Application Guidelines – Indigenous Languages Component – First Nations Languages Funding Model

Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program

These application guidelines set out the delivery requirements for First Nations languages projects that are submitted through the Department of Canadian Heritage application process.

For First Nations languages projects in the regions of Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia, consult the Indigenous Languages Component for information regarding the First Nations Regionally Designated Organizations. Regionally Designated Organizations may have their own regionally-specific priorities and guidelines. Yukon self-governing First Nations are provided funding through Programs and Services Transfer Agreements as negotiated with Canadian Heritage.

For Inuit, Métis Nation, and Multidistinction languages projects, consult the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Component for information.

Once an application is submitted, there is no guarantee that the application will be funded.

On this page

• Introduction
• Funding Streams
• Objectives and expected results for the Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Languages Funding Model
  • Objectives
  • Expected results
• Eligibility
  • Eligible recipients
  • Eligible activities
  • Eligible expenditures
  • Ineligible expenditures
• Funding Limits
• Application and Assessment process
  • How to apply
  • Application process
  • How applications are evaluated
  • Evaluation criteria
  • Language plan and work plan criteria for Ongoing programmatic funding
  • Application deadline
  • Application processing time
• Funding decisions
  • How funding is provided
• Reporting requirements
  • Financial reporting
  • Results reporting
• Managing conflict of interest
• Anti-racism and anti-hate
• Workplace well-being
• Public health guidance
• Other requirements
• Acknowledgement of financial assistance
• Access to information requests
• Disclosure of information
• Audits of recipients and evaluation of the Program
• Contact us
• Glossary

Introduction

Since fiscal 2023-2024, the Indigenous Languages Component program funded by Canadian Heritage has been transitioning to allocate multi-year funding and provide more predictability and flexibility to First Nations communities and First Nations-led organizations in their efforts to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen their First Nations Languages.

Funding Streams

The two funding streams are:

1. The Annual and Multi-year proposal-based stream to support:
   • the development of a language plan; and
   • project-based funding up to five years for language revitalization projects.
2. The Ongoing programmatic funding stream to support:
   • the implementation of a long-term language plan or work plan.

Objectives and expected results for the Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Languages Funding Model

Objectives

The objectives of the Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Languages Funding Model are to:

• support the efforts of First Nations communities and First Nations-led organizations to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen their First Nations languages; and,
• create new First Nations language speakers, increase fluency, immersion opportunities, use of First Nations languages, and the documentation of all First Nations languages.

The Indigenous Languages Component also contributes to the broader objectives of the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program (ILCP), with respect to First Nations languages.

Expected results

• Communities conduct language planning
• Communities develop resources to support language revitalization
• Trained First Nations Language instructors, revitalization specialists, facilitators and administrators
• First Nations Peoples access long-term funding
• Language revitalization activities are occurring
• First Nations Peoples make decisions regarding funding for the revitalization of First Nations languages
• Increased capacity to deliver language program and services for First Nation communities.
• First Nations languages are documented and materials and data are owned, managed and controlled by First Nations
• Increase in the use of First Nations languages
• Increased number of fluent language speakers with increased language proficiency
• Increased number of First Nations language experts, translators and curriculum developers
• Intergenerational transmission of First Nations languages is increased
• Vitality of First Nations languages is improved

Eligibility

Eligible recipients

To be eligible for all funding streams, an applicant must be a First Nations organization or group within Canada, and in good standing.

First Nations organization within Canada, refers to an organization that is owned and controlled by First Nations persons, including a First Nations-owned corporation or a First Nations controlled not-for-profit organization, which directly delivers language revitalization services or that otherwise supports the delivery of language revitalization services.

In addition, an applicant must also be a:

• First Nations government or an equivalent organization and its delegated authorities;
• First Nations-led institution including accredited programs; or
• First Nations-led not-for-profit organization.

To be eligible for the annual and multi-year project stream, an applicant could also be a:

• First Nations ad hoc group that has formed to do a specific language work plan; or
• First Nations for-profit organization, provided that the activities for which they are requesting funding will not result in income generation for their sole benefit.

To be eligible for the ongoing programmatic stream, an applicant must also have a:

• long-term language plan or work plan in place with a minimum of two years of experience in providing First Nations languages revitalization services.

The First Nations Review Committee will prioritize First Nations government and equivalent organizations and its delegated authorities.

