Indspire is set to receive $8 million in funding from the federal government for the 2024 to 2025 fiscal year, as stated in the budget.
Indspire is an Indigenous registered charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada.
With the support of its funding partners, Indspire provides financial awards, delivers programs, and shares resources so that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students will achieve their highest potential. Indspire provided more than $27.5 million through 7,522 bursaries and scholarships to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students across Canada last year.
“This continued investment builds upon our enduring partnership with the Government of Canada and will enable Indspire to support many more Indigenous students to achieve their potential through education, and to then build meaningful careers in professions that are in high demand,” said Indspire President and CEO Mike DeGagné in an April release.
According to Indspire, these investments enhance its ability to adapt to the changing education and training needs of Indigenous people and help support their career transitions into key sectors.
“When matched to donations from our supporters, each dollar from the Government of Canada delivers two dollars in available support for Indigenous post-secondary education and training,” said the release.
Indspire is also encouraged by the budget commitment to additional funding of $50 million over two years beginning in 2025 to 2026 for the Supports for Student Learning Program, administered by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
The funding announced builds upon an additional $6 million in year-end funding provided by Minister Boissonnault and ESDC in February.
