decision‑making, and delivery.

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Project Activities

IPSAR supports projects that help protect or recover species at risk listed under the federal Species at Risk Act or assessed by COSEWIC.

Eligible Activities

Project activities can include:

• On‑the‑ground conservation actions. Examples: habitat restoration or reducing threats to species.
• Species and habitat monitoring. This can use Indigenous knowledge, western science, or both.
• Developing conservation or stewardship plans led by Indigenous communities.
• Community engagement and education about species at risk.
• Capacity‑building activities. For example, training community members in monitoring or stewardship roles.

Each project should show how its activities will help at least one species at risk. Projects must also support lasting conservation outcomes. For example, restoring a wetland should help a threatened bird population now and in the future.

Funding amounts under IPSAR depend on the project’s size, region, and available federal funds. There is no single fixed maximum. Budgets are reviewed case by case.

Where Projects Can Take Place

IPSAR is a federal program available across all provinces and territories. Projects can happen on reserve lands, settlement lands, traditional territories, or other areas where Indigenous communities have stewardship responsibilities.

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Application Process

Applying for IPSAR funding involves several key steps:

1. Review the program guidelines. Make sure your project and organization meet all requirements.
2. Identify the species at risk. Clearly name the species your project will help.
3. Describe project activities. Explain what you will do and how these actions will help the species.
4. Show Indigenous leadership. Make it clear how your community or organization will lead and participate.
5. Prepare a budget. Estimate costs and match them to project activities.
6. Gather supporting documents. This could include letters of support or maps.
7. Submit your application before the deadline.

You can use tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher to check if IPSAR and other conservation programs fit your goals.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. No clear Indigenous leadership. Projects led by non‑Indigenous partners without strong Indigenous governance are unlikely to be approved.
2. Vague project focus. Your application must name the species at risk and explain how your activities will help.
3. Missing reporting plans. IPSAR requires you to track activities, spending, and results.
4. Late preparation. Calls for proposals are open for a limited time. Start early to gather input and documents.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Indigenous Partnerships for Species at Risk funding repayable?
No. IPSAR provides non‑repayable contribution funding, meaning approved funds do not need to be paid back if terms are met.

Q: How much funding can you receive from IPSAR?
Funding amounts vary depending on project scope, priorities, and available federal budgets. There is no published flat maximum.

Q: Is IPSAR available in all provinces and territories?
Yes. IPSAR is a federal program and is available across Canada.

Q: What is the difference between IPSAR and the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk?
IPSAR is the updated name for the former Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR). The program’s purpose remains Indigenous‑led species at risk conservation.

Q: Are IPSAR funds taxable?
IPSAR funds are generally treated as government grant income. You should confirm tax treatment with an accountant familiar with Indigenous organizations.

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Next Steps

If your community or organization wants to start a species at risk project, IPSAR could be a good funding source. Here’s a simple checklist to help you get started:

1. Check that your organization is eligible.
2. Identify the species at risk you want to help.
3. Plan project activities that will support those species.
4. Show how your project will be led by Indigenous people or organizations.
5. Prepare your budget and gather any support documents.
6. Submit your application before the deadline.

You can compare IPSAR with other Indigenous and environmental grants on GrantHub to find the best opportunities for your work.

See also:

• How the Aboriginal Funds for Species at Risk Support Indigenous‑Led Conservation
• How to Apply for Species at Risk Partnerships in BC (SARPAL)

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