Funding for the Accessible Canada Contributions - Phase 1 - Partnerships projects: Applicant guide

On this page

• Part 1: Organization
• Part 2: Project proposal
• Part 3: Funding
• Part 4: Attestation
• Appendix A

Part 2 – Project proposal

A. Project identification

Question 52: Project title

Your organization’s project title will be: [the name of your organization] – Accessible Canada Partnerships Project 2022 to 2024 Funding (Phase 1)

Questions 53 and 54: Planned project start and end dates? (YYYY-MM-DD)

When do you plan to start and end your project?

Please note that projects cannot start earlier than the date the agreement is signed with ESDC and your organization.

ESDC expects to communicate decisions between May 2022 and June 2022.

B. Project description

Note: The following criteria will be considered in the assessment of applications:

• alignment with the funds objectives and principles
• responsiveness to the needs identified by the disability community
• clarity and completeness of the proposal
• plans related to sharing of project results, and best practices and lessons learned with the disability community
• diversity of the disability community involved in the project design and delivery
• a balance of projects from each type of eligible activity may be considered

Question 55: Project objectives

In no more than 500 words, describe how the project meets the objective(s) and/or priority(ies) of the funding program. You must explain:

• what the project aims to accomplish and provide context in which progress can be monitored and success can be measured
• objectives should be clear, achievable and measurable; and should identify who will benefit from the project
• how your project aligns with at least 1 of the 3 identified eligible activities:
  • transformative multi-sectoral partnerships to facilitate action on the implementation of the Accessible Canada Act and its regulations
  • build capacity to take action on removing barriers to accessibility and inclusion, and
  • preventing barriers from emerging through inclusive design

Question 56: Project Activities (must be broken down into clear steps)

The activities are the steps that will be taken to meet the program funding objectives as identified in your answer to Question 55.

They should be specific, measurable, realistic and relevant. The following can help guide you on how to fill out the Project Activities and Timelines table in the Application for Funding form:

• activities should be listed in bullet point form and organized in chronological stages (such as Months 1 to 3, Months 4 to 6, etc.)
• starting each bullet with a verb should help keep activities clear and concise
• If any partners are involved, specify which activities will be carried out/supported by the partner(s) and which will be carried out by your organization
• if any of the activities involve participants, include a brief description of how participants will be involved and for what specific purpose, and
• if any of the activities involve research, include a brief outline of the methods, processes or strategies that will be used, created or established (for example marketing strategy, research or survey)

Linkages between the listed activities in this question and their associated costs outlined in the budget (Question 58 to 61) are mandatory. Costs associated with all identified activities should be reflected in the Budget Detail Template.

Examples of eligible activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Question 57: Expected results of the project (must be clearly linked to the project’s objectives and be specific, concrete and measurable)

Please describe the expected results of your activities. The expected results must be clearly linked to the objectives. They must be specific, concrete and measurable (qualitative or quantitative), and be defined as outputs and outcomes.

Outputs

Outputs are direct products or services that are to be produced in order to generate the desired outcomes. Several activities can contribute to one output. Outputs answer the question: “What will the funding produce?” Examples of outputs include, but are not limited to:

• meetings
• reports
• plans
• webinars
• articles
• tip-sheets, etc.

In addition to your project outputs, you must explain how your project will meet the following expected outputs:

1. in line with the objectives of the SDPP program, prepare 2 interim reports (1 within the first 8 months of the project, and 1 within 16 months of the project) and final report on project activities including plans for scale-up and sustainability of project activities beyond federal funding
2. meet with ESDC officials 3 months in advance of the interim and final reports to discuss project’s progress, challenges, and plans (including scale-up and sustainability plans and activities)
3. share your knowledge, best practices and lessons learned to the broader disability community through ESDC-led knowledge mobilization activities such as webinars and events

Outcomes

Outcomes are the changes that are expected to occur as a result of activities and outputs, and answer the question: “How do the activities/outputs lead to improvements for the beneficiaries?” Outcomes are often not within the control of a single organization, but are within the area of an organization’s influence.

In addition to your project outcomes, you must explain in detail how your project will meet the following expected outcomes:

1. capacity within the disability community is increased to take action related to removing barriers to accessibility and inclusion. This includes:
   • increased participation by diverse groups within the disability community in initiatives related to the implementation of the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and its regulations, and
2. strong multi-sectoral and diverse partnerships are created between the disability community and other sectors, leading to innovations in accessibility. This includes:
   • increased partnerships between the disability community and federally and non-federally regulated sectors (such as banking, education, health sectors, etc.) to support projects that lead to more accessible/inclusively-designed environments, spaces, programs and services within federally regulated and non-federally regulated entities
   • long-term innovative solutions and activities are undertaken by the disability community in partnership with federally regulated and non-federally regulated entities (such as banking, education, health sectors, etc.) that help:
     • identify and remove existing barriers to accessibility and inclusion
     • identify and prevent future accessibility and inclusion barriers from emerging

Question 58: Does the project include Results Measurement indicators?

In order to be eligible for this funding, your answer to this question must be “yes”.

