The ISO is not recommending request amounts for this program. Funding requests should be in line with the project scope, and expected impact.

Although we are not recommending request amounts we have capped the amount for production training at $150,000.00 per project. Production training refers specifically to hiring of trainees who will be learning on set or in studio.

First Nation, Inuit, Métis Collectives or Ad Hoc Groups can request a maximum of $100,00.00

Applicants who are proposing a new initiative or pilot program are encouraged to ensure their budget is in line with the scope and impact of their project. A demonstrated track record is an important part of the assessment criteria, and new initiatives should ensure their rationale and external support are clearly articulated in the application.

Please note, applicants may receive less than the request amount as determined by the assessment committee. Any contribution of more than $250,000.00 will be subject to a hold-back of up to 3% upon submission of a final report and a schedule of ISO expenditures.

• Project fees and expenses including participant fees, facilitator fees, mentor fees;
• Program management and/or coordination;
• Technology and facility expenses related to the project;
• Travel costs for participants, trainees, or key collaborators (please note, applications focused exclusively on travel should refer to the Travel Funding program);
• Community engagement and consultation work related to the project;
• Organizational capacity building costs, clearly defined in the proposal and related to the administering of the project;
• Other associated project costs clearly identified with project description. Please speak with the Program Manager for any questions related to additional eligible expenses specific to your proposal.

We encourage applicants to this program to meet with the ISO Sector Development Program Manager prior to completing an application. Please contact funding@iso-bea.ca to set up a meeting. If you are unsure if your project is eligible for this program, please reach out.

Applications must be completed in the ISO portal iso-bea.smapply.io. Projects will be assessed on a continual basis until funding for the program is depleted or until March 1st, 2024.

Projects will be assessed as quickly as possible, with notifications provided within 2-3 months. Please expect delays for holiday closure in December. Funding amounts may be lower than requested due to annual budget limitations. Please refer to the “Program Closure” section for information about steps taken by the ISO once the funding has been allocated.

Administrative follow ups may be conducted via email for additional information on the application if required.

The spirit and intent of ISO funding is to support Indigenous storytelling and Indigenous companies and organizations that are controlled by Indigenous people, who have decision-making authority and creative control.

For the purposes of ISO programs, “Indigenous” is defined as status and non-status First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples of Canada. All applicants must be residents of Canada and have spent 8 months out of the last year living in Canada.

Please consult the Building Trust and Accountability: Report on Eligibility in the Indigenous Screen Sector which informs the ISO in regards to Indigenous identity, relationality, and access to funding programs.

Applicants to this program must be:

• Companies and organizations that are registered in Canada.
• Able to demonstrate the potential to impact the sector and a number of Indigenous participants;
• Applicants must be screen-based as their primary focus and have a track record in production (for production training) OR of delivering support, services or initiatives to Indigenous communities OR a specialized service or skill that addresses gaps in the Indigenous screen sector;
• Have a plan for responding to, and engaging with participants or community members as part of their project;
• Identify how they plan to track and report on impact;
• If youth are engaged in the project, a plan for how the youth will be supported during the initiative, and how they will be followed up after the completion of the activities;
• Be able to deposit a cheque or make a direct deposit in the name of the applicant.

Companies

• Indigenous-controlled (minimum 51% ownership by person/s who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis);
• The project is under the financial and creative control of Indigenous persons, two of the three key members of the creative team must be Indigenous;
• Registered as a corporation with its head office in Canada;
• Main activity of the organization is the production or support of screen-based content, including TV, film, web, digital narrative content, and XR (VR, AR).
• Is not insolvent or bankrupt, or in the course of the reorganization of its business within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada);
• The company must have a track record of successful training initiatives.

Organizations (with specific criteria for each)

• Indigenous non-profit organizations, or registered charities;
• First Nations, Inuit or Métis band council, community or settlement;
• BIPOC non-profit organizations or registered charities;
• First Nation, Inuit, Métis Collectives or Ad Hoc Groups;
• Other non-profit organizations or registered charities.

Indigenous Non-Profit Organizations, or Registered Charities

• Must be Indigenous led, with a 51% Indigenous-majority Board of Directors and Indigenous-majority staff in key decision-making roles (ie. Executive Director, Artistic Director, Managing/Operations Director, Director of Finance, etc.);
• Must be an incorporated non-profit organization with head office in Canada;
• Includes: festivals, associations, arts service organizations, and training institutes.

