Published: 31 Jan 2025 534 views
It has been widely acknowledged that the numbers of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis teachers within elementary and high schools across Canada is not representative of those school communities. Many shortcomings within this system have contributed to inequity in the quality of education and an unrepresentative workforce, failing to meet the unique cultural, language, and other needs of Indigenous students within Canada. We recognize that there is also a need to support the retention of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis educators, which is a key determinant of student success.
The RHF will invest in innovative projects from coast to coast to coast that reflect pathways for systemic change in Indigenous Teacher Education (ITE) and supports for teacher retention.
The Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) is a nonpartisan national charitable organization established to amplify the impact of the office of the Governor General as a central institution of Canadian democracy, and to better serve Canadians through a range of initiatives linked to learning, leadership, giving and innovation.
Application Deadline | 28 Mar 2025 |
Value | $1 million |
Country to study | Canada |
Type | Fellowship |
Course to study | View courses |
Sponsor | Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) |
Gender | Men and Women |
The 2024 Open Call invites project submissions via two funding streams: Reinforce and Retain.
The 2024 Open Call invites project submissions via two funding streams: Reinforce and Retain. These two themes reflect an overarching commitment to
(1) scaling approaches that work and are most promising in Indigenous teacher education; and
(2) addressing teacher retention issues by reducing pressures on First Nations,
Inuit and Métis teachers who are expected not only to teach, but often to develop their own materials and resources in isolating environments.
2024 Open Call Key Themes
This Open Call will have two streams of funding: the Reinforce stream, and the Retain stream. Applicants can choose to apply for either one or both streams. If applying to both, the applicant must submit two separate full applications. Note: applicants will only receive funding from one stream.
Reinforce Stream
Applicants can request funding up to $1 million toward multiyear projects that are between 1 to 4 years in duration.
This stream will focus on supporting Indigenous Teacher Education Programs (ITEPs) that are planning on scaling their programs or are in pipeline. Initiatives must demonstrate how they will measurably increase the numbers of accredited First Nations, Inuit, and Métis K-12 educators. The RHF will invest in innovative and Indigenous-led projects that are rooted in reciprocity, are culturally responsive, bring value to Indigenous education, and measurably encourage more Indigenous teachers into the profession.
Examples of possible projects under this stream include but are not limited to:
Retain Stream
Applicants can request funding up to $500,000 toward multiyear projects that are between 1 to 2 years in duration.
This stream will focus on capacity building and resource development that supports First Nations, Métis, and Inuit K-12 educators. Teacher retention deeply affects the delivery of quality education for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. Recognizing that there is a need for culturally responsive teaching resources and spaces that are accessible to Indigenous teachers, this stream aims to fund projects that will support First Nations, Métis, and Inuit educators by providing them with the tools they need to stay and thrive in the profession.
Examples of possible projects under this stream include but are not limited to:
Proposals for either stream should demonstrate the project’s measurable reach and impact on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students and/or educators.
Eligibility
Both qualified and non-qualified donees can apply, but to be deemed eligible for either stream, the applicant must be one of the following:
Please refer to: CRA Qualified Donee Definition
A consensus-based peer review adjudication process for eligible applications will involve a nationally representative and diverse panel of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis education experts. An evaluation framework and matrix was developed by an Indigenous research organization to guide the peer review process to ensure cultural responsiveness, relevance, and inclusivity.
The scoring matrix, including the specific criteria and weighting, can be accessed below or on the granting portal to ensure clarity and transparency in the evaluation process. Both streams will be reviewed in cohesion with the four priority areas identified in the scoring matrix:
The RHF seeks to support a range of projects with a geographic spread, rural and urban, coast to coast to coast. In our funding distribution, we want to ensure we have a balance of these elements in support of diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and communities, while also ensuring support for those regions with the most significant Indigenous teacher gaps.
Key Dates
Application Deadline: Both funding streams will be accepting applications until March 28, 2025, 11:59 (PT)
Funding decisions will be communicated in May 2025.
If you’re unable to apply for this cycle of granting, please know there will be opportunities to apply for more grants in the future.
When will you accept applications?
Both funding streams will be accepting applications from November 18th 2024 to March 28, 2025 at 11:59 PST
For more details visit: RHF website.