Indigenous Intellectual Property Program Grant — Program Guide

1 The Indigenous Intellectual Property Program

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's (ISED) Indigenous Intellectual Property Program (IIPP) includes grants aimed at making the Intellectual Property (IP) system more inclusive of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples in Canada. The IIPP is part of the broader Intellectual Property Strategy under the Government of Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan. It helps build on commitments to reconciliation, a recognition of Indigenous rights and implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. The IIPP grants provide an opportunity for eligible Indigenous organizations to seek funding for travel to World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) sessions, small-scale initiatives and projects related to IP, Indigenous knowledge (IK) and Indigenous cultural expressions (ICEs).

The Marketplace Framework Policy Branch at ISED (the "IIPP Granting Authority") is responsible for administering all aspects of the IIPP grant application process.

See Annex A glossary for a list of terms used in this guide.

2 Objectives

The purpose of the grants is to:

• Explore ways to make the IP system more accessible to Indigenous Peoples,
• Facilitate Indigenous Peoples' use of the IP system to protect their innovations and creations,
• Support Indigenous-led development of tools, guidelines or protocols with respect to the protection and use of IP and IP-related Indigenous knowledge and cultural expressions,
• Increase participation of Indigenous Peoples in domestic and international discussions on IP, Indigenous knowledge and cultural expressions.

In support of this purpose, the primary focus of the IIPP grants is on:

• Education: activities and projects that empower more Indigenous Peoples to understand the IP system and how it can work for them, including developing IP strategies and protecting Indigenous knowledge and cultural expressions through the IP system, or developing educational materials, training or guides.
• Awareness: activities that help Indigenous Peoples and communities build awareness about IP, Indigenous knowledge and cultural expressions, including developing protocols or research.
• Capacity building: developing and strengthening IP-related skills and resources for organizations and communities, including establishing relationships and sharing knowledge, developing policy proposals, or representing Indigenous Peoples in international discussions.

3 Guiding principles

The IIPP Granting Authority will be guided by the following principles when implementing the IIPP grant application process:

• Respect Indigenous worldviews, and the rights of Indigenous Peoples, as articulated in UNDRIP (2007) and as supported in the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2021);
• Support and uphold the principles of reconciliation, articulated through the report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2015);
• Support activities that:
  • Respect and encourage First Nations, Inuit and Métis self-determination;
  • Increase use of the IP system by Indigenous Peoples in Canada;
  • Recognize Indigenous communities and creative and innovative practices; and
  • Enable Indigenous economic, social, and cultural development.
• Recognize the distinct and unique place of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada as holders, creators, interpreters, translators and transmitters of IK and ICEs;
• Recognize the unique contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada to Canada's economy and culture;
• Recognize the distinctiveness of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada, as well as the important roles and responsibilities of key individuals such as knowledge holders, Elders, women, leaders, and cultural advisors;
• Support Canada's commitment to inclusion and diversity by applying a Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) lens to the implementation of the IIPP whenever possible, including, but not limited to, considerations of gender expression or gender identity, sexual orientation, age and mental and physical disability. See the Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA plus) for more information.

4 Grant funding

There is a total of $150,000 in non-repayable grants available for 2025-2026 ('Funding Period').

Funding can only be used to support expenses incurred after a Funding Agreement is entered into, if your application is selected.

5 Eligibility

5.1 Who can apply

Your Indigenous organization is eligible to apply if it belongs to any of the following:

• First Nations, Inuit, or Métis governments and organizations, Bands, Tribal Council, Indigenous self-government entities, local, regional or national Indigenous organization;
• Registered charity or not-for-profit Indigenous-controlled organization;
• Incorporated for-profit Indigenous-controlled organization (including corporations);
• Indigenous-controlled unincorporated organizations (including sole proprietorships or partnerships).

Additional eligibility notes:

• Indigenous-led: All proposals must be led by an eligible Indigenous organization(s) and focus on benefits for Indigenous Peoples.
• Sub-contracting: Eligible organizations may sub-contract with an organization that is not itself eligible to apply.
• Groups: A group of organizations may apply under a joint or shared application.

