ARCHIVED – Indirect Services with a National or Sector Scope

Including Umbrella Organizations, Coordinating Bodies and Specialized Organizations

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New for 2024 Call for proposals

  • New targeted areas for capacity building: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Performance Management and Evaluation.
  • Funding for projects that strengthen governance, partnerships and collaboration across the settlement sector.
  • New coordination roles for specific service lines: SWIS-TÉÉ, Well-Being Navigation Activities.
  • New coordination activity to enhance support for service provider organizations operating in rural communities or small centres, or both.
  • Strengthened national coordination of the Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) network through established governance mechanisms.
  • Mandatory performance measurement and outcomes reporting.

Further details are available on this page. Applicants are responsible for reading the funding guidelines in full.

Description

Indirect Services seek to complement direct services by promoting capacity-building, coordination and standardization of services across the Settlement Program to optimize client outcomes. Indirect services can have one of two types depending on the sphere of influence: Indirect Services with a local/community focus and Indirect services with a national/sector Focus.

Indirect Services with a national/sector focus entail projects that can be applied on (a) a national or regional scale or (b) benefit the settlement sector in part or as a whole, or both (a) and (b), through effective capacity building, coordination and service standardization across the sector. This includes increasing the settlement sector’s capacity to create more inclusive, equitable services for diverse newcomers and advance Department priorities in Gender Equality, Anti-Racism, and Truth & Reconciliation.

While the focus should be to benefit the settlement sector, projects may involve other sector actors or partners such as Indigenous organizations, communities, employers, LIPs, etc., when the scope of the activities go beyond the settlement sector.

For example, the scope of the activities may include employment, pre-arrival, mental health and disability, language, etc.

In addition, any engagement with the Francophone settlement sector should be done in partnership with key Francophone coordinating bodies (e.g. RIF, Table nationale en immigration francophone and the future Centre d’excellence et d’expertise en établissement francophone).

If you are seeking to apply to deliver Indirect Services with a local/community focus, please refer to the Funding Guidelines for Indirect Services with a local/community focus for more details. Indirect services with a local/community focus targets applications for: Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs)/Zonal Immigration Partnerships (ZIPs). Francophone organizations wanting to apply to be a Réseaux en immigration Francophone (RIFs), should consult the Indirect Services section in the Francophone Integration Pathway (FIP) stream.

Francophone organizations are welcome to apply for funding for any of the elements listed under Indirect Services – National/Sector Focus. They should also refer to Francophone specific priorities under Indirect Services in the FIP stream. Francophone organizations that apply must ensure alignment with existing projects in the Francophone minority context to ensure complementarity and avoid duplication of services.

Note: These funding guidelines cover indirect service activities that are intended to support the collective needs of the sector. Indirect service activities intended to support an organization’s individual needs, such as training for staff or recruiting of volunteers at the organization, can be found in each of the direct service funding guidelines. This is with exception of indirect service activities related to increasing the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) capacity of individual organizations, which can be found in these guidelines as a new nationally targeted initiative for CFP 2024.

Expected outcomes

IRCC expected immediate outcomes, as described in the(Re)Settlement Program Logic Model, are written to capture the overall results for all projects that deliver a particular line of service.

There is one IRCC expected immediate outcome, related to Indirect Services with a National/Sector focus:

Capacity building

  • If your proposal is focused on Capacity Building, you can describe your alignment with this outcome by specifying how the project will support the professionalization and improved management of settlement organizations; how the sector actors or service delivery partners, or both, will improve their capacity to identify and ability to address the needs of newcomers; how performance measurement and evaluation will be improved at the local service provider organization level or across the settlement sector, or both, through the use of data collection tools and established performance measurement and evaluation strategies; how the initiative will enhance the organization’s equity capacity to meet the needs of diverse populations.

Coordination

  • If your project focuses on Coordination, you can describe your alignment with this outcome by specifying how the project will support effective engagement and promotion of guidance within and beyond the sector; how the project will improve communication and information sharing across or beyond the settlement sector, or both; how the project will improve communication and information sharing among Immigrant Employment Councils (IECs) and employment-related actors; how the project will improve communication and information sharing among pre-arrival providers and service delivery partners; how the project will improve communication and information sharing among SWIS and TÉÉ service providers and workers; how the project will improve communication and information sharing among providers of Well-Being Navigation Activities; how it will build partnerships and engagement amongst Resettlement Assistance Program service provider organizations and service delivery partners, or maintain these, or both.

Service Standardization (including Service Delivery Tools)

  • If your project focuses on Service Standardization (including Service Delivery Tools), you can describe your alignment with this outcome by specifying how the project will support development and maintenance of service delivery tools that support consistent, enhanced or standardized service delivery, or all of the above, in the service area addressed by your project; how the project will develop client-focused standardized materials, tools and resources that support language training service delivery; how the project will better support pre-arrival clients service uptake and a more efficiency and effective service delivery by service provider organizations; how the project will develop client-focused standardized service delivery tools and training materials that support case management service delivery; how the project will develop and maintain standardized information and orientation materials for resettled refugees for the delivery of resettlement services.

