Request for Applications: Anti-Poverty Fund in Canada

The Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs in the Northwest Territories (NWT) offers the Anti-Poverty Fund to support community-based initiatives that deliver measurable improvements in social outcomes. With up to $1.75 million available annually, this funding enables Indigenous governments, community authorities, and eligible NGOs to implement practical projects that reduce poverty and strengthen local partnerships.

The Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs (DEIA) in the NWT provides funding through its Anti-Poverty Fund, supporting projects that take concrete action to alleviate poverty in communities across the territory. The programme prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate measurable social impact and foster collaborative approaches to addressing complex social challenges.

Programme Objectives

The Anti-Poverty Fund is designed to:

• Deliver tangible services or support within local communities

• Improve social outcomes for residents in a measurable way

• Develop new initiatives or enhance existing programs

• Foster partnerships among community organizations for integrated responses

• Support practical, community-driven solutions to poverty

This focus ensures that projects make a direct, positive difference in the lives of residents of the NWT.

Funding Availability

• Total annual funding: Up to $1,750,000

• Flexible project funding: No minimum or maximum per project

• Funding can support new initiatives or enhancements to existing community programs

This flexible funding model allows applicants to design projects that are appropriately scaled to the needs and capacities of their communities.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include:

• Indigenous governments in the NWT

• Community governing authorities, including:

  • Band Councils

  • Métis Locals

  • Charter Communities

  • Municipal councils

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with demonstrated support or partnership from an Indigenous or community governing authority

Note: Government of the Northwest Territories entities, including schools and health centres, cannot apply directly but may participate as project partners.

Eligible Projects

Projects must:

• Be located within the Northwest Territories

• Align with the program’s objectives to reduce poverty

• Deliver practical, measurable outcomes

• Represent either new initiatives or enhancements to existing programs

• Demonstrate collaboration and partnership where possible

Projects are evaluated based on real impact, community engagement, and the ability to address multiple social challenges.

Why This Fund Matters

Poverty in the NWT presents unique challenges due to geographic, economic, and social factors. By funding community-driven, practical initiatives, the Anti-Poverty Fund strengthens local capacities and ensures interventions address real needs.

The programme emphasizes measurable outcomes, helping communities track improvements and develop sustainable solutions that empower residents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects outside the NWT

• Applying as a government entity without a supporting partner

• Failing to demonstrate tangible social impact

• Ignoring the importance of community partnerships

• Proposing projects unrelated to poverty reduction

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply for the Anti-Poverty Fund?

Eligible applicants include Indigenous governments, community authorities (Band Councils, Métis Locals, Charter Communities, Municipal councils), and NGOs partnered with eligible authorities.

Can government schools or health centres apply directly?

No, these entities are ineligible to apply directly but may participate as partners in projects led by eligible organizations.

How much funding is available per project?

There is no minimum or maximum amount per project; funding is flexible and scaled to community needs.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects providing tangible services, improving social outcomes, developing new initiatives, or enhancing existing programs are supported.

Must projects be located in the NWT?

Yes, all supported projects must be implemented within the Northwest Territories.

Can existing programs receive funding?

Yes, the fund supports both new initiatives and enhancements to existing programs, provided they align with programme objectives.

Are partnerships required?

While not mandatory, partnerships are encouraged to support integrated responses and maximize project impact.

Conclusion

The NWT Anti-Poverty Fund provides a vital resource for communities to implement practical, measurable solutions to poverty. By supporting Indigenous governments, community authorities, and NGOs, the programme fosters collaboration, strengthens local services, and empowers residents to achieve sustainable social improvements.