The IIPP grant cannot directly fund:

• Public institutions not owned or operated by an Indigenous person(s);
• Organizations with an Indigenous focus that do not have official Indigenous connections and are not owned, operated, or represented by Indigenous Peoples;
• Organizations based outside of Canada;
• Individuals not affiliated with an eligible Indigenous organization.

5.2 Subject matter

The IIPP grant funds activities and projects that seek to increase use of the IP system by Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

To be eligible for funding, proposed projects and activities led by eligible Indigenous organizations must:

• focus on intellectual property

  and/or

• have a connection to the protection of Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous cultural expressions.

The IIPP grant cannot fund proposals focused on:

• knowledge about places and locations with no links to IP (sacred sites, migration routes, etc.);
• the preservation, maintenance, creation, or development of Indigenous knowledge and cultural expressions with no link to protection through IP or other means. For example, recording the process of creating a handicraft or harvesting a plant without consideration of how the recording or the Indigenous knowledge itself will be protected.

5.3 Funding streams

Stream 1: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Travel Stream

This stream makes funds available for travel to WIPO events, meetings, and negotiations related to IP and IK and ICEs, particularly the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) – not exceeding $6,000 per person per trip. Applicants must be accredited observers to the intended meeting in order to be eligible for funding under this stream.

Stream 2: Small-Scale Initiative Stream

This stream makes funds available for short-term IP-related activities, limited in scale and scope, and resources required – not exceeding $15,000.

Stream 3: Project Stream

This stream makes funds available for IP-related projects that are more complex or comprehensive than Small-Scale Initiatives, requiring more resources and a longer duration and can include a combination of activities as listed below – not exceeding $50,000.

5.4 Eligible activities

5.4.1 WIPO Travel stream

Eligible activities include:

• Participation in World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) events, meetings or negotiations relating to IP and IK and ICEs; and
• Research and preparation to support participation.

Additional notes:

• Applicants must be Accredited Observers to be eligible for funding under this stream. Information on accreditation, Indigenous panels, and other relevant resources can be found on the WIPO Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities' Engagement site. Application forms should be submitted to WIPO 60 days before a session. Decisions on accreditation are made by the WIPO member states at the beginning of each session. It is not recommended to book travel until your organization is accredited. Accredited observers can participate in WIPO IGC meetings either in person or virtually. For more information, please see WIPO Accreditation FAQs.
• Applicants may partner with organizations that are Accredited Observers.
• Applicants do not have to identify a specific meeting or travel date in their application.
• The IIPP Granting Authority reserves the right to approve funds for only one traveller per trip per applicant, in the event WIPO travel applications are received from multiple organizations. If any funds remain, the IIPP Granting Authority may allow funding for additional travellers for the same event.

5.4.2 Small-Scale Initiatives and Projects streams

Eligible activities include:

• Development of guidelines, protocols, pilot projects or similar undertakings relating to IP and IK and ICEs;
• IP education, capacity building and awareness raising activities, including hosting or co-hosting workshops, conferences, seminars, meetings, or other similar events;
• Development of an IP strategy, including associated expert advice;
• Research on and registration of IP;
• Research on subjects related to IP and the protection of IK and ICEs;
• Obtaining expert advice on issues related to the protection of IP and IK and ICEs; and
• Participation in workshops, conferences, seminars, meetings, or other similar events, with a focus on IP and the protection of IK and ICEs, including travel to WIPO.

5.5 Eligible expenditures

Eligible Expenditures are those incurred by a recipient and which, in the opinion of the IIPP Granting Authority, are reasonable and required to carry out the Eligible Activities to which they relate. Only costs that are deemed necessary in achieving the objectives for which the funding was granted will be eligible.

5.5.1 WIPO Travel Stream

Eligible Expenditures for WIPO Travel may include:

• Travel and other related expenses, such as airfare, car rental, gas, taxis, parking, accommodations, meals, and incidentals must not exceed Government of Canada travel guidelines as set out in the National Joint Council Travel Directive. Applicants should select cost effective options for airfare, accommodations and other travel-related costs.
• Reasonable time required for research and preparation to support participation.

