Many Indigenous communities are dedicated to protecting species at risk but often face challenges finding reliable funding for conservation projects. The Aboriginal Funds for Species at Risk (AFSAR) is a federal program that supports Indigenous-led efforts to conserve and recover aquatic species at risk across Canada. It offers non-repayable funding for projects that combine traditional knowledge with scientific methods.
The Aboriginal Funds for Species at Risk is a federal contribution program managed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Its main purpose is to encourage Indigenous participation in protecting and recovering aquatic species at risk listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).
AFSAR supports projects that:
Funding is non-repayable, so recipients do not return funds if they meet all program requirements.
AFSAR is designed for Indigenous-led initiatives. Eligible applicants include:
Projects must focus on aquatic species at risk, such as fish, marine mammals, or aquatic plants listed under SARA.
Non-Indigenous organizations are generally not eligible unless there is clear Indigenous leadership and participation.
AFSAR supports a variety of conservation and stewardship activities. Projects may include:
Projects must show direct benefits for aquatic species at risk, not just general environmental improvements.
AFSAR does not set a fixed maximum funding amount. Funding depends on:
Budgets are reviewed case by case by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Since amounts vary, it’s important to build a clear and realistic budget connected to conservation outcomes. GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you compare AFSAR to other Indigenous conservation programs and see typical funding ranges for similar projects.
The application process may change each year, but usually includes:
Watch for open calls for proposals
AFSAR does not run on a continuous intake. Deadlines vary each year.
Develop a project proposal
Prepare a detailed budget
Submit through Fisheries and Oceans Canada Applications are typically sent directly to DFO regional offices.
Some projects may need follow-up questions or revisions before approval.
Projects must directly benefit aquatic species listed under SARA. General environmental work is usually not enough.
Budgets must clearly support your work plan. Vague or inflated costs can delay approval.
DFO looks for clear Indigenous control and participation. This should be explicit in your proposal.
AFSAR funding is project-based. Past funding does not guarantee future approvals.
Q: Is the Aboriginal Funds for Species at Risk a grant or a loan?
AFSAR is a non-repayable federal contribution, not a loan. You do not repay it if you meet reporting and project requirements.
Q: Are terrestrial species eligible under AFSAR?
No. AFSAR focuses on aquatic species at risk, such as fish and marine species, under federal jurisdiction.
Q: Is AFSAR funding taxable?
The tax treatment of grant funding depends on your organization’s structure. For Indigenous organizations and non-profits, grants may not always be considered taxable income. Consult the Canada Revenue Agency or a qualified accountant to confirm how funding applies to your situation (CRA: Taxation of Grants).
Q: Can AFSAR funding be combined with other grants?
In some cases, yes. Funding stacking may be allowed as long as the same costs are not claimed twice.
Q: When are AFSAR application deadlines?
Deadlines vary by year and intake. Always check the current call for proposals from Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
After reviewing eligibility, you can use GrantHub to track active grant programs across Canada and find those matching your community or organization profile.
If your community or organization is planning conservation work for aquatic species at risk, consider preparing a strong proposal for AFSAR funding. Review the eligibility criteria, build a clear budget, and highlight Indigenous leadership in your application. You may wish to compare AFSAR with other Indigenous and environmental funding programs to see which best fits your project needs. For ongoing updates, tools like GrantHub can help you stay informed as you plan your next conservation project.
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