Each eligible Indirect Services with a National/Sector focus activity is associated with the above IRCC expected immediate outcome. When an Indirect Services with a National/Sector focus activity is selected in the application, the applicable IRCC expected immediate outcome will automatically populate.

For more information on outcomes, please refer to the Outcomes Guidance.

Eligible activities

All national level or sector wide indirect projects must align with the IRCC outcome in delivery of at least one of the three types of indirect service activities outlined below: Capacity Building, Coordination, and Service Standardization.

Note: Please ensure you review all the potential indirect service types and activities listed below to ensure selection of the most appropriate one for your proposal.

1. Capacity building

1.1 Sector Capacity Building

Targeted applicants: Umbrella organizations; Organizations with specialized expertise or experience, or both, in capacity building for the not-for-profit or settlement sector, or both.

Description of the project: Projects that strengthen the capacity of the sector to deliver outcomes-driven settlement services or build on existing capacity building projects, or both.

Eligible activities

  • Organizational capacity gaps and assets assessments: Conducting assessments to identify and target organizational capacity gaps and assets. Examples include: Developing competency standards and skills requirements for service provider organizations to use in measuring and evaluating their organizational capacity and standards, including identifying areas of improvement.
  • Sharing promising practices or tools: Identifying and sharing promising practices/tools which support service delivery in order to foster a community of practice. In this context, sharing refers to taking initiative to actively disseminate, and communicate or present promising practices/tools. Sharing should take place on interoperable platforms or other coordinated sharing spaces, or both, that are regulated by a trusted process/source, and where various settlement actors and service delivery partners have access. Examples include: Sharing resources or promising practices (ideally developed in partnership with Indigenous Peoples) to assist service providers to partner with Indigenous Peoples or organizations, or both, or support the delivery of programming with an Indigenous component (e.g. Indigenous-Newcomer Connections activities); sharing client-focused standardized materials that can inform service providers on how to effectively respond to the needs of a diversity of clients (e.g. referring clients with disabilities; protocols for addressing sexual and gender-based violence); sharing tools, resources and training (e.g. organizational coaching) that can assist service providers in engaging employers – and other employer-based organizations - on issues related to newcomer clients’ settlement.
  • Professional development: Supporting the professional development of the sector by strengthening capacity of sector organizations, training for workers/instructors, and developing supporting resources for board member training or providing national leadership for knowledge-sharing in targeted areas, or both. Examples include: Professional development activities related to supporting strategic planning, governance and management; organizational coaching and training to enable organizations delivering services to identify the mental health needs of clients as well as those of settlement service provider organization staff, including dealing with vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue.

1.2 Capacity Building: Performance Measurement and Evaluation - New for CFP 2024

Targeted applicants: Organizations with specialized expertise (e.g. credentialed evaluators) or experience in building capacity, or both, in the development of performance measurement and evaluation strategies for the not-for-profit or settlement sector, or both.

Description of project: This project aims to enhance ability of service provider organizations (SPOs) (direct and indirect) across the country to develop outcome based approaches to project planning and management.

Eligible activities

  • Assessment of performance measurement capacity across the Sector.
  • Development of tools and training to improve performance measurement capacity of SPOs.
  • Design and application of data collection tools for outcome assessment.
  • Development of effective outcomes-driven performance measurement and evaluation strategies.
  • Identifying and addressing administrative and security requirements to support this work.

1.3 Capacity building: equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI) - New for CFP 2024

Targeted applicants: Organizations providing settlement services (direct or indirect) that are seeking to increase their EDI capacity to effectively meet the needs of diverse newcomer clients. Organizations must have identified specific EDI capacity gaps within their organization and have a clear, evidence informed plan to address them, including anticipated outcomes.

Description of the project: Capacity Building: EDI, Settlement Program funding to invest in equity-focused capacity building initiatives for organizations within the settlement sector. In order to support a whole-of-sector approach and enhance existing frameworks, IRCC will prioritize collaboration across the sector, leveraging existing expertise and resources, and creating evidence-based, targeted guidance. The project is an opportunity to contribute to systemic change across the settlement sector in a coordinated, yet flexible manner. This will support the development of innovative practices or scale up effective existing work based on the needs and priorities of different organizations or communities. All applicants for funding under the Capacity Building: EDI component are required to describe the initiative’s anticipated contributions to IRCC priorities (e.g. integrate Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus); Gender Equality; Anti-Racism; Truth and Reconciliation; address inequities for diverse populations).

Note: The Equity Stream is a related, but separate, initiative within CFP 2024 to support not-currently funded grassroots organizations that are representative of equity-deserving groups. Applicants are to carefully review the eligibility requirements for this specific stream prior to applying, and it should not be confused with the indirect funding detailed here.

