First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund Grants

The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF) supports Indigenous communities in British Columbia to engage in clean energy projects within their traditional territories. It offers Capacity and Equity funding, with a maximum of $50,000 for Capacity funding and $500,000 for Equity funding per applicant. The fund aims to enhance community participation in the clean energy sector and promotes sustainable development through financial assistance for project feasibility and planning.

The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF) promotes increased Indigenous community participation in the clean energy sector within their asserted traditional territories and treaty areas.
The fund provides agreements between the B.C. Government and successful applicants for Capacity funding and Equity funding. It also provides revenue sharing agreements between the B.C. Government and eligible First Nations.
The Clean Energy Act enabled the creation of the First Nation Clean Energy Business Fund. The Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation is responsible for administering the fund and uses expertise across provincial government to assess applications.
Capacity Funding
Funding to assist with clean energy project feasibility studies, community energy planning or engaging with project proponents. Funding will be provided to enable an applicant to engage with project proponents, including undertaking financial analysis of potential projects prior to taking equity positions in a Project and reviewing development potential within their territories.
Consideration for increased support may be accepted where multiple projects are proposed for development within a single applicant’s traditional territory.
Fund Appropriation
Limited to a maximum of $50,000 per eligible applicant.
Equity Funding
Funding to support a financially viable and resourced clean energy project with an Energy Purchase Agreement.
Fund Appropriation
Maximum total grant is $500,000 per applicant – regardless of the number of potential projects in the applicant’s traditional territory.

Eligibility

Fund eligibility criteria restricts applicants to Indigenous communities in British Columbia falling into one of the following categories:A First Nation “band” as defined by the Indian Act (Canada);A First Nation governing body, representing exclusively one or more First Nations.In addition, the proposed project must be located in British Columbia.