Application Process
Can you provide any more details on the estimated timelines of the application process?
The time required to review and assess each application may vary, depending on the number of applications received and the streams applied under. Since we will not know how many applications we will receive until the submission deadline September, we cannot give an accurate estimate at this time. The internal processing of applications may also vary depending on the availability of assessment panelists and processing time for approvals. The timelines included in the Program Guide are a rough estimate only and may vary as the process rolls out.
Why does the application form ask about an applicant organization's representativeness (e.g., identity groups, language groups, location etc.) and will it impact an applicant's success in the evaluation process?
Additional information provided by applicants about representation of various identity groups will not affect the eligibility or qualification of applications. While this information is optional, it could be considered in the event we receive more qualified applications than funding available. If this is the case, the granting authority will consider this information as asset criteria, to recommend the funding of a diverse selection of recipients. If a more diverse range of applicants is sought, we may ask one or more qualified applicants for a revised budget to accommodate the funding of other qualified applicants.
Proposals
For Stream 1 (WIPO Travel), if an applicant is not an Accredited Observer for a specific WIPO committee when they apply for a grant, but submit their application to WIPO at the same time or prior to submission, will they be eligible for funding?
We encourage any organizations interested in intellectual property issues related to Indigenous knowledge and cultural expressions to apply to be Accredited Observers regardless of whether they are seeking a grant under the WIPO Travel Stream. It is free to apply and provides the option to attend any IGC session (or other WIPO Committee applied to) in the future. To become an Accredited Observer for the IGC, applicants must submit their form before July 12, 2022 to seek approval at the next IGC session in September (and to participate at the meeting after that) or wait until a future session (not scheduled at this time). Only confirmed Accredited Observers will receive funding. For more information about the accreditation process at WIPO, see Participating in the IGC.
Myself and the organization that I am associated with are interested in pursuing an application for a possible Small-Scale Initiative or Project, but we are unsure if it fits within the parameters of the grant guidelines, would it be possible to discuss our idea to receive any possible guidance on whether our idea may be applicable?
Yes! For additional guidance on what sort of ideas are eligible for funding, please see section 5.2 Subject Matter, of the Program Guide which offers guidance on subject matter and what sort of proposals can and cannot receive funding. Additionally, members of the IIPP team are happy to assist you with all questions you may have regarding the Grant program, Grant applications, and any and/or all questions you may have regarding applying, the process, and any other questions or concerns you may have. Please contact us via email at indigenousip-piautochtones@ised-isde.gc.ca.
Can I include supplementary documents or resources to my application?
Yes! Please reference any additional documents in the appropriate places in your application form to ensure all relevant information is considered during your application's assessment. The application form will be the primary document that the assessment panel will review, so applicants should be clear if referencing other included materials.
My organization applied last year but was not successful in receiving a grant. How can I better structure our application to increase the chances of being successful this year?
First, this year, we have a larger sum of granting funds available to applicants, so the chances of more applicants receiving funding than last year have already increased. Second, we have provided further guidelines for applicants to follow, including section 5.2 of the Program Guide, which specifies that, "Proposals must be focused on subject matter related to the protection of intellectual property, Indigenous knowledge, and Indigenous cultural expressions." Further emphasis on the protection of Indigenous IP, IK, and ICE's, including the development of community/organization protocols and guidelines regarding protection and/or access of Indigenous IP, IK, or ICE's are additional areas of focus that may increase an applicant's success.
The project that I have in mind does not necessarily fit within the current IP system as it tends to focus on Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Can I still apply, even though my project may not precisely fit within the current bounds of the Canadian IP regime?
Yes! We encourage all Indigenous Organizations in Canada that are eligible to apply to whichever of the three streams is most applicable to their project and/or idea. If you are at all concerned as to whether your idea meets the criteria for a grant, please see section 5, Eligibility of the Program Guide for further guidance on what sort of ideas may be favorable for a grant, as well as section 5.2 Subject Matter for further guidance on the types of proposals the IIPP Grant can and cannot fund. If you have further questions regarding eligibility, please contact us via email at indigenousip-piautochtones@ised-isde.gc.ca
What is the difference between the three funding streams?
Stream 1 – WIPO Travel can only fund the costs associated with participation at WIPO sessions (notably, IGC). This includes travel costs and costs to prepare for the session (e.g., research).
Stream 2 – Small-Scale Initiatives can fund a variety of eligible expenditures related to IP, IK and ICE-related topics and issues, that are limited in time required to complete (a few months), simpler in scope, and with a smaller budget (up to $15K).
Stream 3 – Projects are similar to stream 2 in what it can fund, but can fund longer term projects (several months up to a year), more complex proposals with multiple components and with a larger budget (up to $50K).
Can an applicant submit multiple applications and/or for multiple streams?
Yes! Applicants must make sure, however, that each application is a standalone proposal that does not rely on the work of a different application. Also note that priority would be given to funding a diversity of applicants, even if two or more of your applications are qualified for funding. The funding of additional proposals from the same applicant would only be made If there is enough funding remaining,
Applicants
I am not currently associated with an Indigenous-owned or operated organization, but have an idea for a project. Can I apply for a grant?
Only eligible Indigenous organizations, belonging to the categories outlined in the program guide, are eligible for IIPP grants. Individuals cannot apply for a grant on their own, and must be affiliated with an eligible organization.
Can non-Indigenous owned or operated organizations, including those with an Indigenous-focus or Indigenous branch, apply for an IIPP Grant?
No, only Indigenous organizations may apply for an IIPP Grant. As this grant is seeking to increase capacity of Indigenous peoples and organizations, only Indigenous applicants can receive funding. Non-Indigenous organizations may support or be contracted to work on a proposed project if there is a need for external support / capacity / human resources and if it is led by and benefits an Indigenous organization and/or the members or peoples it serves.
Can multiple organizations apply for a grant as part of a joint proposal?
Yes, as long as one organization is identified as the lead applicant and accepts all responsibility for the proposed work, even if other joint applicants leave the project. All joint applicants must be eligible organizations for the entire application to be deemed eligible (see program guide for the list of eligible applicants).