Eligible activities: In order to enhance sector collaboration and learning, activities funded under the Capacity Building: EDI project should not be proprietary in nature, including licensing requirements, created for profit, or of a similar type. Activities should focus on addressing gaps and improving settlement sector or organizational, or both, strategies, policies, programs, practices. These can include activities such as:

  • Targeted technical support or knowledge exchanges, or both, from organizations that have specific expertise on an issue or population, or both.
  • Creation or enhancement of networks for specific populations or issues, or both (e.g. developing a national migrant women’s network; advancing disability priorities; Indigenous-newcomer programming; addressing sexual and gender-based violence).
  • Operationalize and integrate an evidence based approach (e.g. GBA Plus) within organizational policies, practices, programs, and strategies to address equity gaps.
  • Enhance cross-sector partnerships for effective coordination and implementation of strategies or services for newcomer clients (e.g. with health or anti-violence sectors).
  • Leverage existing expertise on specific populations or issues, or both, to co-develop or enhance targeted settlement programming.
  • Applicants should partner (potential or confirmed) with an organization(s) that has demonstrated expertise to develop and deliver equity related capacity building, and that is familiar with the settlement sector. These organizations can include, but are not limited to:
    • Accredited universities or colleges with expertise in research or learning components (e.g. organizational capacity gaps and asset assessments, data literacy);
    • Indigenous-led and focused organizations to provide expertise on Truth and Reconciliation such as incorporating Indigenous perspectives into settlement programming for language classes, orientation, or building newcomer connections;
    • Organizations with expertise working with specific populations: e.g. seniors, youth, women, 2SLGBTQI+ populations, people with a disability, French-speaking clients;
    • Organizations with expertise on specific issues: e.g. addressing sexual and gender-based violence; mental health; advancing substantive gender equality and women’s empowerment; Anti-Racism; disability issues; creating Positive Spaces;
    • Organizations with technical expertise related to advancing equity priorities: e.g. monitoring and evaluation; disaggregated data collection; integrating GBA Plus; gender equality audits; accountability procedures; equity policy; program co-design; engagement with non-settlement partners; facilitation and training; design thinking; environmental scans; strategies;
    • Organizations that provide a capacity building and professional development role within the settlement sector such as Umbrella organizations, Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs), Réseaux en Immigration Francophone (RIFs), existing settlement sector alliances and partnerships, etc.
  • Funded applicants are expected to connect with the Equity Resource Hub (described below) to share their final, tested project approach and bilingual materials in support of a whole-of-sector approach to capacity building and learning (see Capacity Building: Equity Resource Hub description below). Funded applicants are also required to develop a performance measurement plan and report to IRCC on any activities, outputs and immediate or intermediate outcomes at the end of the project timeline. Evidence and learning about what does not work well is also valuable for the Department and funded applicants should not hesitate to share this information. Capacity building activities that result in the development of resources (e.g. tools, guidance) should be available in English and in French, and specific to the settlement sector, to maximize relevance and accessibility.

Ineligible activities

  • Stand-alone resource development that is not connected to other capacity building activities or where there is a disproportionate focus on tool development, or both (e.g. internet apps, websites, visual media, etc.).
  • Initiatives that are not tested or implemented with relevant settlement sector actors, or both.
  • Implementing or receiving organizational capacity building activities that are not relevant to the settlement sector or the organization’s participation in the settlement sector.

1.3.1 Capacity Building: Equity Resource Hub - New for CFP 2024

Targeted applicants: Umbrella organizations.

Note: Only one umbrella organization will be selected to assume the national coordination role for the equity resource hub for the Capacity Building: EDI project initiatives. Umbrella organizations are to coordinate amongst themselves in advance of submitting one application on behalf of sector actors.

Description of project: IRCC-funded umbrella organizations, occupy a unique position within the sector. These organizations have sector-specific expertise and extensive networks. They are also an entry point for diverse organizations seeking to connect into, or collaborate across, the settlement sector. All organizations funded under the Capacity Building: EDI component (see description above) are expected to connect with the sector umbrella organization selected to strengthen partnerships and share information on the approach undertaken, including the results and any bilingual resources developed from the activities. Resources developed from the capacity building activities should be made available to the settlement sector via existing community of practice mechanisms or another mechanism as relevant to maximize effectiveness and dissemination.

Eligible activities

  • Collection, organization, and dissemination of sector tested, bilingual, relevant Capacity Building: EDI project approaches, resources, and results generated by the funded applicants. This does not mean proposing, leading, designing, implementing, or coordinating the capacity building activities for the funded applicants.
  • Analysis, learning, and evaluation of the overall initiative, approaches, and resources created as a result of the Capacity Building: EDI project activities. This includes integrating the final analysis and results from the previously funded Service Delivery Improvement – Equity initiatives (Four themes: Anti-Racism; Gender Equality and GBA Plus) into a comprehensive learning and evaluation report.

