2025-2026 Indigenous Peoples Community Investment Program for Preventing and Reducing Gambling Harms

Indigenous-led Ontario Gambling Harm Prevention 

The Community Investment Program is for gambling harm prevention, education, and support initiatives in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across Ontario. The program funds the design and / or delivery of gambling harm prevention, education, and support initiatives to contribute to community capacity and respond to community needs in Indigenous communities.

Funded Projects

Pathways to Balance: Gambling Harm Reduction for Indigenous Youth

Led by: ENAGB (Eshkiniigjik Naandwechigegamig Aabiish Gaa Binjibaaying) Indigenous Youth Organization

The "Pathways to Balance" initiative is a culturally relevant strategy for preventing and reducing gambling-related harm among Indigenous youth ages 12 to 29 in Thunder Bay and surrounding areas. It will combine education, outreach, and traditional knowledge to help young people make informed choices, reduce stigma, and navigate gambling risks. 

The initiative aims to strengthen community capacity by equipping youth with the knowledge and resources they need to manage gambling challenges while being grounded in their culture, community, and personal well-being. The project addresses gambling harm as part of a wider range of colonially rooted difficulties, including intergenerational trauma, marginalization, and a lack of culturally appropriate and safe care.

Gambling Addiction Awareness Program (GAAP): Addressing Online Gambling and Gaming in Treaty 3

Led by: Kenora Chiefs Advisory

KCA implements the Gambling Addiction Awareness Program (GAAP) for members of the Grand Council Treaty 3 regions (including Kenora, Dryden, and Fort Frances), which is inclusive of twenty-eight First Nations. The GAAP develops and delivers supports to mitigate and respond to gambling related harms and promote safer gambling practices, including responsible gambling workshops, training and education, and treatment and rehabilitation supports. The goal of the funded project is to expand programming to focus on online gambling and gaming education, with a focus on youth and young adults.

This expansion will focus on KCA’s eight affiliated communities, which include: Asubpeeschoseewagong First Nation (Grassy Narrows), Naotkamegwanning First Nation (Whitefish Bay), Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation, Northwest Angle #33 First Nation, Washagamis Bay First Nation, Shoal Lake #40 First Nation, Wabaseemoong Independent Nations (Whitedog), and Wauzhushk Onigum Nation (Rat Portage).”

Indigenous-led Ontario gambling harm prevention funding call

The 2025-2026 call for proposals for Indigenous-led community impact projects is now closed. Continue reading for details about the original funding call.

This funding call is for gambling harm prevention, education, and support initiatives in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across Ontario.

Applicants are to include representation from (any of) First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, including Nations, governments, communities, councils, organizations, associations, and not-for-profit organizations. Funding is to be directed to an Indigenous-led organization.

The total available funds for this funding call are $400,000 CAD. Up to four projects will be funded for up to $100,000 each.

The deadline for expressions of interest is March 21, 2025 (23:59 EST) 

Applications are due April 7, 2025 (23:59 EST) 

For details on how to submit to this funding call, see the application guidelines.

Any questions about this funding call can be directed to corrine@greo.ca.

For anonymized versions of questions received during the application question period, see Answers to questions received about the Community Investment Program Funding Call 2025-2026 Funding Call for Indigenous Peoples.