Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program: What Activities and Costs Are Funded?

Many Indigenous communities want to strengthen language use, protect cultural knowledge, and pass traditions to the next generation. But funding rules are not always clear. The Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program (ILCP), delivered by Canadian Heritage, funds many meaningful language and cultural projects. Eligibility and cost rules matter. Knowing exactly what activities and costs are funded can save you time and improve your chances of approval.

What Is the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program?

The Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program is a federal funding program that supports First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples in preserving, revitalizing, and promoting Indigenous languages and cultures across Canada. It includes multiple components. The Indigenous Languages Component is the main source of funding for language-focused projects.

Two relevant program streams include:

Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program – Indigenous Languages Component
Funding: up to $300,000 per project. This can cover up to 100% of eligible costs in most years and streams.
Status: Open
Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program (umbrella program)
Focus: broader cultural identity, community participation, and language revitalization
Status: Open

Funding coverage and maximums can change by component and year. Some streams may not cover 100% of costs.
Check the current program guidelines for your stream to confirm details.

Eligible Activities Funded by the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program

Funding is intended for activities that directly support Indigenous language preservation, revitalization, and transmission. Eligible activities commonly include:

Language Revitalization and Preservation

Language classes and immersion programs
Development of community language plans
Creation of dictionaries, curricula, and learning materials
Recording and archiving fluent speakers and Elders
Language camps and intergenerational learning programs

Cultural workshops, gatherings, and events
Transmission of oral histories and traditional knowledge
Community-led cultural programming tied to language use
Development of digital or media-based language resources

Program Development and Delivery

Planning and coordination of language initiatives
Hiring language instructors, coordinators, and Elders
Evaluation and reporting on language outcomes
Multi-year language planning for long-term revitalization

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter Indigenous funding programs by community type, project focus, and province in seconds.

Eligible Costs You Can Claim

The Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program is generous compared to many other federal grants. In many cases, it can fund up to 100% of eligible project costs, up to the program maximum. This may vary by component and by year.
Always check the current guidelines for your chosen stream.

Eligible costs typically include:

Salaries and honoraria for instructors, Elders, translators, and project staff
Professional fees for curriculum developers, linguists, or evaluators
Materials and supplies such as books, recordings, software, and teaching tools
Travel costs required to deliver language or cultural programming
Facility rentals for classes, workshops, or community events
Administrative costs directly tied to the funded project

Costs must be reasonable. They must be clearly linked to the approved activities and incurred within the project period.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligibility depends on the stream. Common eligible applicants include:

First Nations governments or delegated authorities
First Nations–led not-for-profit organizations
First Nations–led institutions with accredited programs
First Nations ad hoc groups formed for language work plans
First Nations–owned for-profit organizations, if activities do not generate income for the sole benefit of the organization

Only one application per applicant per fiscal year is allowed under the Indigenous Languages Component.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Including unrelated cultural activities
Activities must clearly support language or cultural transmission. General community events without a language focus are often rejected.
Budgeting for ineligible or vague costs
Costs must be detailed and tied to specific activities. Broad “administration” lines without explanation raise red flags.
Applying for multiple projects in one year
The program allows only one application per applicant per fiscal year.
Assuming for-profit projects always qualify
For-profit First Nations organizations are eligible only if the project does not generate income for their sole benefit.

Tips for a Successful Application

Review the most recent program guidelines for your chosen stream.
Prepare a clear budget that matches eligible activities.
Make sure your project supports language transmission or cultural revitalization.
Include detailed descriptions of planned activities and outcomes.
Double-check your eligibility before submitting your application.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active Indigenous and cultural grant programs across Canada, making it easier to find funding options that fit your community’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much funding can I receive from the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program?
You can receive up to $300,000 per project, depending on the stream, with funding covering up to 100% of eligible costs in many cases. Check the latest guidelines for your stream.

Q: Are Elders’ honoraria considered an eligible cost?
Yes. Honoraria for Elders and knowledge keepers involved in language or cultural transmission are eligible expenses when clearly justified.

Q: Can projects be multi-year?
Yes. The program supports annual, multi-year, and in some cases ongoing programmatic funding, depending on your experience and long-term language plan.

Q: Is this funding taxable?
In Canada, federal grant funding may be considered taxable income depending on how it is used and who receives it. For example, organizations may need to report grant income on their T2 or T3010 returns. Individuals receiving honoraria should review CRA guidance or speak to their accountant to understand their tax obligations. See CRA’s guidance on reporting income for more details.

Q: Can Métis or Inuit organizations apply?
Yes. The broader Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program includes funding streams specific to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

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Next Steps

The Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program can support many types of language and cultural projects. Each stream has its own eligibility and cost rules. Before applying, review the latest program guidelines and prepare a clear budget tied to eligible activities. GrantHub helps communities find funding options across Canada by tracking hundreds of active Indigenous and cultural grant programs.

Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program: What Activities and Costs Are Funded?