2. Coordination

Note: Coordination roles are deliberately sought only in service areas with a demonstrated need (e.g. where there are various actors and delivery partners involved) or to ensure oversight and consistency for new components in CFP 2024, or both.

2.1 Sector Coordination, Engagement and Representation

Targeted applicants: Umbrella organizations; National LIP Secretariat; Organizations with specialized expertise or experience, or both, in coordination for the not-for-profit or settlement sector, or both.

Description of project: Projects that coordinate between a variety of sector actors in order to strengthen governance and foster partnerships and collaboration across the settlement sector. These projects can also identify and analyze cross-cutting issues in the sector and strategically communicate these issues to government representatives. This project is soliciting applications for:

  • 1 National Coordinating Body for LIPs
  • Regional and Interprovincial Umbrellas

Eligible activities

  • Communications and information: Fostering and disseminating information that is relevant and timely to the Settlement Program and service delivery (e.g. newsletters, social media channels); hosting events and fora to promote best practices for excellence in both organizational governance and service delivery.
  • Liaison activities: Promoting a collective voice for the sector or acting as an advisory and coordinating body, or both; facilitating communication and collaboration within the sector and acting as a conveyor to discuss, identify and analyze cross-cutting issues within the sector at both the national and regional levels, as well as strategically communicate these identified issues to IRCC; assisting service providers and other service delivery partners to meet, engage, foster connections and create partnerships with federal and provincial/territorial governments.
  • Small-Centre Coordination: Implementing strategies and activities that have the objective of amplifying the voices and perspectives of service provider organizations operating in rural communities or small centres, or both, and enhancing their representation within settlement umbrella organizations.
  • Urgent or new priority coordination: Leading urgent/new priority coordination (e.g. responses to mass arrivals) within the settlement sector and beyond, and with governments (federal and provincial).
  • Leadership: Leading on the professionalization of the sector by modelling values and ethics. 
  • Ongoing partnership and engagement: Maintaining ongoing partnerships and engagement between coordinating bodies (including Francophone coordination bodies) and other sector actors, as well as engaging those outside the sector as needed (e.g. Indigenous organizations). This involves hosting events and fora (e.g. advisory meeting tables, conferences) to facilitate engagement and collaboration.
  • Service mapping or registry (for Umbrella organizations): Service mapping and registry at the regional or national level, or both, to scan and monitor the scope and availability of IRCC and non-IRCC funded settlement services provided/available in a given area for service provider organizations to access and to make effective client referrals and effectively coordinate amongst their community resources.

2.2 Coordination: national network on employer engagement

Targeted applicants: Immigrant Employment Councils (IECs).

Description of project: An organization which coordinates and strengthens the efforts of the IECs, as well as other settlement actors that engage employers, to support the hiring and retention of newcomer clients and, ultimately, the economic integration of newcomer clients. This project is soliciting applications for:

  • 1 National Network on Employer Engagement

Eligible activities

  • National-level engagement and perspective: Promote a collective voice for IECs, as well as other interested settlement service providers (e.g. SPOs, LIPs, and RIFs), to act as a conveyor to discuss, identify and analyze cross-cutting issues with respect to employer engagement within the sector and communicate them to IRCC, as needed.
  • Communications and information: Develop and share tools, resources and information to assist employers in hiring and retaining newcomer clients, as well as broader settlement and labour market integration.
  • Ongoing partnership and engagement: Foster communication, partnerships and cohesion among IECs across Canada, as well as with interested settlement service providers or employment-related actors, to promote best practices and enhance partnerships, coordination and collaboration in employer engagement.

2.3 Coordination: pre-arrival services

Targeted applicants: Organizations with expertise in coordination for the settlement sector and which will also be applying for funding to deliver direct pre-arrival services.

Note: The selected organization must also be funded to provide direct pre-arrival services in 2025-2030.

Description of project: Coordination of pre-arrival settlement efforts and relevant service delivery partners through a national pre-arrival services coordinating body, with a Secretariat function, that facilitates consultations within the settlement sector, coordinates the efforts of primarily IRCC-funded organizations serving pre-arrival clients, and fosters learning, exchange and alignment of programming. This project is soliciting applications for:

  • 1 National Pre-arrival Services Coordinating Body (for both Anglophone and Francophone pre-arrival service provider organizations)

Eligible activities

  • Communication and information: Foster and disseminate information that is relevant and timely to the pre-arrival sector and service delivery; convene regular meetings among pre-arrival service providers, with IRCC and other service delivery partners to enhance coordination and collaboration within the sector, and promote best practices for excellence in service delivery; In collaboration with the Partner’s Portal administrator (see Service Delivery Tools: Pre-arrival Partner and Client Portals below), manage the pre-arrival online community to share, connect and collaborate with partners to increase coordination.
  • Ongoing partnership and engagement: Promote efforts to meet, engage, foster connections and create partnerships between pre-arrival service providers and other sector players, including other federal departments and provincial/territorial governments; facilitate linkages between domestic and pre-arrival services providers to facilitate referrals and a smooth pre- to post-arrival transition for newcomer clients.
  • National-level engagement and perspective: Promote a collective voice for the pre-arrival sector; facilitate communication and collaboration within the sector and act as a conveyor to discuss, identify and analyze cross-cutting issues within the sector and communicate them to IRCC, as needed.
  • Service mapping/registry: Service mapping to monitor the scope and availability of IRCC and non-IRCC funded pre-arrival newcomer clients to facilitate coordination and referrals.