First Nation, Inuit or Métis Band Office or Registered community or Settlement

• Must currently be recognized as an Indigenous nation/established community;
• The project is under the financial and creative control of Indigenous persons; two of the three key members are Indigenous.
• Must demonstrate capacity for undertaking a screen-based project, community interest, and support;

First Nation, Inuit, Métis Collectives or Ad Hoc Groups

• Indigenous-led (if two members, both must be Indigenous, if more than two, the majority of the collective/group must be persons who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis);
• The project is under the financial and creative control of Indigenous persons;
• A history of successful work done in the area of proposed activities in the application;
• Bios for each collective/group member must be provided as well as their individual percentage of ownership of and role in the project.

BIPOC Non-Profit Organizations or Registered Charities

• Must be led by people who are Black, Indigenous or People of Colour, with a 51% BIPOC-majority Board of Directors and BIPOC-majority staff in key decision-making roles (ie. Executive Director, Artistic Director, Managing/Operations Director, Director of Finance, etc.);
• Must be an incorporated non-profit organization with head office in Canada;
• A demonstrated commitment to supporting the Indigenous screen sector through funding, programs, and targeted outreach;
• Funding must be for a specific project that has confirmed participation by Indigenous creators, and funding must be directed towards the Indigenous participants or creators.

Other Non-Profit Organizations or Charities

• A limited number of partnerships may be considered for non-profit organizations that are non-Indigenous or non-BIPOC for projects that are led by Indigenous people, that include a contribution of funding and/or resources from the applicant organization, and that have a clear benefit to Indigenous screen creators.
• A demonstrated commitment to supporting the Indigenous screen sector through funding, programs, and targeted outreach;
• Confirmation of other financing or funding is required.

OTHER ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Production companies cannot receive funding from other ISO programs for the same training program or initiative. For example, funding for trainees cannot be included in another application to ISO Funding Programs;
• For production training, apprentices and mentors must be confirmed, OR a detailed recruitment plan must be submitted;
• For production training, confirmed financing must be in place in order to bring on trainees;
• At least 80% of the budget must be allocated towards Indigenous people. If required, support roles and or other fees provided to non-Indigenous people should be capped at 20% of the total budget;
• You must be in good standing with ISO.

NOT ELIGIBLE

• Non-Indigenous for-profit companies, including production companies;
• Individuals;
• Operational or capacity related costs for non-Indigenous or non-BIPOC non-profit organizations or charities.

Requirements for this program include:

• Articles of incorporation, and/or relevant ownership agreements, individual percentages of ownership;
• Bios and CVs for all owners, and key roles;
• Description and relevant materials of previous initiatives and outcomes;
• Project information detailing scope of work, plan of execution, and intended impact;
• Signed letters of support from (project dependant): trainees, previous participants, community members, staff, councils, communities, settlements, or interested parties;
• Project budget with ISO costs separated (template provided in application portal);
• Training plan or work plan with milestones and outcomes (optional template provided in application portal);
• Confirmation letters or contracts for confirmed funding sources;
• Community engagement plans (when applicable), including information about existing community relationships, protocols, etc;
• For production/in-studio training proposals: Applicants must submit a detailed training plan, including bios/CVs for trainees. If trainees are unconfirmed, a detailed recruitment plan must be submitted. Outcomes for trainees must be explained and sector impact should be clearly articulated;
• For production/in-studio training proposals: Applicants must submit a chain of title for the project(s).

The spirit and intent of ISO funding is to support companies that are controlled by Indigenous people, who have decision-making authority and creative control. However, this is the only program at ISO where we may partner with BIPOC and non-Indigenous controlled non-profit organizations on projects that are Indigenous-led OR meet a specific need or skills gap in the sector for Indigenous screen-based creators.

ISO staff will internally assess each application in line with the program focus and the assessment criteria as follows:

• Regional and intersectional representation;
• Impact, including the advancement of Indigenous storytelling and the enrichment of the cultural life of relational community(ies) and contribution to the Indigenous Screen Sector;
• Community engagement and responsiveness to sectoral gaps and stated needs;
• For non-Indigenous controlled non-profits: Meaningful involvement from relevant industry partners and demonstrated commitment the professional development of Indigenous creators;
• Availability of funds, ISO mandate, and strategic goals;
• Thoughtfulness, thoroughness, and clarity of application.