Eligible activities

To be eligible for funding from the Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Languages Funding Model, the application must contribute to language fluency across the life cycle and support the efforts of First Nations communities and organizations in reclaiming, revitalizing, maintaining, strengthening and promoting First Nations languages^{Footnote 1} such as:

• language programs and services (e.g., language plan development, immersion activities, language nests, mentor-apprentice programming and land-based learning);
• capacity building and training (e.g., curriculum development, leadership development, and teacher training);
• community engagement (e.g., promotion and awareness, conferences and gatherings, and planning);
• community-led research and studies (e.g., language community assessments, data development);
• resource development (e.g., documentation and archiving, instructor resources, language templates and tools, and audiovisual and multimedia materials); and
• management and administration for language programming and services (e.g., communication, consultation, and coordination).

View the list of previous projects funded by the Indigenous Languages Component.

Eligible expenditures

Only expenditures for activities related to the objectives of the Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Languages Funding Model are eligible, these include:

• start-up costs for First Nations organizations whose mandate is to support the reclamation, revitalization, maintenance and strengthening of First Nations languages;
• salaries and employee benefits;
• in exceptional circumstances^{Footnote 2} stipends, allowances or honoraria for attendance in a course or activity;
• travel expenses, which must not exceed the rates permitted as per travel on government business;
• professional development and training programs;
• meetings;
• rent and utilities related to the activities;
• photocopying and printing services related to the activities;
• translation and communications;
• professional, consulting and Elder fees;
• equipment rental, service and purchase;
• costs associated with information technology, including purchase and upgrade of hardware and software;
• minor renovation in the context of promotional languages activities;
• project supplies and resource materials related to the activities;
• general liability insurances; and
• administrative costs, such as: bookkeeping services, office supplies, telephone, fax, utilities, postage and courier fees, photocopying, printing, rent for office space, audit, legal, translation. Administrative costs cannot exceed 15% of the total approved funding.

Eligible expenses approved for a fiscal year must be incurred between April 1 and March 31 of that fiscal year.

Ineligible expenditures

You cannot use funds from the Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Languages Funding Model for:

• capital construction and major (high cost) renovation;
• salaries and honoraria for Board of members in the delivery of regular operations;
• pre-school, Elementary, Secondary and Post-Secondary Education core funding;
• Core operational costs associated with broadcasting of radio, television and programming;
• start-up and operational costs for commercial enterprises, and support for the development of cultural and professional industries;
• contingency and miscellaneous fees; and
• deficit recovery.

Funding Limits

The total financial assistance received from the Indigenous Languages Component and other levels of government (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal) cannot exceed 100% of the total eligible project-related costs.

Canadian Heritage can fund up to 100% of eligible expenses.

Approved applications of $150,000 and under may be funded through a grant agreement.

Approved applications over $150,000 will be funded through a contribution agreement.

An applicant can submit only one application form per fiscal year which could be annual or multi-year, without limitation on the number of activities or projects submitted in the application, as detailed in the application and assessment process below. This should allow regional organization or tribal council serving multiple communities to reflect their overall funding request in their application form. Application should not result in any form of duplication in regard of funding First Nations languages activities and service delivery.

Application and Assessment process

The First Nation Review Committee reviews applications and makes recommendation to Canadian Heritage. Applicants applying to the Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Languages Funding Model will indicate for which stream they would like to be considered. However, Ongoing programmatic funding applicants could be considered and assessed under the annual or multi-year proposal-based stream. The requests for funding for the Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Languages Funding Model always exceed Canadian Heritage’s available resources. Hence, applying for funding is a competition for limited funding. If the organization or group is eligible, submitting an application does not guarantee funding.

How to apply

Canadian Heritage encourages the applicant to read these application guidelines in their entirety before completing the application. The same project should only be submitted once, by a single applicant or a delivery organization, in a fiscal year. Please contact us to receive an application package.

Applicants whose multi-year applications were not approved beyond one year, can opt for their application to be reassessed the following year. An applicant must meet all eligibility requirements and submit a complete application package to be considered for funding.

