First Nation Adapt Program
The First Nation Adapt (FNA) program provides financial support for projects led by First Nation communities and organizations located south of the 60th parallel. FNA funds projects that assess the impacts of climate change and increase climate resilience in support of self-determined priorities. The program accepts project proposals year-round.
Want to discuss a project idea?
If you have a project idea but are not sure where to begin, we would be pleased to discuss the eligibility of your project, answer your questions about the application process or provide general guidance about other suitable programs.
Contact us at adaptation@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca for more information.
On this page
About the program
We work with First Nations to support them in addressing their context-specific climate change adaptation priorities. Priority areas identified through discussions with First Nations include sea level rise, flooding, wildfires, drought, winter road failures, risks to archeological and cultural sites, forestry and fishery management, water source vulnerabilities and other emerging priorities. Projects must be led by First Nation communities and organizations south of the 60th parallel. Projects must focus on adapting to the impacts of climate change.
The program can fund the following types of projects:
- risk assessments of climate change impacts
- identification and assessment of adaptation options
- small-scale implementation of adaptation actions (maximum $250,000)
- development of, or access to, climate change hazard information and adaptation planning resources
Examples of eligible activities for funding include:
- community discussions on climate change adaptation
- gathering and/or utilizing Indigenous Knowledge or science-based data
- assessing risks and mapping hazards (including flood maps)
- integrating adaptation options in land-use and/or emergency management planning for communities' key priorities
- implementing small-scale adaptation options, such as native vegetation planting to support water retention, backflow water valves to reduce flooding, or fuel management to reduce the risk of wildfire on infrastructure
First Nations are encouraged to identify project activities that address their individualized needs. Staff are readily available to help scope out project activities.
There is $9.75 million in contribution funding available for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
Who can apply
- First Nation communities
- First Nation organizations including:
- First Nation associations
- Band councils
- Tribal councils
- Self-governing First Nations governments
- other organizations understood to be First Nations in nature
This program only supports climate change adaptation projects in First Nations south of the 60th parallel. Northern First Nations looking for funding for their climate change adaptation projects should consult the Climate Change Preparedness in the North Program.
Deadlines
There is no deadline to apply. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
How to apply
- Review the program funding guidelines.
- Contact us to discuss a potential project idea and confirm its eligibility.
- Seek and confirm community support for your project with a band council resolution or other proof of community support.
- Contact adaptation@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca to obtain a budget spreadsheet (MS Excel) and complete a project proposal as described in the guidelines.
- Submit the project proposal, budget spreadsheet, and band council resolution to adaptation@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca
Examples of previously selected projects
Contact us at adaptation@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca for examples of previously funded projects.
Climate change and complementary programs
- Climate Change Preparedness in the North Program
- Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program
- Northern REACHE Program
- Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program (Indigenous Services Canada)
- First Nation Infrastructure Fund (Indigenous Services Canada)
- Emergency Management Assistance Program (Indigenous Services Canada)
- Asset Management Program (Indigenous Services Canada)
- Lands and Economic Development Services Program (Indigenous Services Canada)
- Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program (Natural Resources Canada)