The Sector Development program has a rolling deadline, and therefore applications are assessed as they are submitted, and funding is allocated until the funding for the fiscal year has been depleted.
Once the funding has been depleted, the ISO will:

• Close the program in ISO Apply;
• Update the website, and announce the closure on social media;
• Send a notice via ISO Apply to all applicants with open applications that the program is now closed.

If applicants wish to access the application in the portal, they must contact funding@iso-bea.ca within 10 business days of the program’s closure. The ISO will provide a downloaded copy if requested. Otherwise, all in-progress applications will be deleted 10 business days after the program has been officially closed.

The ISO provides up to $500.00 CAD in additional funding to cover accessibility costs incurred during the stages of applying, completing a project, and writing your final report.

If you have barriers to access including but not limited to language, internet or physical barriers, please contact the ISO to discuss accommodations and support at funding@iso-bea.ca.

All applicants to ISO programs must confirm they have read the General Funding Guidelines prior to submitting an application.

An initial review for eligibility and missing documentation will be conducted by the ISO Sector Development Program Manager. The ISO program manager will reach out if any of this information is needed and applicants will be given a short period (maximum 10 days) to submit anything outstanding.

If at any time, an Applicant, as required by the Criteria or as requested by the ISO, provides false information or omits or misrepresents material information in connection with an application, including with respect to Indigenous identity, such provision of false information, omission or misrepresentation will be considered an event of default and the ISO may exercise the following contractual rights:

• termination of any contracts, including any remedies thereunder;
• denial of eligibility for existing and future funding;
• repayment of any funds already advanced; and
• civil and potential criminal prosecution, in the case of fraud.

These measures may be imposed not only on the Applicant but also on related, associated and affiliated companies and individuals that are parties to the application. Any Applicant receiving approval for funding will be required to sign a legally enforceable agreement, which includes provisions concerning misrepresentations, defaults, and related matters.

A final report will be required within three months following the completion of the project. Applicants with overdue final reports will not be eligible for ISO funding until the report is submitted and approved.

Recipients must acknowledge ISO support with textual reference and/or logo in the credit sequence, or appropriate placement in the completed work (where applicable). ISO logos are available for download on the ISO website.

When sharing information about your participation in the proposed activity, please also tag the ISO on any social media posts related to this contribution :

• Instagram – indigenousscreen
• Twitter – screen_office
• Facebook – ISO.BEA

Questions are encouraged and may be directed at any time to funding@iso-bea.ca.

Is the deadline of this program March 1st, 2024?

No. This program has a rolling deadline, which means the ISO reviews projects as they are submitted and allocates funding to successful projects until there is no more funding for the fiscal year. If there is still funding available by March 1st, 2024, we will close the program.

What is the demand for this program?

There is a high demand for the Sector Development program. We encourage you to apply ASAP to ensure you have access to the program while there is still funding available.

What is the average funding request for this program?

There isn’t an average allocation per project for this program. Because of the variety of projects we support, allocations are truly project dependent. We encourage applicants to apply ensuring their project is well-funded, successful, and will operate as intended. A reminder that the ISO can allocate less than the requested amount to successful projects.

What happens to my in-progress application if the program closes before I submit?

Please refer to the “Program Closure” section of the guidelines.

What happens to my application if I submit it, but the funding is allocated shortly thereafter?

The ISO will keep your application in the portal, and review your application at the start of the new fiscal year. This can mean an additional wait time for a decision on your application, and the ISO may request additional information if there have been updates to the program.

I have a small-scale initiative or project idea. Can I apply to this program?

Yes! Applications to the Sector Development program can be any size, as long as the rationale for how it benefits the Indigenous screen sector is articulated, and the applicant’s capacity to carry out the proposal is demonstrated. One Indigenous creative offering a workshop in their community is considered to be benefiting the Indigenous screen sector! Please refer to the “Small Scale Sector Development Investment” section.

I’m not sure my project is a good fit for this program.

Reach out! funding@iso-bea.ca.

• To support professional Indigenous screen-based creators in national and international industry events and opportunities;
• To build on the Indigenous screen-based capacity at festivals, conferences, training opportunities, and new market opportunities;
• To recognize the need for Indigenous screen-based creators to learn and develop their skills professionally with their communities, and through in-person conversation, sharing, and learning.

Applications must be completed in the ISO portal. Projects will be assessed on a continual basis until funding for the program is depleted or until March 1st, 2024, whichever comes first. Projects will be assessed as quickly as possible, with notifications provided within 1-2 months. Please expect delays for holiday closure in December.

