TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund (ICF)
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Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
The TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund (ICF) offers $5,000 to $25,000 one-time grants to Indigenous-led organizations, including Band Councils, Indigenous Governments or representative groups, community groups and non-profits, for social, health and community programs supporting Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Metis, Inuit) across Canada. Non-Indigenous-led organizations may apply if they have documented support from an Indigenous-led organization or community. Funding areas include health and mental wellness, access to education, preservation of land and water, community building, and intergenerational language and cultural revitalization. Applications are reviewed twice yearly (Spring and Fall).
Eligibility Requirements
- Indigenous-led organizations: Band Councils, Indigenous Governments or representative groups, community groups, and non-profits
- Non-Indigenous-led organizations may apply with documented support from an Indigenous-led organization or community
- Program must support Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Metis, Inuit) within Canada
- Must address a pressing social or well-being need with measurable community outcomes
- Must not have received TELUS or Indigenous Communities Fund funding in the last two years
- Eligible organizations may apply once per calendar year
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- $5,000 to $25,000
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Private
- Deadline
- Reviewed twice yearly. Fall intake: September 10 to October 7, 2026 (or until the first 200 applicants).
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
Everything you need to win ICF
Not a marketing summary. The actual checklist, intel, and stack strategy reviewers look for.
- 3-document checklist with what each reviewer is actually checking
- 5-step application timeline with prep hours per step
- Insider tip from program officers on what separates winners
- 2-program stacking strategy to combine with compatible funding
- Success profile + evaluation criteria — exactly what reviewers score on
How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipApply early: the portal closes once 200 applicants are received, often before the published deadline.
Success Profile
Evaluation Criteria
Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 3
Eligible Expenses 6
Ineligible Expenses 5
Intake Periods
Deadline Notes
Ineligible Organizations
Applying for ICF? Our Grant Proposal Template ($19) mirrors the section structure Canadian reviewers actually score on. Or get all 4 templates in the Founder Pack ($59 · saves $27) →
Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Low RiskHow ICF Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund (ICF) | $5,000 to $25,000 | Easy | Lump Sum | Reviewed twice yearly.... |
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| Innovative Solutions Canada | up to $150,000 | Hard | Milestone-Based | Challenge-specific — new... |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions founders most often ask about ICF