5.5.2 Small-scale Initiative Stream and Project Stream

Eligible Expenditures for Small-scale Initiatives and Projects may include:

• Purchases of or subscriptions to educational resources or training;
• Costs for hosting events regarding IP and IK and ICEs, whether virtual or in-person, including costs for logistics, technical requirements, and hospitality;
• Payments to suppliers of goods and services such as printers, translators, graphic designers and proof-readers;
• Fees for consultants or contractors, such as lawyers, researchers, policy advisors and facilitators, to support activities such as protecting and enforcing IP rights, developing an IP strategy, drafting policy papers, creating guidelines or protocols, supporting event planning, etc.;
• Costs of purchasing materials directly related to the proposed activities;
• Honoraria or compensation paid to Indigenous Peoples, such as knowledge holders, Elders, or cultural professionals, for their participation in events, training, meetings and discussions;
• One-time training or workshop costs other than an ongoing program of study;
• Conference, symposium or webinar fees;
• Costs associated with registration of IP relating to an existing or in development product or service, including products or services based on IK or ICEs; and/or
• Travel and other related expenses, such as airfare, car rental, gas, taxis, parking, accommodations, meals and incidentals, must not exceed Government of Canada travel guidelines as set out in the National Joint Council Travel Directive, if directly related to the initiative or project. Applicants should select cost effective options for airfare, accommodations and other travel-related costs.

5.6 Ineligible expenditures

The IIPP grant funds cannot be used for the following types of expenses:

• Costs covered by external contributors, such as:
  • donations or in-kind contributions
  • activities funded by another government source (federal, provincial, territorial, or municipal)
• Costs or expenses related to:
  • contests and competitions, including prizes and awards
  • fundraising activities
• Non-project activities, such as:
  • capital expenditures (e.g., computer equipment), unless explicitly identified as eligible
  • financing charges and loan interest payments
  • real property expenses (land acquisition, leasing, mortgages, renovations, etc.)
  • contributions to endowment funds
• Research and development of products or services
• Specialized fees and goods, such as:
  • lobbyist fees
  • goods or services provided by someone under 18 years of age
• Any other expenses not related to achieving the objectives of the IP strategy and the IIPP grant
• Activities illegal under the Criminal Code of Canada

6 How to apply

6.1 Submitting your application

Organizations must submit a completed application form which can also be found on the IIPP grant webpage or by requesting a copy from IndigenousIP-PIAutochtones@ised-isde.gc.ca.

Completed applications must be submitted electronically to the IIPP Granting authority and must be received no later than 11:59 pm (Pacific Time) on August 12, 2025, to be considered. Please contact us for further information or if you need assistance or accommodations to submit your application.

All questions, requests for forms, and submissions of applications can be sent by email to IndigenousIP-PIAutochtones@ised-isde.gc.ca.

6.2 About the online application form

1. The IIPP grant application is a secure, fillable web form.
2. You can open the application in any modern browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari).
3. We recommend completing the online application on a desktop or laptop computer. While the application works on mobile or tablet, it will be simpler to complete the written sections on your computer.

6.3 Alternate format: fillable PDF, completed and submitted via email

Download, complete and submit your application in Adobe's portable document format (PDF):

1. Download the application form as a PDF.
2. Save the application form to your computer.
3. Open your application in a PDF reader (a PDF reader is available for free download from the Adobe website).
4. Email your completed application to the IIPP Granting Authority at IndigenousIP-PIAutochtones@ised-isde.gc.ca. Make sure to save your application before submitting.

7 Application assessment process

Applications will be assessed in three (3) stages. Where possible, the IIPP Granting Authority will incorporate Indigenous views and perspectives into the selection process, as appropriate. The IIPP Granting Authority may request clarification on applications, as required, to inform the assessments.

7.1 Assessment criteria

7.1.1 WIPO Travel Stream

Impact: 50% of Total Score

The potential of the travel to have the following results:

• 20 points – contribute to awareness, capacity building, and policy development on IP and IK and ICEs in Canada or abroad;
• 20 points – includes plans to build connections, including with Indigenous counterparts and develop new opportunities to exchange knowledge and experiences; and
• 10 points – development of policy positions, research, or other policy-related work related to the proposed travel which may support the capacity building of the applicant on issues related to IP and IK and ICEs in Canada and internationally.