2.4 Coordination: SWIS-TÉÉ Initiative - New for CFP 2024

Targeted applicants: Organizations with specialized expertise or experience, in coordination or service delivery, for SWIS or TÉÉ.

Note: Applicants for coordination do not have to be direct service provider organizations.

Description of project: Coordination for the Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) Initiative – l’initiative des travailleurs et des travailleuses d’établissement dans les écoles (TÉÉ). TÉÉ services are delivered in French by a Francophone organization. This project is soliciting applications for:

  • 1 National Coordinating Body for SWIS
  • 1 National Coordinating Body for TÉÉ
  • 1 Regional Coordinator for SWIS in each IRCC Region [BCY (BC, YK), PNT (AB, SK, MB, NWT, Nunavut), ON (Ontario), EST (NB, NS, NFLD, PEI, QCFootnote *)]
  • 1 Regional Coordinator for TÉÉ in each IRCC Region [BCY (BC, YK), PNT (AB, SK, MB, NWT, Nunavut), ON (Ontario), EST* (NB, NS, NFLD, PEI, QCFootnote *)]

Eligible Activities for National Coordinating Bodies:

  • SWIS National Coordinating Body (for services in English):
    • Collaborate with the TÉÉ National Coordinating Body and SWIS Regional Coordinators to ensure consistent service delivery.
    • Address issues that are national in scope.
    • Develop mechanisms for sharing best practices, resources, and materials.
    • Assess needs and set standards for professional development (PD) for SWIS workers. If needed, deliver national-level professional development for SWIS workers. Please note the list of PD examples provided is not exhaustive (e.g. intercultural competence; trauma-informed practice; mental health first aid; anti-oppressive facilitation skills; mindfulness and well-being; nonviolent crisis intervention; advocacy and empowerment; child and youth suicide prevention; professional boundaries and self-care; etc.).
    • Maintain service mapping/registry for SWIS services.
  • TÉÉ National Coordinating Body (for services in French):
    • Collaborate with the SWIS National Coordinating Body and TÉÉ Regional Coordinators to ensure consistent service delivery.
    • Address issues that are national in scope.
    • Develop mechanisms for sharing best practices, resources, and materials.
    • Assess needs and set standards for professional development (PD) for TÉÉ workers. If needed, deliver national-level professional development for TÉÉ workers. Please note the list of PD examples provided is not exhaustive (e.g. intercultural competence; trauma-informed practice; mental health first aid; anti-oppressive facilitation skills; mindfulness and well-being; nonviolent crisis intervention; advocacy and empowerment; child and youth suicide prevention; professional boundaries and self-care; etc.).
    • Maintain service mapping/registry for TÉÉ services.

Eligible Activities for Regional Coordinators:

  • SWIS Regional Coordinators (for services in English):
    • Liaise with National Coordinating Body, SWIS service providers and workers to support optimal service delivery.
    • Implement solutions to local and regional issues.
    • Convene spaces for networking and knowledge transfer among SWIS workers (virtual or in-person); assessing trends and highlighting best practices.
    • Coordinate or deliver professional development for SWIS, or do both (based on standards set by the National Coordinating Bodies). Regional Coordinators are required to work in collaboration with SWIS service providers to avoid duplication with the training they offer.
    • Provide information for service mapping/registry for SWIS services.
  • TÉÉ Regional Coordinators (for services in French):
    • Liaise with National Coordinating Body, TÉÉ service providers and workers to support optimal service delivery.
    • Implement solutions to local and regional issues.
    • Convene spaces for networking and knowledge transfer among TÉÉ workers (virtual or in-person); assessing trends and highlighting best practices.
    • Coordinate or deliver professional development for TÉÉ, or do both (based on standards set by the National Coordinating Bodies). Regional Coordinators are required to work in collaboration with SWIS service providers to avoid duplication with the training they offer.
    • Provide information for service mapping/registry for TÉÉ services.

2.5 Coordination: Community Connections – Well-Being Navigation Activities - New for CFP 2024

Targeted applicants: Umbrella organizations, Organizations with specialized expertise or experience, or both, in coordination or service delivery for navigation, or both.