Measuring results is a way to ensure that the expected results are being met. It helps connect activities and outputs to their intended outcomes, as well as the funding process to its overall outcomes.

Specific performance indicators have been developed for this funding process and successful applicants will be required to report on them annually as part of their agreement. Please demonstrate how your organization will collect, track and monitor data for each indicator. Common data collection approaches include surveys, key informant interviews, focus groups, attendance tracking and verbal feedback.

Question 59: Does this proposed project fit with your organization’s other activities?

This is not applicable for this funding proposal. Answer “No” to this question.

Question 60: Will any of the project activities be delivered in a different location than where your organization is located?

Indicate "yes" or "no".

If you answer "Yes", please list the main address first, followed by each additional location.

Question 61: Is your project designed to benefit or involve people in English and French-language minority communities?

Select “Yes” or “No.”

If your project involves official language minority communities, you should answer “yes” to this question. Next, follow the instructions in the application form.

Answering “no” to this question will not reject your application.

ESDC is committed to enhancing the vitality of the English and French linguistic minorities in Canada by supporting and assisting their development and fostering the full recognition and use of both English and French in Canadian society. Official language minority communities are English-speaking communities established within the province of Québec and French-speaking communities established outside the province of Québec.

If your activities will involve official language minority communities, you should answer “Yes” to this question and ensure that this is listed and described in your answer to Question 56 - Project Activities.

Please also identify the linguistic profile of the beneficiaries targeted by the activities, document any particular needs of the official language minority communities, and indicate whether they were consulted.

The following link points to information about official language minority communities.

Question 62: Will any other organizations, networks or partners be involved in carrying out the project?

In order to be eligible for this funding, your answer to this question must be “yes”.

Your project must include 1 or more partnerships with diverse groups within the disability community. This includes small to medium-sized disability organizations, organizations supporting different types of disabilities, as well as organizations supporting those at the intersection of disability and other identities, such as Official Language minority communities (for example, Francophones living outside the province of Quebec and Anglophones living in the province of Quebec), LGBTQ2+ persons/groups, Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit), minority communities including Black and other visible minority groups.

Priority will be given to proposals that:

• include plans for the participation of disability organizations in the overall project design and the delivery of activities, including 1 or more partnerships with diverse groups within the disability community. This includes small to medium-sized disability organizations, organizations supporting different types of disabilities, as well as organizations supporting those at the intersection of disability and other identities, such as Official Language minority communities (such as, Francophones living outside the province of Quebec and Anglophones living in the province of Quebec), LGBTQ2+ persons/groups, Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit), minority communities including Black and other visible minority groups, and
• include multi-sectoral partnerships, for example, partnerships with organizations from various sectors, such as academia, retail, health and financial sectors, etc.

Proof of the partnerships must be submitted through letters of support from each partnering organization. This is required when signing the funding agreement with ESDC.

In addition to the letters of support, applicants must provide the following information on their partners:

1. information about the partner(s):
   • name of organization, network, or partner
   • type of organization, such as:
     • union
     • not for profit
     • public
   • identify if any of your partner organizations classify as a diverse group within the disability community
2. nature of the partnership(s):
   • describe the roles and responsibilities of each partner
   • describe how the partner or partners will participate (time, resources)
   • describe how the partner will contribute to the success of this funding
   • how the partner or partners will benefit from the funding results

Examples of partners could include, but are not limited to:

• organizations in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, including grassroots community-based groups

Question 63: Does the project address the program’s national, regional or local priorities?

Not applicable for this process. Answer “No” to this question.

Question 64: Does your project include activities that are listed in Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) Regulations Designating Physical Activities established under the Canadian Impact Assessment Act 2019

Not applicable for this process. Answer “no” to this question.

• Find more details about the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC)
• Find more details about the Canadian Impact Assessment Act 2019

Part 3 - Funding

A. Anticipated sources of funding

For the purpose of this funding process, you must demonstrate cash or in-kind contributions (no minimum) from 1 or more partners.

These amounts must be reflected in this section and applicants must provide letters confirming financial and/or in-kind support from contributors at the time of agreement. The letters must indicate the amount and/or type of the contributions, and confirming how it will be used to support project activities before Accessible Canada Partnerships Stream funding can be provided.

Exemption: Applicants do not need to have confirmed contributions from other sources if they are:

• an eligible organization with project activities situated in 1 of the 3 Territories
• an Indigenous organization (First Nations, Métis and Inuit)
• an eligible organization with project activities located in a rural or remote area

Each program has a "stacking limit". This is in reference to a maximum permitted amount of combined funding from federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments. If your proposal is retained, contributions cannot exceed 100% of eligible costs.

Question 65: Source name

Please include the names of all the organizations that will contribute cash and/or in-kind contributions. ESDC is listed as the first source name. In this field, please provide the amount of funding your organization is requesting.

The contributing party through the provision of a letter containing the information identified as follows must commit to cash and in-kind contributions in writing:

• name and contact information of contributing partner organization, and
• confirmation of committed contribution to the activities, including expected percentage of total costs

Each letter must be signed by an authorized authority of the contributing partner (such as Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer) attesting that the contributions are readily available once the Application for funding is approved.