For annual or multi-year proposal-based funding stream, a complete application package include:

• Supporting documents required in the Application Checklist (Annex A)
• General Application Form (Annex B)
• Organization Overview (Annex C)
• Summary (Annex D)
• Development of a Language plan (Appendix 1), (if applying for the development of a language plan)
• Project or Ongoing Programmatic Activities & Resources (Appendix 2)
• Declaration and Attestation (Annex E)
• Budget (Annex F)

For ongoing programmatic funding stream, a complete application package include:

• Supporting documents required in the Application Checklist (Annex A)
• General Application Form (Annex B)
• Organization Overview (Annex C)
• Summary (Annex D)
• Project Activities/Resources Funding (Appendix 2)
• Ongoing Programmatic Funding (Appendix 3)
• Declaration and Attestation (Annex E)
• Budget (Annex F)
• Language plan or work plan

Important note: First Nations communities and/or organizations that have the support from participating First Nations communities and their leadership must submit their proof of support in their application such as but not limited to, band council resolutions, letters, or emails, otherwise they must explain why they do not have the support. The support may be a factor considered during the review process.

Application process

Only application packages submitted electronically will be considered for assessment.

1. Complete:
   • Annex B: the General Application Form
   • Annex C: the Organization Overview
   • Annex D: the Summary
   • Annex F: the Budget template
   • Appendix 1, 2 or 3: pertaining to your application
2. Sign the Declaration and Attestation (Annex E)
3. Attach all the required supporting documents listed in Annex A

Submit the complete application package to the following email address: autochtone-indigenous@pch.gc.ca. Please contact us for further information or if you need assistance to submit the application.

How applications are evaluated

Canadian Heritage funds activities that have clear objectives and measurable results, where applicable. The application will initially be assessed by Canadian Heritage to ensure the eligibility of the application, according to the eligibility section above.

Eligible applications for First Nations languages projects will then be evaluated, based on the evaluation criteria below through a First Nations Review Committee, which will prioritize them in relation to the funds available as well as regional priorities.

Failure to comply with any conditions of a previously provided funding will be considered in the evaluation of the applicant’s new application and could result in a rejection of the new application.

Should an applicant’s application be rejected, the First Nations Review Committee, through its secretariat, could provide feedback on the applications.

As part of the assessment process, unsuccessful applications will also be tracked including reasons for not being funded.

Evaluation criteria

The application must:

• demonstrate that its implementation would support the objectives of the Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Languages Funding Model;
• describe the activities to be funded;
• describe the expected results of the proposed activities;
• include a budget that clearly links to the proposed activities; and,
• if applicable, disclose partners and the role that they will play in the activities.

The recipient commits to providing activity, evaluation, and financial reports and other related information, when requested by the Department.

Funding priorities based on community priorities that contribute to language revitalization and existing funding available are:

• community-based initiatives/activities;
• development of language plans supported by communities and their leadership;
• implementation of activities that strongly support the reclamation, revitalization, maintenance and strengthening of First Nations languages (e.g., mentor-apprentice programs, immersion, language nests); and,
• other regional priorities recommended by the First Nations review processes.

Language plan and work plan criteria for Ongoing programmatic funding

The Language plan or work plan should have:

• one or more longer-term goals to achieve community language revitalization and fluency;
• multi-year plan, spanning at least 3 years;
• a set of concrete objectives that work towards obtaining the goal(s);
• comprehensive approach that incorporates multiple activities and strategies as appropriate;
• plans for activities that carry out the objectives on a seasonal or annual basis;
• proposed budgets to fund the activities; and,
• demonstrated support from First Nations communities or recognized First Nations Regional Organizations by way of band council resolutions, regional resolution, letters or emails of support, among others.

The language plan could have a range of other elements including but not limited to:

• monitoring/evaluation plan;
• identification of roles and responsibilities;
• community assessment or environmental scan of existing state of language in the community(ies) and/or nation;
• community language charter or other provision in First Nations constitution or bylaws or language law;
• research on language learning methodologies; and,
• training plans for community languages educators.

Application deadline

• The 2024-2025 call for applications is now open to all eligible applicants applying for funding to Canadian Heritage for all funding streams.
• The application for this call will be open for 5 weeks starting May 8, 2024.

Application processing time

Canadian Heritage will acknowledge receipt of the application package within two weeks of its reception.

Please refer to the Service standards for Canadian Heritage funding programs.

Funding decisions

Canadian Heritage will target funding to specific activities based on the priorities outlined in the Evaluation criteria section.

Decisions regarding eligibility and funding amounts are final.

How funding is provided

Canadian Heritage will determine if annual, multi-year or ongoing programmatic funding is disbursed as a grant, as a set contribution, as a fixed contribution or as a flexible contribution.

