The Indigenous Funding Framework is an Indigenous-led approach designed in leadership by Toronto Aboriginal Support Services Council (TASSC) and in partnership with the City of Toronto to address historical underfunding while supporting self-determined needs and priorities of Indigenous not-for-profit organizations and communities. The framework was co-designed with TASSC and Indigenous-led community organizations.

The Indigenous Funding Framework includes:

  • Guiding principles on collaboration, transparency and support based on meaningful relationships between the City of Toronto and Indigenous communities
  • Goals to guide funding approaches
  • An Implementation Plan

Partnerships

The City is partnering with TASSC, a leading research, policy and advocacy organization with members and leadership from 27 Indigenous-led social serving organizations across the city. TASSC works collaboratively to amplify opportunities and community priorities that make the city a safer, more culturally inclusive, prosperous and vibrant place for thousands within the total population of Indigenous people in Toronto which is estimated to be over 80,000+; First Nations, Métis and Inuit. TASSC’s strength lies in its’ unity and its’ ability to mobilize communities with a single focus – that of creating change for urban Indigenous Toronto.

TASSC works together with multiple stakeholders to deepen and create new working relationships that most appropriately and sustainably support Indigenous residents, organizations and communities. TASSC has seen new opportunities for collaboration throughout the history of its’ operations and maintains collective momentum toward collaboration and unity which is harnessed by working to foster equitable, more creative partnerships and actions that contribute to greater Indigenous resiliency and inclusion which empowers all citizens to be more involved and empowered.

2024/2025 Funding Recipients

The Indigenous Funding Framework provided $1.95 million in funding to 24 Indigenous organizations in 2024/2025. They are:

  • 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations
  • Aboriginal Legal Services
  • Gabriel Dumont Non-Profit Homes Inc
  • Miziwe Biik Employment and Training
  • Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto
  • Na-Me-Res
  • Native Canadian Centre of Toronto
  • Nishnawbe Homes
  • Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre
  • Wigwamen
  • Association for Native Development in the Performing and Visual Arts
  • Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy
  • Call Auntie
  • Oahas
  • Thunder Woman Healing Lodge Society
  • Toronto & York Region Metis Council
  • Urban Indigenous Education Centre
  • Centre for Indigenous Theatre
  • Native Earth and Performing Arts
  • ENAGB Youth Agency
  • Tungasuvvingat Inuit
  • Anduhyaun Inc
  • Ojibiikaan
  • Native Child and Family Services Toronto
  • New Frontiers