Funding from federal departments and/or agencies will not be considered as a part of the leveraging requirement.

Question 66: Source type

Tell us what type of organization is providing the cash or in-kind contribution from the following options:

• not-for-profit organizations
• municipal government
• provincial and territorial governments, institutions and Crown Corporations
• Indigenous organizations:
  • band councils
  • tribal councils
  • self-government
• international organizations
• coalitions, networks or committees
• research organizations or institutes
• educational institutions
• public health and social services institutions
• for-profit organizations

Question 67: Cash

Tell us how much cash contributions you will receive. Please list the contributions in Canadian dollars.

Question 68: In-kind

If your organization is providing in-kind contributions towards your activities, indicate how much they are worth in the table.

In-kind contributions are goods or services that people or organizations donate towards your activities and goal of the funding. This includes equipment, services or labour that you receive free, but would have otherwise purchased. Your own organization, other organizations or partners can contribute. You will not request for reimbursement.

To be eligible as an in-kind contribution:

• you must need it for the project to succeed
• the organization who gives it to you also gives you a document showing its commitment

In-kind contributions must reflect fair value and a reasonable estimate. Please list these contributions in Canadian dollars.

Question 69: Confirmed cash and confirmed in-kind

Tell us if you have any confirmed cash or in-kind contributions. Please list these contributions in Canadian dollars.

Example:

B. Budget

Please refer to Question 74 to provide additional budget information.

List each activity and its associated cost in your application for funding (EMP5523) and budget detail template (EMP5570). The amounts must be the same in both documents. Your costs must be reasonable and support your activities.

Question 70: Cost category

Use the budget detail template (EMP5570).

ESDC can only fund eligible activity costs. Eligible costs must be reasonable and directly relate to your activities.

Eligible costs

• wages and employment-related costs for staff
• fees for professional service
• disability supports for staff of the recipient
• materials and supplies
• equipment
• printing and communication
• travel costs
• utilities
• insurance
• rental of premises
• lease, purchase and maintenance of equipment
• costs of project audits
• evaluations and assessments
• performance monitoring and reporting costs
• data collection
• knowledge development activities, and other administrative costs associated with the project based on approved methodology

Ineligible costs

• costs associated with ongoing general operating costs/service delivery (for example, regular telephone and heating costs, rent, utilities, property taxes, insurance, equipment for staff, audit costs, etc.)
• costs incurred in preparing the proposal
• project costs incurred before an agreement is approved and signed by ESDC
• construction/renovation costs
• capital costs
• costs associated with fundraising activities/lobbying
• staff salary bonuses, and
• purchase of alcoholic beverages

Questions 71 to 73: Planned expenditures ($) (ESDC, Other – cash, Other - in-kind)

If applicable, give the total planned spending from all sources in Canadian dollars, including the total requesting funding amount from ESDC. The amounts should align with Part 3: Section - A (Anticipated sources of funding) of your application for funding.

“Other” means a cash or in-kind contribution from other sources of funding besides ESDC’s.

Example:

C. Budget details

Question 74: Associated businesses or individuals

Check all statements that apply to your planned spending of the funding from ESDC.

Question 75: Capital assets

Will capital assets be among your planned expenditures with ESDC funding?

ESDC cannot fund ineligible activity costs (see question 70). In order to be eligible for funding, you must not include capital assets. Your answer to this question must be "No."

Question 76: Further budget details

Budget details are intended to capture a further breakdown of your total eligible costs over the life of the organization’s funding. This breakdown will be by activity and cost category.

Your Application for Funding must include:

• a brief and clear justification of how you intend to use the funds. Costs must be reasonable and support the proposed activities and scope of work
• a complete Budget Detail Template (PDF Format, 47 KB)

Please provide a breakdown of total costs per fiscal year. Fiscal years start April 1 and end March 31. For example, a 3-year project with eligible costs of $90,000:

• Fiscal year 2023 to 2024: $40,000
• Fiscal year 2024 to 2025: $30,000
• Fiscal year 2025 to 2026: $20,000

Part 4: Attestation

In order for your application to be eligible, an official representative who has the capacity and the authority to submit project proposals and enter into contracts and agreements on behalf of the organization, must complete this section of the form. By doing so, you are attesting to the following 3 points:

• I have the capacity and the authority to submit this Application for Funding on behalf of the applicant organization
• I certify and warrant on behalf of the organization and in my personal capacity that the information provided in this Application for Funding and any supporting documentation is true, accurate, and complete
• I have read the Applicant Guide and understand the program’s requirements

To be considered eligible, an official representative who has the capacity and the authority to submit proposals on behalf of your organization must confirm that:

• they have the authority to submit the proposal
• certify that the information provided is true
• they have read and understood the program’s requirements

To do this, the official representative must:

• agree with the attestation
• provide his or her name, title and the date

As this is an attestation, no signature is required.

Appendix A

Use this section to add information from previous sections of the application. Specify the question number in your response.