A grant is a payment issued to a recipient for an activity. The conditions you agreed to at the time of application will apply. At the end of the activity, the applicant will be required to submit a report and/or participate in the evaluation of results.

A contribution is a conditional payment issued for a specific purpose, as outlined in a funding agreement. The agreement is signed by the organization or group and by Canadian Heritage and specifies the terms and conditions to receive payment. At the end of the activity, the applicant must submit a final report.

A fixed contribution funding is an option to First Nations recipients where eligibility criteria are met. The funding level is predetermined annually to meet program requirements and achieve the planned results. When planned results are achieved for less than the amount provided, fixed contribution funding allows the recipient to retain the unexpended funds, subject that all the contribution agreement conditions are met and subject to approval from Canadian Heritage a plan on how the unexpended funding will be utilized.

A flexible contribution funding is an option to First Nations recipients where eligibility criteria are met. The funding level is predetermined in order to support work plan and recurring activities for more than 12 months. The recipient may retain, during the term of this agreement, an unexpended balance at the end of each fiscal year to spend towards eligible expenses incurred in subsequent fiscal years. Except for administration costs and travel expenditures, the recipient may transfer funds from one eligible expenditure category to another without the Minister’s authorization.

Reporting requirements

The reporting requirements for financial reports and results reports and their respective due dates are listed in the recipient’s funding agreement.

Financial reporting

If a recipient receives $250,000 or more as a contribution, the recipient is required to submit an audited financial report.

Additional conditions may apply and, if applicable, will be included in the recipient’s funding agreement.

Results reporting

All recipients, for both streams, will report annually on the activities and outcomes of their projects or plans.

In addition, and for continuous improvement purposes, prior to the renewal of ongoing programmatic funding, a recipient will be required to complete an evaluation or assessment of their language plan or work plan. The recipient will share the assessment or evaluation report with the Department.

Managing conflict of interest

It is necessary to avoid actual conflicts of interest and any situation that might cause doubt in objectivity. For recipients receiving funds as a managing organization, a managing conflict of interest procedure needs to be developed and put in place to ensure accountability to First Nations within the respective region.

Recipients that receive and/or manage the adjudication and administration of the funding of the program must demonstrate transparency and accountability in their policies and processes.

This includes having:

• a publicly available conflict of interest policy
• written standards, policies and procedures on the project selection process for funding
• a publicly available list of successful proponents

Individuals or organizations cannot participate in the evaluation of a proposal in the following situations:

• the individual or organization has assisted in the preparation of the proposal, is an employee of the applicant, has provided consulting services, in any capacity, to the organization submitting the proposal, or may in the future
• the individual or organization will be a team member on the proposed project
• the individual or organization is a relative or close friend of any of the employees of the management team of the eligible recipient which submitted a proposal

Conflicts of interest may arise during the review of proposals. These situations need to be managed in an open and transparent manner.

Should a situation arise that presents a real or potential conflict of interest during the review process, the impacted individuals must recuse themselves from the deliberations concerning the specific proposal.

Workplace well-being

The Government of Canada is strongly committed to promoting healthy workplaces where harassment, abuse and discrimination are not tolerated. Organizations that receive funding from Canadian Heritage must take measures to create a workplace free from harassment, abuse and discrimination.

Public health guidance

Canadian Heritage expects that applicants will act in compliance with applicable statutes, laws, bylaws, regulations, orders, codes, standards, directives and guidelines governing the activities for which funding is being sought, including those related to public health and safety due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other requirements

While supporting efforts to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen First Nations languages and to preserve and revitalize First Nations cultures, Canadian Heritage is subjected to legislations, such as the Official Languages Act. If you receive funding, you agree to comply with the requirements that are set out in your funding agreement, when applicable.

Acknowledgement of financial assistance

If an applicant receives funding, an applicant must publicly acknowledge – in English, in French – the financial support received from the Government of Canada in all communications materials and promotional activities. Additional requirements may be included in the funding agreement.

For additional information, please refer to our Guide on the public acknowledgement of financial support.

Access to information requests

Canadian Heritage is subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. The information an applicant submits in their application may be disclosed in accordance with these Acts.