Description of project: Coordination for Well-Being Navigation Activities under Community Connections. This project is soliciting applications for:

  • 1 National Coordinating Body for Well-Being Navigation Activities (English)
  • 1 National Coordinating Body for Well-Being Navigation Activities (French)

Eligible activities:

  • Oversight to ensure consistent implementation of the model.
  • Professional development for existing settlement workers.
  • Mechanisms for knowledge transfer of best practices and resources.
  • Virtual and in-person spaces for exchange among those providing the activities; and
  • Service mapping/registry for Community Connections – Well-Being Navigation Activities.

2.6 Coordination and Capacity Building: Resettlement Assistance Program

Targeted applicants: Umbrella organizations.

Description of project: Coordination for resettlement services and related initiatives. This project is soliciting applications for:

  • 1 National Coordinating Body

Eligible activities

  • Communication and Information: Fostering and disseminating information (e.g. newsletters, Resettlement SPO and Port of Entry handbooks) that is relevant and timely to resettlement service delivery; hosting events and fora to promote best practices for excellence in resettlement services.
  • Ongoing partnership and engagement: Assisting resettlement SPOs and other resettlement service delivery partners to meet, engage, foster connections and create partnerships with federal and provincial/territorial governments; maintaining ongoing partnerships and engagement with other coordinating bodies (including Francophone and Settlement Program coordination bodies) and other sector actors.
  • National-level engagement and perspective: Acting as a conveyor to discuss, identify and analyze cross-cutting issues within the Resettlement Assistance Program at both the national and regional levels, as well as strategically communicating these identified issues to IRCC, as needed.
  • Service mapping: Service mapping of resettlement services at the regional or national level, or both, to monitor the scope and availability of IRCC and non-IRCC funded resettlement services to facilitate coordination and referrals.

3. Service standardization (Including service delivery tools)

3.1 Standardizing service delivery

Targeted applicants: Organizations with specialized expertise or experience, or both, in service tools development.

Description of project: Projects that support the development of service delivery tools (including digital tools) to foster consistent, client-focused or standardized service delivery (or all three), for the sector or settlement partners, or both.

Eligible activities:

  • Developing client-focused or standardized tools, or both (e.g. assessment guides, service standards, procedures, training materials) for the settlement sector or by service area, or both, that are non-proprietary and available to the broader sector. 
  • Developing client-focused or standardized tools/digital tools, or both (e.g. software, programs, websites, applications, platforms) for the settlement sector or service area, or both, that are open and available to the broader sector. 

Note: If you are proposing the development of a digital tool, please ensure you review and align your proposal with IRCC’s approach to modes of service delivery for CFP 2024 outlined in the overview. All digital tools being proposed should not be proprietary in nature or created for profit. They should strive to be barrier free and inclusive of diverse participants, focused on organizational strategies, policies, programs, practices, etc. Digital tools should aim to maximize collaboration and cooperation across the sector by incorporating interoperability, co-creation and open accessibility, to the extent possible.

3.2 Standardization: language training services

Targeted applicants: Organizations with expertise or experience, or both, in developing and maintaining Language Training tools/platforms/standards.

Description of project:

  • Development, and distribution, or improvement, or both, of Canadian Language Benchmarks or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens-based assessment tools for the purpose of placement in language training;
  • Enhancement of the national open-source learning management system to support the delivery of all modes of language training delivery;
  • Development of Canadian Language Benchmarks or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens-based, or both, teaching resources and content consistent with national curriculum guidelines and learning management system to support the effective delivery of language training across Canada (outside of Quebec); and
  • Professional development projects that build on and strengthen the capacity of the settlement sector to deliver high quality language training services.

Eligible activities:

  • Projects that develop, and distribute, or improve Canadian Language Benchmarks or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens-based assessment tools, or both, for the purpose of placement in language training, including
    • Training, resources, and services that support assessor certification and recalibration in the use of placement assessment tests and tools to deliver efficient, timely, and appropriate language placement assessments and referrals to language training services that enhance newcomer clients’ awareness of and referrals to language training services in French.
  • Projects that enhance the national open-source learning management system to support the delivery of all modes of language training delivery and encompass the following elements:
    • Consistent with current national curriculum frameworks, guidelines, and community of practice;
    • Scalable, customizable, adaptable, and responsive to mobile learning platforms;
    • Allow for the integration of third party tools; and
    • Promote and support the development of open educational resources.
  • Projects that develop Canadian Language Benchmarks or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens-based teaching resources and content, or both, consistent with national curriculum guidelines and learning management system to support the effective delivery of language training across Canada (outside of Quebec), including:
    • Ready-made teaching resources compatible with portfolio-based language assessment;
    • Teaching materials designed for use with literacy learners;
    • Resources to enhance the integration of Indigenous histories and perspectives in teaching resources and materials;
    • Partnerships and resources to improve the availability of French language training and content;
    • Partnerships to enhance the availability of adapted tools (e.g. using American Sign Language, braille, or alternate formats) for use for and by clients with special needs;
    • Independent learning resources designed to help self-directed learners; and
    • Partnerships to enhance, adapt, or extend the use of existing language training frameworks and improve coherence with other sectors outside of settlement (e.g. Skills for Success).
  • Professional development projects that build on and strengthen the capacity of the settlement sector to deliver high quality language training services, in areas including:
    • The Canadian Language Benchmarks and Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens frameworks, task-based learning, and portfolio-based language assessment (évaluation linguistique basée sur le portfolio);
    • Training, mentoring, and coaching for instructors who provide literacy learners with instruction and guided practice; and
    • Training to enhance instructors’ digital skills.