Need: 20% of Total Score

• 20 points – the applicant demonstrates a need for funding to complete the proposed travel, and could not otherwise participate without external funding. Receipt of previous grant funding may affect an application's score.

Feasibility: 30% of Total Score

• 20 points – the traveller has the technical and technological capacity and the ability to meaningfully participate in the WIPO session, including support from any partners or host organizations; and
• 10 points – the budget is reasonable, and does not exceed the National Joint Council Travel Directive.

7.1.2 Small-Scale Initiative and Project Streams

Impact: 60% of Total Score

The Small-Scale Initiative or Project:

• 20 points – contributes to a greater understanding of IP and issues related to the protection of IK and ICEs;
• 15 points – has social, cultural and/or economic benefits for the applicant organization;
• 10 points – has potential benefits for others beyond the applicant organization including represented communities or interest groups and/or the applicant is planning to take steps to ensure benefits could be shared beyond the organization through the sharing of experiences with other organizations or businesses, or for policy and program development by the federal government; and
• 15 points – results in some concrete outcome, such as a report, policy, tool, resource, product or service that is useful for the applicant organization and/or others seeking to better understand and/or protect IP and IK and ICEs.

Need: 20% of Total Score

• 10 points – the applicant demonstrates a need for external funding to complete the proposed Small-scale Initiative or Project; and
• 10 points – the applicant and/or peoples represented by the applicant have a demonstrated need for the outcomes of the proposed Small-scale Initiative or Project. Receipt of previous grant funding may affect an application's score.

Feasibility: 20% of Total Score

• 10 points – the applicant or others engaged by the applicant have the qualifications, skills, capacity, experience, technological and financial capabilities necessary to undertake the Small-Scale Initiative or Project; and
• 10 points – the proposed approach to the Small-Scale Initiative or Project includes achievable outcomes and timelines.

7.2 Point-rated assessment criteria scale

• 0: Does not meet criteria – The applicant did not provide any information to demonstrate the criteria is met.
• 1-4: Partially meets criteria – The applicant did not provide enough information to demonstrate the criteria is clearly met though there may be some potential.
• 5-7: Meets criteria – The applicant provides sufficient information to demonstrate the application meets the criteria.
• 8-10: Exceeds criteria – The applicant provides clear information to demonstrate the application meets the criteria and may even go above expectations.

8 Grant timeline

Application Process Launch

• June 2, 2025
• Launch of the 2025-2026 IIPP grant application process.

Application Submission Deadline

• August 12, 2025
• Final deadline for application submissions. Applications must be received on or before 11:59 pm Pacific Time to be considered for an IIPP grant.

Application Assessment Period

• August-December 2025
• Applications will be assessed in stages, by an Assessment Panel and the IIPP Granting Authority, and recommended for funding.

Final Decision and Notice of Results

• January-February 2026
• The Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry will make the final decision on the successful applicants / applications. Applicants will receive a notice of the results and successful applicants will receive further instructions to finalize funding agreements and process payments.

Supporting Documentation

• January-February 2026
• All recipients must submit signed documentation to process their grant payments by the date included in the notification package.

Grants Paid

• February – March 2026
• The IIPP Granting Authority process grant payments and confirm disbursal and receipt with the recipients, subject to internal processing timelines. The final date by which all grants must be paid to recipients is March 31, 2026.
• Applicants should note that since funding may be disbursed as late as March 31, any proposed activities should be planned for after this date.

8.1 Service standards

• Acknowledgement of receipt: ISED will acknowledge receipt of applications, required documentation, and reports within 10 business days of receipt.
• Processing: ISED will review the application and provide a response to the applicant before March 31, 2026.
• Payment: ISED will issue payments to Recipients within 30 calendar days after execution of the Funding Agreement and receipt of all documents required under 9.3 Payment.

Please note that the achievement of these service standards is a shared responsibility and is dependent upon the timely submission of all required documentation to the IIPP Granting Authority in accordance with the signed funding agreement.

9 Additional program requirements

9.1 Funding Agreement

Upon notification of a successful application, Funding Agreements must be signed by each recipient. The Funding Agreement will set out the terms and conditions of the grant funding that must be met prior to and following disbursement of the grant.

