Fundraising for Indigenous Charities in Canada
Since the first arrival of Europeans in the late-fifteenth century, Canada’s Indigenous population has endured a long history of dispossession and marginalization. The constitution recognizes three distinct Indigenous identities – including First Nations, Métis and Inuit – which made up 5% of the total Canadian population at the 2021 census.
From economic disparity to inequalities in housing, education and access to clean water – the disenfranchisement of Canada’s Indigenous people has continued to this day, and financial help is always in demand. Whether you’re looking to make an individual donation or bolster your efforts with a crowdfunding campaign, here are some of the best Indigenous charities in Canada that you can support.
Why Indigenous Charities in Canada Need Your Help
Indigenous charities in Canada provide a range of vital services, from tackling poverty to providing safe drinking water, improving access to education and preserving Indigenous cultures.
While much effort is being made to reconcile the past and provide Canada’s Indigenous people with a brighter future, it’s clear that the fight for justice is far from over. A survey from 2024 found that almost six in ten (58.6%) Indigenous Canadians have experienced workplace discrimination, while 56.2% report ‘playing down’ their Indigenous identity in order to ‘fit in better’ at work.
Progress has been made, but there’s clearly a lot of work left to be done. By donating or crowdfunding for Indigenous charities in Canada, you can provide valuable support across a range of societal issues.
The Best Indigenous Charities in Canada to Fundraise For
Which Indigenous charities are considered the best is of course subjective, and entirely dependent on the societal issues that are closest to your heart. While we’ve done our best to spotlight Indigenous-led organizations and cover the broadest range of issues possible, there are tons of great charities that haven’t made the list.
Make sure to check out the full directory of Canada’s Indigenous charities, where you can search for specific organizations and browse by category.
True North Aid
Founded in 2009, True North Aid provides practical humanitarian support to some of the most isolated Indigenous communities in Canada. Operating across northern regions that are more than two hours from hospitals, grocery stores and other essential resources – True North Aid provides tangible aid in the form of food, winter clothing and layette bags for newborns.
The charity’s website offers an extensive list of educational resources on various Indigenous issues, as well as a full list of community programs that you can get involved in. You can make singular and recurring online donations directly to True North Aid, or strengthen your efforts by starting a crowdfunding campaign.
Indspire
Indspire is a nationally-registered charity with a mission of providing outstanding education to First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities across Canada. With the support of Indigenous, private and public-sector stakeholders, Indspire disburses financial rewards, resources and educational programs to Indigenous students up to grade 12.
The long-term ‘North Star’ aim of the organization is to ensure that, within a generation, all Indigenous students across Canada will graduate. There are several ways to give, from one-time and monthly donations to starting your own fundraiser.
Native Women’s Association of Canada
A grassroots organization which has steadily grown into an influential political force since its foundation in 1974, the Native Women’s Association of Canada does vital work for Canada’s Indigenous women and gender-diverse people. From employment to human rights, environmental issues to violence prevention – the NWAC uses its long-established political structures to tackle a wide range of policy areas.
From creating the first database of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two Spirit, Transgender and Gender-Diverse People (MMIWG2S+) to sharing cultural knowledge through in-person and online libraries – the NWAC makes meaningful changes across all levels of society. They need support now more than ever, and accept donations of any amount.
Habitat for Humanity Canada
Housing has always been an area of struggle for the Indigenous people of Canada, and with the federal government currently falling short of its Indigenous housing commitments – there’s never been a better time to rally behind this worthy cause. Habitat for Humanity Canada has been building homes and fundraising for equitable housing access since 1985.
Their Indigenous Housing Partnership has been in operation since 2007, acknowledging and seeking to improve specific accommodation challenges experienced by the community. You can donate or register as a volunteer to help achieve dignified housing for all Indigenous communities.
Reconciliation Canada
Strengthening the relationship between Indigenous peoples and other Canadians is a core part of Indigenous activism, and that’s exactly what Reconciliation Canada specializes in. Based in British Columbia, this charity organized reconciliation dialogue workshops and community events that revolve around the unification of all Canadian citizens.
There are multiple ways to contribute and get involved with the essential work that Reconciliation Canada is doing. You can make an individual donation or register as a volunteer to join the charity’s frontline journey towards building resilience across Canada’s diverse communities.
Water First
Gaining access to clean drinking water has been a consistent battle for many Indigenous communities in Canada. The Neskantaga First Nation is just one of many examples across the country, and has been under a boil-water advisory from the Canadian government since February 1995. Organizations like Water First – the leading charity for Canada’s Indigenous water crisis – provide communities with the infrastructure, technology and personnel needed for safe and sustainable water systems.
While safe water access is a systemic and multi-faceted issue, you’ll find plenty of ways to help listed on the charity’s website. Offer a one-time or monthly donation or get involved by setting up a fundraising campaign of your own.
How to Fundraise for Canada’s Indigenous Charities
While making personal donations to Indigenous and First Nations charities is extremely valuable, there are ways of fortifying your efforts and maximizing your contribution. Starting a charity fundraiser with GoFundMe is quick, free and easy, and provides you with the perfect platform to share your campaign and boost donations.
Not sure how to get started? All it takes is 3 simple steps:
- Start your fundraiser by clicking through to our Create a GoFundMe page. A series of prompts will guide you through the rest of the setup process – from filling out your personal details to crafting your unique campaign story.
- Once you’ve created your fundraiser, you can immediately start sharing it with family, friends and your wider community. Your GoFundMe dashboard will provide plenty of tips, tricks and useful resources to maximize your crowdfunding efforts.
- Enter your bank information through our safe and secure online system, and you’re all set to start receiving donations! You don’t need to reach your goal in order to receive your funds, and all donations are delivered quickly and directly to your account.
Start Fundraising for Indigenous Charities in Canada Today
With many issues left to overcome and countless amazing charities to choose from – starting your fundraising journey for Canada’s Indigenous communities couldn’t be easier.
Choose an organization that’s close to your heart, or simply a cause that resonates with you. Indigenous charities are always in need of extra support, and you can make a real difference in the lives of historically disadvantaged communities.