3.3 Service delivery tools: pre-arrival partner and client portals

Targeted applicants: Organizations with expertise or experience, or both, in developing and maintaining digital client service tools/platforms.

Note: The selected organization must also be funded to provide direct pre-arrival services in 2025-2030.

Description of project: Only one organization will be funded to update, manage and enhance the following portals, in partnership with the original developer:

  • Pre-arrival Client Registration and Referral Portal (the Clients’ Portal, for Anglophone organizations): This portal allows for a one-touch point centralized client registration and program eligibility determination process, and a centralized referral mechanism among IRCC funded pre-arrival service provider organizations. Should French-speaking clients register, mechanisms should be in place to immediately inform them about and refer them to the Guichet unique and Francophone pre-arrival services.
  • Pre-Arrival Partners' Portal (the Partners' Portal, for both Francophone and Anglophone organizations): This portal is an online community hub where the Pre-arrival Sector and other key partners in related fields can share, connect and collaborate virtually to increase coordination and program outcomes.

Eligible activities:

  • Implement updates to the Clients’ and the Partners’ Portals to reflect pre-arrival services providers funded for the 2025-2030 period.
  • Manage the Client Portal to ensure that client registration and referrals are responsive and coordinated.
  • Manage the Partners’ portal to promote active participation and information exchange between pre-arrival service providers and key partners.
  • Conduct periodic assessments of portals’ performance in consultation with portals’ users.
  • Make necessary enhancements to the Clients’ Portal to further streamline client efforts in accessing pre-arrival services and facilitating timely access to services that meet their needs.
  • Provide training to pre-arrival service provider organizations participating in the portals to ensure these are used efficiently.

3.4 Standardization: Case Management Services - New for CFP 2024

Targeted applicants: Organizations with expertise or experience, or both, in developing and maintaining Case Management resources and training.

Description of project: Case Management is a new direct service under the Settlement Program for CFP 2024. This project looks to fund organizations who have experience or expertise, in delivering case management services to ensure that all IRCC-funded service provider organizations have standardized service delivery tools and training materials available to them to support them in their delivery of case management services. These service delivery tools and training materials should be client-centered, standardized and consistent to optimize Case Management client outcomes across the Settlement Program.

Eligible activities:

  • Developing and sharing service delivery tools and training materials (e.g. resources on service standards and procedures, workshops) that aim to enhance the capacity of all service provider organizations to effectively deliver and track Case Management services, and help build their capacity to support newcomer clients with persistent multiple barriers in Canada.
  • Engage with relevant actors within and outside of the settlement sector (e.g. mental health and disability sector, Indigenous organizations, etc.) to ensure that the development of case management service delivery tools and training materials are developed with or informed by, any relevant actors or those with specific expertise.

3.5 Standardization: Resettlement Assistance Program

Targeted applicants: Organizations with expertise or experience, or both, in developing and maintaining Resettlement Assistance Program information and orientation materials.

Description of project: This project aims to develop standardized information and orientation materials catered for resettled refugees. The developed material should enhance the ability of IRCC-funded service provider organizations (SPOs) to deliver resettlement services in a nationally consistent way.

Eligible activities:

  • Print or online materials for all resettled to complement immediate and essential orientation that clients receive from service providers during their first few weeks or months in Canada. These materials should be translated in the top refugee languages for individual resettlement SPOs, taking into account potential lower literacy levels for some clients.
  • Videos to complement resettlement service providers immediate and essential orientation for resettled refugees.
  • The materials developed should be aligned to the Welcome to Canada content.
  • Updating the Resettlement Assistance Program SPO and Port of Entry handbooks annually, in collaboration with IRCC.

Ineligible activities

Research projects (i.e. applied research, quantitative and qualitative research) are no longer eligible for funding as a national project through the Settlement Program’s indirect services. Research activities that have a direct impact on services such as community scans, identifying service gaps and trends, information gathering, document review, evidence/knowledge dissemination or research conducted as the scoping phase of a larger project will continue to be eligible. Please refer to the Indirect Services with a Local/Community Focus funding guidelines for community based research assessment activities.

Mode of delivery

Indirect Services with a National/Sector focus may be delivered:

Funding applicants will also need to consider who the client audience will be for each of the project activities being proposed (more than one audience may be selected per activity):

Eligible clients

Indirect Services with a National/Sector focus does not include funding for direct services to clients. However, the design of indirect activities should take into account those persons that IRCC settlement funding is intended to support.