Please allow at least 4-6 weeks before the proposed travel date in order to allow the ISO sufficient time to review the application and proposed activities.

Note: Applications who submit less than 10 business days prior to travel will not be considered.

Please note the spirit and intent of ISO funding is to support Indigenous creators and companies that are controlled by Indigenous people, who have decision-making authority and creative control.

For the purposes of ISO programs, “Indigenous” is defined as status and non-status First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples of Canada. All applicants must be residents of Canada.

Please consult the Building Trust and Accountability: Report on Eligibility in the Indigenous Screen Sector which informs the ISO in regards to Indigenous identity, relationality, and access to funding programs.

Individuals (including sole proprietors):

• Are a First Nations, Inuit or Métis person residing in Canada and who is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada who has resided in Canada for at least eight months over the last one-year period;
• Working in screen-based content, including TV, film, web, gaming, apps, and XR (VR, AR);
• Can deposit a cheque in the name of the applicant;
• Is not in a state of bankruptcy within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada).

Individual Applicants:

Please be advised the Canada Revenue Agency considers this funding as taxable income. Please keep all expense receipts related to these funds to offset your tax obligations. If you are incorporated as a sole proprietor, you must apply under your business name for the funding to be deposited to your business bank account. The funding will not be deposited to an account in any name other than the applicant name.

Companies:

• Indigenous-controlled (minimum 51% ownership by person/s who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis);
  The project is under the financial and creative control of Indigenous persons, two of the three key members of the creative team must be Indigenous;
• Registered as a corporation with its head office in Canada, complete incorporation documents must be uploaded to ISO Apply;
• Bios for each owner of the company must be provided, as well as their individual percentage of ownership;
• Main activity of the organization is the production or support of screen-based content, including TV, film, web, digital narrative content, and XR (VR, AR).
• Is not insolvent or bankrupt, or in the course of the re-organization of its business within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada);
• Can deposit the cheque in the name of the applicant/the name of the company listed on the application.

OTHER ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• You must be in good standing with ISO;
• Applicants cannot apply to fund the same proposed travel in another budget submitted to the ISO Funding Programs;
• Applicants cannot fund the same portion of the proposed travel through another organization (including band offices, arts councils, etc);
• Production companies may apply with more than one (1) person in an application;
• Applicants applying to travel to a workshop or program that requires prior admittance must submit their letter of acceptance/invitation from the hosting organization;
• Applicants cannot apply as a Production Company and an Individual in separate applications;
• Applicants may include a maximum of two (2) proposed trips per fiscal year. Cannot exceed yearly maximum of $4,500.00.

Purchasing travel and medical insurance is at the discretion of the applicant and the ISO is not responsible for ensuring insurance has been acquired. The ISO is not liable for any lost, damaged, or stolen belongings of the applicant.

If a trip has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, the Applicant must return the portion of the unused funding to the ISO, with proof of payment for costs incurred prior to the trip. Funds can only be used for the trip(s) specified in the application, you can not reassign funds to another trip.

• Costs associated with travelling for post-secondary courses;
• Development, production and post production related travel costs;
• Travels costs covered in other budgets submitted to ISO Funding Programs;
• Reimbursements for travel costs incurred before the submission date.

• Air (economy class)
• Ground transportation (trains, bus, cabs, uber, car rental, etc.);
• Mileage $.55/km for personal vehicles only, up to a maximum of $400;
• Airport transportation;
• One checked baggage fee;
• Event registration;
• Accommodation, up to a maximum of 6 nights for a maximum of $250 per night;
• Per diem, up to $100 per day for a maximum of 6 days;
• Child care costs up $100 per day for a maximum of 6 days (this applies uniformly, regardless of the number of children);
• Other costs associated with the proposed travel.

*Note applicants may receive less than the request amount as determined by the assessment committee.

Requirements for this program include:

• CV/bio(s);
• Description of opportunity and rationale for selection of activity;
• Travel budget (template provided in application portal) and project budget (if applicable);
• Letters of interest/support for meetings/community invitations (if applicable);
• Official invitation for market opportunities and conferences, program enrolment confirmation, festival registration, relevant correspondence, or other application specific information should be provided;
• Provide references for prices of flights, accommodations, car rentals, etc. (with corresponding dates of travel);

• Articles of incorporation, and/or relevant ownership agreements, individual percentages of ownership;
• Company overview, owners bios/CVs, information about previous success at festivals/markets/workshops and action plan for proposed activities.