Disclosure of information

By submitting the funding application, the applicant authorizes Canadian Heritage to disclose any information submitted with this application within the Government of Canada or to outside entities such as the review committee for the following purposes:

• to reach a decision;
• to evaluate the results of the activity; and
• to support transparency, accountability and citizen engagement.

Audits of recipients and evaluation of the Program

Canadian Heritage reserves the right to audit an applicant’s accounts and records to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of their funding agreement. Canadian Heritage also conducts periodic program evaluations, during which an applicant may be required to present documentation. An applicant must keep any records, documents, or other information that may be required to perform the audit or the evaluations for five years. Demonstrated failure to maintain such records may result in the repayment of amounts previously received.

Contact us

For further information, contact the Indigenous Languages Branch at Canadian Heritage:

Email:

autochtone-indigenous@pch.gc.ca

Telephone:

819-934-1405

Toll-free:

1-866-811-0055

TTY:

1-888-997-3123

Agents are available to answer your questions Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (ET).

Glossary

Although some terms and definitions do not appear in the application guidelines for the Indigenous Languages Component–First Nations Languages Funding Model, applicants may come across these terms in associated documents that they may have to review as part of the application process.

Audited financial report

An audited financial report includes a statement of operations for the given period with regard to the activity and is prepared by a certified accountant who is not part of your organization.

Audited financial statements

A complete set of financial statements including a statement of financial position; a statement of operations; and a statement of changes in financial position. Audited financial statements are completed by a certified accountant who is not part of your organization. The certified accountant performs auditing activities in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Cash flow

A presentation of all anticipated revenues and planned expenses that will occur over the length of your activity. At the beginning of your activity, your cash flow will have only forecasted revenues and expenses. Over time, your cash flow will be updated to reflect the actual revenues and expenses.

Evaluation or Assessment

Periodical evaluations or assessment led by First Nations communities and organizations to ensure that language plans outcomes and objectives are being met and with the purpose of supporting continuous improvement in the efforts of First Nations communities and organization to revitalize their First Nations languages.

For the implementation of the evaluation or assessment recommendations, Canadian Heritage will request that the recipient of ongoing programmatic funding share any evaluation report that was developed by the First Nations communities or organizations.

Final financial report

A final financial report includes, as separate items, the budget as well as all of the revenues realized, and expenditures incurred for the given period with regard to the activity being funded.

First Nations Organization

“First Nations Organization” refers to an organization that is owned and controlled by First Nations persons, including a First Nations-owned corporation or a First Nations controlled non-profit organization, which directly delivers language revitalization services or that otherwise supports the delivery of language revitalization services.

Financial statements

A complete set of financial statements, including a statement of financial position; a statement of operations; and a statement of changes in financial position. Financial statements may be audited or unaudited.

Good Standing Organization:

In order to be eligible, the applicant must be in good standing with the Department of Canadian Heritage, meaning that there are no compliance issues with past contribution agreements, including unjustified late reports (more than 12 months late) or issues for which there would be a recovery that is still not refunded yet.

Indigenous communities

Indigenous communities are First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

Interim reports

Interim reports are submitted during your activity based on the requirements in the funding agreement. These reports indicate the results of the activities undertaken for a specific period. In addition, they include a status report on the work to be accomplished and updated revenue and expense reports.

Language Plan

A language revitalization plan is a holistic document that incorporates community-wide language revitalization strategies that are supported by First Nations communities or recognized First Nations Regionally Designated Organizations. The plan covers multiple years and may consider all appropriate domains of language revitalization work, including the creation of new First Nations fluent speakers. Hence, what constitutes a language plan will differ from community to community.

Official-Language Minority Communities

The official-language minority communities are the Anglophone communities residing in Quebec and the Francophone communities residing outside of Quebec.

Ongoing programmatic funding

Ongoing programmatic funding represents a new stream that support the transition away from proposal-based funding. Ongoing programmatic (“core-like”) funding is more appropriate for the language revitalization than annual or multi-year proposal-based funding because the funding is ongoing, predictable, and does not have to be applied for. Ongoing/core funding is also flexible in the hands of the recipient for a variety of language revitalization purposes, as described in the language plan.

Volunteer

An individual working on behalf of others without receiving financial or material gain.

Work Plan

A work plan is a guiding document that provides a framework for a project in regard to language revitalization activities. It outlines the goals, targets and outcomes of the project, timelines, budget, the tasks to be completed and who is responsible for the work including reporting on outcomes.