Please refer section 3.7 of the Settlement Program Terms and Conditions, for information on who is eligible to receive settlement services.

Eligible applicants for funding

Eligible applicants for funding for settlement services are:

Restrictions

  • For-profit organizations may be eligible for funding provided that the nature and the intent of the activity is non-commercial, not intended to generate profit, and supports IRCC program priorities and objectives.
  • Indirect services with a national/sector focus targets applications from:
    • Umbrella Organizations;
    • Coordinating Bodies [e.g. National LIP Secretariat, Coordinator for a National Network on Employer Engagement, Pre-arrival Services Coordinator, etc.];
    • Organizations with expertise or experience, or both, in developing and maintaining Language Training service delivery tools/platforms/standards;
    • Organizations with specialized expertise or experience, or both, in capacity-building, coordination or service standardization, or both (including service delivery tools);
    • Organizations seeking to increase their equity capacity to effectively meet the needs of diverse newcomer clients; etc.

Organizational and community capacity

Specific to ‘Language Training Services’ Indirect projects:

Specific to ‘Pre-arrival Services’ Indirect projects:

How we assess applications for this service

Mandatory and asset criteria

Your application should describe how your project aligns with and supports the expected outcomes.

All applications

All applications will be assessed according to the CORE criteria:

Applications will also be assessed against Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) criteria. More information about the CORE and EDI criteria.

Mandatory criteria

In addition to meeting the CORE and EDI criteria, applications for this service must:

  • Demonstrate capacity to provide performance, results and outcomes to the Department (IRCC).

Asset criteria

Proposals demonstrating the following maybe prioritized for funding. Applicants for this service should include a description of the following experience or capacity, as applicable:

  • Partnership within and across sectors, for example between the settlement sector and the mental health, disability or Indigenous sectors, as a means to strengthen settlement sector capacity and coordination.
  • Meaningful relationships with fellow coordinating bodies as a means to improve coordination, avoid duplication, and work collectively to achieve planned results for those applying to coordinator roles.
  • Ability to support small center coordinators as a means to ensure that the voice and perspectives of small and rural service provider organizations are amplified for those applying to coordinator roles and capacity building projects.
  • Expertise/previous experience delivering performance measurement and evaluation training to not-for-profit organizations for those applying for Capacity Building: Performance Measurement and Evaluation.
  • Experience in the development and maintenance of an online learning management solution for those applying for Standardization: Language Training Services.
  • The anticipated contribution of the initiative to IRCC commitments (e.g. to advance substantive gender equality; address racism; integrate Truth and Reconciliation in Settlement Programming; address inequities for diverse populations, e.g. women, youth, seniors, 2SLGBTQI+).
  • GBA Plus in the design, implementation and evaluation of the project(s). Please refer back to the overview of funding guidelines for more information on GBA Plus.

Examples of quality projects

Please note that the examples below are not exhaustive.

  • The indirect service provider organization offers professional development support to other service provider organizations in a targeted area (e.g. performance measurement and evaluation). The indirect service provider organization helps identify capacity gaps for service provider organizations looking to improve their capacity by conducting skills and competency assessments. The indirect service provider organization tailors the capacity building support provided to the unique needs of given organizations (e.g. catering to the unique or niche needs of small centre organizations).
  • The indirect service provider organization selected as a coordinator regularly circulates newsletters containing relevant and timely information (e.g. programming updates, promising practices emerging from other sectors such as mental health or Indigenous sectors) to actors within and beyond the settlement sector, including small organizations or service delivery partners, or both. The indirect service provider organization hosts various fora for sector actors to engage, build partnerships, and voice their experiences. The indirect service provider organization strategically leads these communications and directs key conversations to the Department (IRCC), as needed. The indirect service provider organization maintains meaningful relationships with fellow coordinating bodies to collectively work towards sector enhancement and avoid duplication of efforts.
  • The indirect service provider organization develops and maintains a service delivery tool (e.g. a training module) to help service provider organizations or service delivery partners, or both, deliver settlement services. The tool has been developed in engagement or collaboration with other service provider organizations and relevant partners (e.g. Indigenous organizations). The tool is open for all IRCC-funded service provider organizations and relevant service delivery partners to access. If it is a digital tool, the organization ensures that privacy and cybersecurity measures are in place to protect users’ information. The tool is accessed by relevant audiences who are in turn able to provide services that are consistent, standardized and driven by evidence to meet the needs of a variety of newcomer clients in the most relevant way.

References for applicants

1. The National LIP Secretariat Website

Officially formed in 2020, the National LIP Secretariat was established to function as a backbone support for the LIP and ZIP network. Its purpose is to support the work of National LIP Network members through information sharing, facilitated collaboration, the provision of professional development opportunities and collective representation across the country.

The National LIP Secretariat launched a public facing website for LIPs, ZIPs and members of the community to access tools, information and resources. The website also includes information for new LIPs, ZIPs and their staff, upcoming events and other helpful resources.

2. Other applicant resources

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