The ISO reserves the right to request additional information regarding the proposed travel.

ISO staff will internally assess each application in line with the program focus and the assessment criteria as follows:

• Strength, clarity and feasibility of plan, activities and outcomes;
• Impact, including the career development of the applicant or company growth;
• ISO strategic goals and funding availability.

The following priorities may be considered as part of the assessment process:

• Regional representation;
• Representation of diverse Indigenous perspectives and intersections including women, non-binary and 2SLGBQTIAP+ people;
• Emerging voices.

The Travel program has a rolling deadline, and therefore applications are assessed as they are submitted. Funding is allocated until the funding for the fiscal year has been depleted. Once the funding has been depleted, the ISO will:

• Close the program in ISO Apply;
• Update the website, and announce the closure on social media.

If applicants wish to access the application in the portal, they must contact funding@iso-bea.ca within 10 business days of the program’s closure. The ISO will provide a downloaded copy if requested. Otherwise, all in-progress applications will be deleted 10 business days after the program has been officially closed.

The ISO provides up to $500.00 CAD in additional funding to cover accessibility costs incurred during the stages of applying, completing a project, and writing your final report.

If you have barriers to access including but not limited to language, internet or physical barriers, please contact the ISO to discuss accommodations and support at funding@iso-bea.ca.

All applicants to ISO programs must confirm they have read the General Funding Guidelines prior to submitting an application.

An initial review for eligibility and missing documentation will be conducted by the Program Manager. The ISO will reach out if additional information is needed and applicants will be given a short period (maximum 10 business days) to submit any outstanding documents.

*Ineligible or incomplete applications can be withdrawn at any time in the process. Applicants will be notified by the ISO when the application is withdrawn.

If at any time, an Applicant, as required by the Criteria or as requested by the ISO, provides false information or omits or misrepresents material information in connection with an application, including with respect to Indigenous identity, such provision of false information, omission or misrepresentation will be considered an event of default and the ISO may exercise the following contractual rights:

• termination of any contracts, including any remedies thereunder;
• denial of eligibility for existing and future funding;
• repayment of any funds already advanced; and
• civil and potential criminal prosecution, in the case of fraud.

These measures may be imposed not only on the Applicant but also on related, associated and affiliated companies and individuals that are parties to the application. Any Applicant receiving approval for funding will be required to sign a legally enforceable agreement, which includes provisions concerning misrepresentations, defaults, and related matters.

A final report will be required within three months following the completion of the project. Applicants with overdue final reports will not be eligible for ISO funding until the report is submitted and approved.

When sharing information about your participation in the proposed activity, please also tag the ISO on any social media posts related to this funding:

• Instagram – indigenousscreen
• Twitter – screen_office
• Facebook – ISO.BEA

Questions are encouraged and may be directed at any time to funding@iso-bea.ca.

Is the deadline of this program March 1st, 2024?

No. This program has a rolling deadline, which means the ISO reviews projects as they are submitted and allocates funding to successful projects until there is no more funding for the fiscal year. If there is still funding available by March 1st, 2024, we will close the program.

What is the demand for this program?

There is a high demand for the Travel program. We encourage you to apply as soon as you’re able to.

I’m no longer able to go on the trip I applied for, can I use the funds for a different trip?

If a trip has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, the Applicant must return the portion of the unused funding to the ISO, with proof of payment for costs incurred prior to the trip. Funds can only be used for the trip(s) specified in your application, you can not reassign funds to another trip.

What happens if I apply less than 10 business days?

Applications received less than 10 business days prior to the proposed trip will be deemed ineligible and not considered.

Is the $100 per day for child care for each child?

No, the $100 per day for child care is the maximum regardless of how many children there are.

What happens to my in-progress application if the program closes before I submit?

Please refer to the “Program Closure” section of the guidelines.

What happens to my application if I submit it, but the funding is allocated shortly thereafter?

If your travel does not take place in the new fiscal year, your application will not be approved. If your travel does take place in the new fiscal year, the ISO will keep your application in the portal, and review your application at the start of the new fiscal year.

I’m not sure my planned travel fits the program requirements.

Reach out to funding@iso-bea.ca.