9.2 Entitlement Criteria

Continued eligibility for funding will be conditional upon the completion of any requirements, such as the submission of any required reports, for previous IIPP grants received, and/or previous or current grants or contributions received from ISED within the last 5 years.

9.3 Payment

ISED will disburse 100% of the grant following the signing of a Funding Agreement and after the Recipient meets all entitlement criteria and any prerequisites.

Payments to Recipients will be made through direct deposit which requires 1) the Recipient's banking information and 2) a copy of a void cheque.

9.4 Limitations on use of funding

Funding may be used only for the purposes specified in the application.

No major change can be made to the proposed Travel, Small-Scale Initiative, or Project. In each case, IIPP Granting Authority shall determine what constitutes a major change.

Funds not used for the purposes outlined in your application must be returned.

Funds cannot be used for expenses incurred before the grant is awarded.

Travel and other related expenses, such as airfare, car rental, gas, taxis, parking, accommodations, meals, and incidentals must not exceed Government of Canada travel guidelines as set out in the National Joint Council Travel Directive.

9.5 Audit, evaluation and reporting requirements

Recipients must submit a final report, in the format specified by ISED, within 90 days of completion of the Travel, Small-Scale Initiative, or Project.

Recipients may be required to respond to requests to participate in surveys and provide information for up to 5 years after completion of the Travel, Small-Scale Initiative, or Project for the purposes of performance tracking, audits, and program evaluation.

9.6 Other Sources of Government Funding

The IIPP grant must respect the Canadian government's policy on total Canadian government funding and stacking limits, meaning total funding from government sources (federal, provincial/territorial, municipal) cannot exceed 100% of total costs.

9.7 Indemnification

The Government will have no liability except for the payment of the grant.

Grant recipients bear full responsibility for any debts, losses, damages, actions, claims, obligations, or otherwise resulting from the Travel, Small-Scale Initiative, or Project, and operations, employees, agents, subcontractors or otherwise.

Recipients must agree to comply with all provincial, territorial and federal laws.

9.8 Public Acknowledgement

Recipients shall acknowledge the funding of the Government of Canada in all communications materials related to the Travel, Small-Scale Initiative, or Project, in line with any terms and conditions in the Funding Agreement.

9.9 Official Languages Requirements

Applications, and any required documentation and reports must be in either French or English. Recipients may complete their activities in either official language and any Indigenous languages, if desired.

9.10 Access to Information and Privacy Requests

By submitting a funding application, applicants and Recipients authorize ISED to disclose information submitted for program administration, evaluation and development, program and departmental statistics, and for purposes in accordance with the Federal Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.

9.11 Intellectual Property

In the event that IP is created by a Recipient, the IP will remain the property of the Recipient.

9.12 Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous cultural expressions

If a proposed activity involves the use of IK or ICEs, the Recipient must ensure that any applicable community protocols and customs are being observed. Recipients are responsible for obtaining any necessary permissions to use IK or ICEs and to include acknowledgements of the source(s).

Contact us

Please contact the IIPP Granting Authority at IndigenousIP-PIAutochtones@ised-isde.gc.ca for further information or if you need assistance at any stage of the application process, including submitting a grant application, transfer payment requirements, reporting requirements or if you require accommodations.

Annex A glossary

Completion Date

The agreed upon date or before which all Activities must be completed, as included in an executed Funding Agreement.

Funding Period

Starts on April 1, 2025 and ends on March 31, 2026.

Indigenous knowledge (IK)

The term "Indigenous knowledge," also known as "traditional knowledge," generally refers to the know-how, skills, innovations and practices developed by Indigenous Peoples related to biodiversity, agriculture, health and craftsmanship.

Indigenous cultural expressions (ICEs)

The term "Indigenous cultural expressions," also known as "traditional cultural expressions," generally refers to tangible and intangible forms in which Indigenous knowledge and culture are expressed. They may include oral stories, artwork, handicrafts, dances, fabric, songs or ceremonies.

Intellectual Property (IP)

According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, IP is a creation of the mind. IP includes inventions, literary and artistic works, designs and symbols, and names and images used in business.

Recipient

A successful applicant that will receive or has received an IIPP grant.