Open Call for Category 1 Groundwork Funding — Effective June 1, 2026
NALMA is pleased to announce the launch of new Land Use Planning (LUP) Funding Guidelines, effective June 1, 2026. These updated guidelines reflect the current needs of First Nations in all stages of the land use planning process and introduce a revised program structure with four funding categories. Alongside the new guidelines, NALMA is opening the first call for applications under Category 1 — Groundwork. This call is open to First Nations ready to begin the foundation work for a Land Use Plan.
| Key Dates |
| June 1, 2026, New LUP Funding Guidelines come into effect. Category 1 open call opens. |
| June 12, 2026, at 1:00 pm EST Virtual Information Session — new guidelines and Category 1 application walkthrough. Registration details below. |
| July 10, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST Category 1 application deadline. Late applications will be held for the next intake cycle. |
| November 2026 Open call for Categories 2, 3, and 4 opens. |
| February 2027 Categories 2, 3, and 4 application deadlines. |
The full guidelines are available at: nalma.ca/resources/funding/lup-funding
First Nations are encouraged to review the guidelines before applying.
Application Deadline
11:59 pm EST, Thursday, July 10, 2026
Applications received after this time will be considered late and held for the next intake cycle. Submit by email to: lup@nalma.ca
Virtual Information Session
Join NALMA’s Land Use Planning team for a virtual information session:
Date: Friday, June 12, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm — 2:30 pm EST
Format: Virtual (link to be distributed upon registration)
Content: Overview of the new funding guidelines, walkthrough of the Category 1 application form, and Q&A with NALMA’s LUP team
Register here: https://nalma.ca/events/lup-funding-initiative-virtual-information-session/
For more information, please contact:
Alex Marques
LUP Program Specialist
Email: amarques@nalma.ca
Phillip Beaver
LUP Funding Officer
Email: pbeaver@nalma.ca