• To create new training, career development and job opportunities for Indigenous screen-based creatives, with a focus on those who have gained experience in the sector and want to expand their skill set;
• To build capacity within the sector, at all stages of production;
• To support Indigenous producers, directors and writers to engage in cultural mentorship learning and protocols work during the development and production phases of their screen-based project;
• To recognize and support Indigenous ways of working, which often requires extensive engagement, consultation and learning at the community level.

Applications must be completed in ISO Apply and be submitted by 5pm EST on the first deadline (September 20th, 2023) or the second deadline (December 7th, 2023). The portal will close at the deadline and applications will not be accepted after that time. Please expect delays for holiday closure in December.

• Funding notifications can be expected 3-4 months following the deadline;
• Administrative follow ups may be conducted via email for additional information on the application if required;
• Please note, applicants may receive less than the request amount.

Please note the spirit and intent of ISO funding is to support Indigenous creators and companies that are controlled by Indigenous people, who have decision-making authority and creative control.

For the purposes of ISO programs, “Indigenous” is defined as status and non-status First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples of Canada. All applicants must be residents of Canada.

Please consult the Building Trust and Accountability: Report on Eligibility in the Indigenous Screen Sector which informs the ISO in regards to Indigenous identity, relationality, and access to funding programs. We also encourage applicants to consult the ISO’s working document on identity: ISO Policies and Processes for Eligibility in Relation to Indigenous Identity.

• Applicants must be screen-based as their primary focus, including TV, film, web, gaming, apps, and XR (VR, AR);
• Applicants must own 100% of the copyright of the project and it be controlled or optioned by the applicant;
• Production companies cannot receive funding from other ISO programs for the same training program or initiative. For example, funding for trainees cannot be included in another application to ISO Funding Programs;
• Applicants must be able to accept a direct deposit in the name of the applicant;
• Applicants may only submit one application per fiscal year to the funding program;
• You must be in good standing with ISO.

Individuals (including sole proprietors):

• Are a First Nations, Inuit or Métis person residing in Canada and who is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada who has resided in Canada for at least eight months over the last one-year period;
• Working in screen-based content, including TV, film, web, gaming, apps, and XR (VR, AR);
• The project is under the financial and creative control of Indigenous persons; two of the three members of the key creative team (director, writer, showrunner/producer) must be Indigenous;
• Is not in a state of bankruptcy within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada).

Individual Applicants (this includes sole proprietors):
Please be advised the Canada Revenue Agency considers this funding as taxable income.  Please keep all expense receipts related to these funds to offset your tax obligations. If you are registered as a sole proprietor, you must apply under your business name for the funding to be deposited to your business bank account. The funding will not be deposited to an account in any name other than the applicant name.

Companies:

• Indigenous-controlled (minimum 51% ownership by person/s who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis);
• The project is under the financial and creative control of Indigenous persons; two of the three members of the key creative team (director, writer, showrunner/producer) must be Indigenous;
• Registered as a corporation with its head office in Canada;
• Letters of incorporation, a shareholder registry, and bios for each owner of the company must be provided, as well as their individual percentage of ownership;
• Main activity of the organization is the production or support of screen-based content, including TV, film, web, digital narrative content, and XR (VR, AR);
• Is not insolvent or bankrupt, or in the course of the reorganization of its business within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada).

This program has two streams, which Indigenous-owned Companies and Indigenous Individuals may apply to:

1. Indigenous-owned Production Companies: Indigenous-owned production companies may apply to this program to bring a maximum of four (4) Indigenous apprentices on a production or in studio. The production company must be 51% Indigenous owned, with two of the key creative roles (producer, director, writer, showrunner) held by an Indigenous person. The company must be registered in Canada.
2. Indigenous Individuals: Indigenous individual creatives may apply directly to serve as an apprentice on a production, to apprentice in a studio, or to participate in a cultural mentorship.  For apprenticeships, the specialist who will be serving as mentor may be Indigenous or non-Indigenous. Cultural mentors must be Indigenous. The applicant must be a resident of Canada. Indigenous individuals may apply to be apprentices on any type of production but must have a confirmation letter of role and fee.

