Indigenous Reconciliation Fund
The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is a registered charity established in 2022 that accepts contributions from 73 Catholic entities across Canada, one of which is the Archdiocese of Vancouver. The fund will advance local healing and reconciliation initiatives, fulfilling our commitment of $2.5 million over five years (which is part of the $30 million pledged by Canada’s Bishops).
The fund seeks to support projects that are determined locally, in collaboration with First Nations, Métis and Inuit partners. The IRF has established the following criteria for grant applications:
- Healing and reconciliation for communities and families;
- Culture and language revitalization;
- Education and community building; and
- Dialogues for promoting indigenous spirituality and culture.
The fund has been designed to meet the highest standards of transparency and good governance and is overseen by a Board of Directors made up of Indigenous leaders.
The national IRF has raised over $9 million, putting the fund on schedule to exceed its five-year $30 million commitment.
Local Catholic dioceses identify the priority of meaningful reconciliation work as determined by local Indigenous groups and organizations. To that end, local project leads seeking funding would apply directly through the Archdiocese of Vancouver below.
Grant Guidelines
The Archdiocese of Vancouver is welcoming applications for local grants that support the following goals and criteria:
- Healing and reconciliation for communities and families
- Culture and language revitalization
- Education and community building
- Dialogue involving Indigenous elders, spiritual leaders, and youth with a focus on Indigenous spirituality and culture
- Projects should be Indigenous-led and/or be supported by an Indigenous community.
- Priority should be given to projects which will have or contribute to a lasting impact on reconciliation within communities.
- Grant requests may be made for funding up to a two-year limit, and grants may be renewed within the lifespan of the Fund.
- All Fund grant recipients must be registered charities or in partnership with a registered charity as outlined in the Application Form.
- IRF grants are not, normally, to be used to cover expenses (i.e. travel, etc.)
- Projects receiving grants must be completed by December 31, 2029.
Grant Application
There are two methods of submitting a grant application:
1. Online
2. By Mail
Indigenous Reconciliation Fund Applications
c/o James Borkowski
Archdiocese of Vancouver
4885 Saint John Paul II Way
Vancouver, BC V5Z 0G3