First Nations Projects Institute: Funding models for self-determination

About the learning community

This learning community will explore the following:

• Different funding models being used across First Nations enterprises (e.g. grants, investment, earned income, pooled community funds).
• Culturally aligned and values-driven approaches to funding and finance.
• Strategies for reducing dependency on short-term or restrictive grants.
• Challenges and opportunities when working with government, philanthropy, or investors.
• Shifting power in funding relationships - advocating for self-determined funding structures.
• Blending funding sources to support long-term sustainability and social impact.
• Emerging practices that align with economic self-determination and collective wealth-building.
• A financial landscape scan to inform the call-to-action for systemic change.

About the convenor

The First Nations Projects Institute (FNPI) bridges First Nations communities and industry to advance economic, social, cultural, and environmental aspirations. FNPI partners with communities, governments and organisations to co-design transformative solutions across sectors such as finance, energy, resources, land management and built environment.

Their services include strategic advisory, systems diagnostics, benefit-sharing models, cultural governance frameworks and reform blueprints - all centred on First Nations leadership, self-determination and long-term systemic change.