• Apprentices may be at any stage in their career (emerging, mid-career, experienced), but the opportunity must provide enhanced experience, training and professional development that will support career progression;
• Apprentices must have demonstrated production experience;
• For all apprenticeships (in development or production), the applicant must provide letters or contracts of confirmed public or broadcast funding (Telefilm, Canada Media Fund, Canada Council, provincial or territorial funding, Canadian broadcaster funding);
• Apprentices must be working with a more senior professional with a demonstrated track record in their area of practice;
• Apprentices must be compensated at an industry standard for their experience level and hours worked;
• Apprentices cannot already be trained in a role they are already credited in on the production;
• Apprentices must be Indigenous, however, the mentor may be non-Indigenous;
• Apprentices must be residents of Canada;
• One production company may submit ONE application with up to four (4) apprentices. However, the maximum total request cannot exceed $60,000.00 for apprenticeships.

• Cultural Mentors must be compensated a minimum of $500 per single engagement (Applicants are encouraged to reach out to funding@iso-bea while drafting their application if this is not possible);
• Cultural Mentors must be confirmed and provide a signed letter confirming their participation and short bio;
• An applicant can engage up to three (3) cultural mentors. The maximum total request cannot exceed $25,000.00 for cultural mentorships;
• Applicants must provide contextual and project-specific rationale for the selection of the Cultural Mentor(s).

Screen-based projects in all genres are eligible for apprenticeships. The following types of productions are eligible:

• Feature-length works;
• Television series;
• Web series;
• VR/AR/XR, 360, video games, digital, and interactive works;
• Ongoing studio work.

Training and professional development for the following key creative roles are eligible for apprenticeships:

• Producer;
• Director;
• Screenwriter;
• Showrunner;
• Editor;
• Director of Photography;
• Costume Designer;
• Sound Designer;
• Production Designer;
• Lighting Designer;
• Animation/Effects.

If your position or project type falls outside of the lists, please reach out to funding@iso-bea.ca to discuss your specific opportunity.

• Apprentices, mentors, and cultural mentors must be confirmed in order to apply as these are key to the assessment process;
• Applicants may only apply to either the Apprenticeship Program OR the Cultural Mentorships Program per deadline;
• You must be in good standing with ISO;
• Applicants cannot be listed as a mentee in one application and as a mentor in a different application in the funding program.

Production companies cannot receive funding from other ISO programs for the same training program or initiative. Example: If you apply for ISO Production Funding, you cannot have the proposed apprentice listed in the budget or as a key creative. The intent of the program is to create new opportunities for training.

If you have an apprenticeship or training program that will support more than four (4) roles please speak with the Program Manager for the Sector Development Funding.

• Apprentice, mentee and mentor fees;
• Apprentice/mentee travel and living expenses;
• Accessibility costs during production, post production and in studio, as needed;
• Fees and honorariums for guests, Elders, or community engagement;
• Hospitality, food and gifting expenses;
• Technology costs, including purchasing of equipment and software, when applicable;
• Translation and language support;
• Project-specific expenses.

For Indigenous-owned production companies:

• Articles of incorporation, and/or relevant ownership agreements, including individual percentages of ownership;
• Bio(s) and CV(s) for confirmed apprentice(s)/mentee(s) as well as contact information;
• Bio(s) and CV(s) of mentor(s);
• Signed letter from apprentice(s) confirming participation;
• Signed letter from mentor(s) confirming their participation;
• Community engagement plan, as applicable;
• Budget related to the apprenticeship or cultural mentorship with ISO funding separated;
• Project information including: scope of work, plan of execution and intended impact.

Project Information required:

• Project logline, series/content bibles, demo reel(s), trailer(s), lookbook(s), links to game play, prototype(s), community engagement plan;
• Complete Production or Development Budget and Financial Structure;
• Confirmation letter(s) or signed contract(s) for confirmed public development or production funding;
• Production or development schedule.

For individual applicants:

• Bio and resume/CV;
• Project information including: scope of work, plan of execution and intended impact;
• A signed letter of confirmation from production team, mentor(s) or cultural mentor(s);
• Bio of mentor(s);
• Budget, with ISO funding separated;
• Community engagement plan, as applicable;
• Timeline and/or work plan that clearly articulates the apprenticeship over the course of development, production, or in studio;
• Training plan with milestones.

The ISO Program Manager will reach out to the confirmed mentees for a maximum of two (2) check-ins.

ISO staff will internally assess each application in line with the program focus and the assessment criteria.

The following priorities may be considered as part of the assessment process:

• Regional representation;
• Representation of diverse Indigenous perspectives and intersections including women and 2SLGBQTIAP+;
• Emerging voices;
• Representation of Indigenous languages.

The assessment criteria will be based on the following:

• The apprentice or mentee has a demonstrated commitment to working in the screen sector;
• The mentor has the expertise and/or cultural knowledge required to provide the training or mentorship;
• A clearly articulated plan for training and development;
• A viable project with the capacity required to include trainees;
• Impact, including the opportunity for learning and career, personal and/or cultural development.

When a project is unsuccessful in its application, a brief explanation or feedback can be provided, upon request.

Please note, this program is not designed as a placement opportunity for applicants looking for opportunities for training.

The ISO provides up to $500.00 CAD in additional funding to cover accessibility costs incurred during the stages of applying for funding, completing a project, and writing your final report. Requests for support are encouraged at least two weeks prior to the application due date.

If you have barriers to access including but not limited to language, internet or physical barriers, please contact the ISO to discuss accommodations and support at funding@iso-bea.ca.

Support may include telephone or video application submission, language interpretation, or support worker assistance. Equipment purchases are not eligible for accessibility support.

If applicants wish to access the application in the portal, they must contact funding@iso-bea.ca within 10 business days of the program’s closure. The ISO will provide a downloaded copy if requested. Otherwise, all in-progress applications will be deleted 10 business days after the program has been officially closed.

All applicants to ISO programs must confirm they have read the General Funding Guidelines prior to submitting an application.

An initial review for eligibility and missing documentation will be conducted by the ISO Program Manager. The ISO program manager will reach out if any of this information is needed and applicants will be given a short period (maximum 10 days) to submit anything outstanding.

Ineligible or incomplete applications can be withdrawn at any time in the process. Applicants will be notified by the ISO when the application is withdrawn.

If at any time, an Applicant, as required by the Criteria or as requested by the ISO, provides false information or omits or misrepresents material information in connection with an application, including  with respect to Indigenous identity, such provision of false information, omission or misrepresentation will be considered an event of default and the ISO may exercise the following contractual rights:

• termination of any contracts, including any remedies thereunder;
• denial of eligibility for existing and future funding;
• repayment of any funds already advanced; and
• civil and potential criminal prosecution, in the case of fraud.

These measures may be imposed not only on the Applicant but also on related, associated and affiliated companies and individuals that are parties to the application. Any Applicant receiving approval for funding will be required to sign a legally enforceable agreement, which includes provisions concerning misrepresentations, defaults, and related matters.

A final report will be required within three months following the completion of the project. Applicants with overdue final reports will not be eligible for ISO funding until the report is submitted and approved.

Final reports can be accessed via the ISO Apply portal.

Recipients must acknowledge ISO support with textual reference and/or logo in the credit sequence, or appropriate placement in the completed work (where applicable).  ISO logos are available for download on the ISO website.

When sharing information about your participation in the proposed activity. Please also tag the ISO on any social media posts related to this contribution:

• Instagram – indigenousscreen
• Twitter – screen_office
• Facebook – ISO.BEA

Questions are encouraged at least two weeks prior to submission or the application closing date and may be directed at any time to funding@iso-bea.ca.

Does this program place creatives on a production to apprentice?

No, this program does not offer placements. It is intended to support Indigenous creatives who have an opportunity to apprentice or companies who wish to bring on apprentices, and provides funding to do so. The ISO has other opportunities for training, which can be found on our website: iso-bea.ca/careers-and-training/training-opportunities/

Do the apprentices/mentors/mentees need to be confirmed in order to apply?

Yes - the key mentors, mentees, or apprentices should all be confirmed in order to apply as they are key to the assessment process.

What is the maximum amount of funding I can request in this program?

The maximum request amount is $60,000.00 for apprenticeships, and $25,000.00 for cultural mentorships. A reminder that the ISO can allocate less than the requested amount to successful projects.

What happens to my in-progress application if the program closes before I submit?

Please refer to the “Program Closure” section of the guidelines. If you wish to access the application after the program has closed, please contact funding@iso-bea.ca within 10 business days of the program’s closure.

What if I or my company already has received previous ISO funding for the same project?

If the main applicant(s)/company currently has an ISO supported project that is not yet complete or reported on from another program, the applicant will be required to submit a Final Report on the previous application with an updated budget.

Can I submit multiple applications? Can I apply for the apprenticeship and the cultural mentorship streams of this program?

Applicants may only submit one application to this program per fiscal year. Applicants may only apply for an apprenticeship, or a cultural mentorship, but not both in the same fiscal year.

I’m not sure my project is a good fit for this program.

Reach out! funding@iso-bea.ca.