Application Guidelines – Reopening Fund

Current status: Closed

PLEASE NOTE: The application intake is now closed and financing is no longer available through the Reopening Fund. For further information on other funding opportunities, please visit: Funding – Culture, history and sport.

Celebration and Commemoration Program

On this page

• Objectives for the Celebration and Commemoration Program
• Objectives and expected results for the Reopening Fund
• Application deadline
• Who can apply
• Eligibility
• Eligible projects
• Eligible expenses
• Limits of government assistance
• Project duration
• How to apply
• Application process
• Email submissions
• How applications are evaluated
• Evaluation criteria
• Application processing time
• Funding decisions
• How funding is provided
• Funding conditions
• Workplace well-being
• Public Health Guidance
• Official languages requirements
• Acknowledgement of financial assistance
• Impact Assessment Act
• Access to information requests
• Disclosure of information
• Audits of recipients and evaluation of the Program
• Contact us
• Glossary

Objectives for the Celebration and Commemoration Program

The Celebration and Commemoration Program is comprised of two components: Celebrate Canada and Commemorate Canada. The Program aims to:

• provide access to celebrations across Canada to enable all Canadians to appreciate Canada’s cultural, ethnic, linguistic and geographic diversity;
• provide access to commemorations and celebrations of national significance to all Canadians to recognize Canada’s notable people, places, symbols, anniversaries and accomplishments; and
• create opportunities for all Canadians to participate in national celebrations and commemorations that contribute to building a sense of pride and belonging to Canada.

Objectives and expected results for the Reopening Fund

This one-year funding initiative, available through the Celebration and Commemoration Program, will provide funding to eligible recipients to support initiatives that will:

• increase opportunities for Canadians to participate in various commemorative activities and celebrations to mark Canada’s emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic; or
• build a sense of pride and belonging to Canada by holding celebratory and commemorative activities that recognize people and achievements in the response to COVID-19 ; and / or
• support the revival of local economies through in person events.

Application deadline

The application intake is now closed.

Who can apply

To be eligible for funding, your organization must be a:

• Canadian not-for-profit organization: corporation, trust, cooperative, or unincorporated association;
• Canadian for-profit organization where proposed projects are non-commercial in nature;
• Canadian educational institution; or
• Canadian provincial/territorial, municipal government, Indigenous government (or equivalent authority) or another municipal, provincial or territorial institution.

The following are not eligible:

• private individuals, and political parties; and
• federal departments, their institutions and portfolio agencies.

Organizations may apply either individually or as partners in a joint project. In the case of partnerships, one organization must assume the lead role and responsibility for the project.

When third party delivery organizations are involved, the primary recipient of funding received through a contribution agreement must ensure that the ultimate recipients who receive financial assistance are eligible recipients under these eligibility criteria.

Eligibility

The Program is responsible for determining the eligibility of each applicant, its project and project-related expenses.

Requests for funding may exceed our available resources. If your organization is eligible, submitting an application does not guarantee funding.

Note: Organizations who receive funding from other Government of Canada‘s recovery or reopening funding programs may be rendered ineligible.

Eligible projects

To be eligible for funding from the Celebration and Commemoration Reopening Fund, your project must:

• be free of charge (no admission fees or donation required for entry);
• be open to the general public and promoted as such;
• support the revival of local economies after the hardship of the pandemic;
• commemorate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, either as a general theme or by specifically honouring first responders, front-line workers, communities; or pay tribute to lives lost; or
• provide an opportunity for Canadians impacted by COVID-19 to share their stories, experiences and contributions during the course of the pandemic in Canada.

Examples of eligible projects:

• one-time celebratory or commemorative events that encourage participation and engagement;
• commemorative gardens or monuments (not exceeding $100,000); and
• educational and awareness material, exhibits or documentaries.

The project must not be designed for fundraising for operational purposes or generate commercial advantage or profit.

Eligible expenses

Only project-related expenses, which can be of cash and in-kind value, are eligible. These may include:

• administration expenses (i.e. salaries, mailing, printing, photocopying) – which may not exceed 15% of the total project contribution;
• artists and performers expenses;
• arts and heritage expenses (i.e. design and planning fees, material/labour and installation costs);
• consultant-professional fees (i.e. speaker, project manager, research, educational and learning material development, honoraria);
• event/venues expenses (i.e. venue and equipment rental, production costs);
• outreach expenses (i.e. lectures, workshops, travelling exhibits and tours);
• promotional, marketing and communications expenses (including translation and signage);
• hospitality expenses (i.e. traditional food for ceremonial purposes)^{Footnote *};
• volunteer expenses (training, uniforms or identifying material, food expenses);
• travel fees (local transportation, accommodation and meals)^{Footnote *}.

Ineligible costs / activities include, but are not limited to:

• costs related to major infrastructure such as building/restoration of roads, bridges, buildings and purchase of land;
• capital projects;
• projects that take place outside of Canada;
• lobbying activities, advocacy;
• ongoing activities^{Footnote **} (ex. core and operational funding, production and distribution of regular issues of magazines, periodicals or newsletters);
• fairs and festivals; and
• fundraising for operational purposes.

In-kind contributions are considered real contributions to the cost of the proposed project but are not reimbursable. Donated goods and services may be considered in-kind contributions if they:

• are essential to your project’s success;
• are eligible and would otherwise have to be purchased or paid for by you;
• can be measured at fair market value (i.e. in relation to similar goods and services); and
• are balanced by an equal revenue in your budget (i.e. total in-kind expenses equal total in-kind revenues).

We cannot fund expenses incurred before the application deadline date and cannot fund expenses incurred before April 1, 2022. If you incur expenses for your project before receiving written confirmation of your funding approval, you will be doing so at your own risk.

Limits of government assistance

To ensure the success of your project, we encourage you to have other funding sources. This may include contributions from your organization, the private sector or other levels of government.

The total financial assistance received from the Celebration and Commemoration Reopening Fund and other levels of government (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal) cannot exceed 100% of your total project-related costs.

Project duration

Projects cannot exceed 12 months, and must take place between April 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023.

How to apply

Read these Application Guidelines in their entirety before completing your application.

Contact Commemorate Canada to request an application package.

If your funding request is over $1,000,000, please contact the program directly before submitting your application.

You must meet all eligibility requirements and submit a complete application package to be considered for funding.

A complete application package includes the application form and the following supporting documents:

• the Application Form, completed and signed (Part F – Declarations and Agreements);
• a project budget / cashflow ;
• proof of legal status of your organization;
  • copy of the letters patent or incorporating documents, or
  • in the case of an unincorporated group, the Unincorporated Applicant Acceptance of Responsibility Form is completed (Part I of the Application Form)
• direct deposit enrollment request form (Part G of the Application Form);
• the Delegation of Signing Authority form completed or acceptable alternate documentation (Part H of the Application Form);
• the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Service of Canada and Lobbyists Registration Act form completed (if applicable) (details provided in the Application Form);
• the Event Liability Waiver completed (if applicable) (details provided in Part J of the Application Form);
• confirmation of financial and/or in-kind support from other sources (if applicable);
• proof of liability insurance (if applicable);
• required documents as per Part K, and
• the most recent financial statements for clients requesting over $100,000.

Application process

• complete, sign and date the Application Form (electronic signature are accepted);
• attach all the required supporting documents; and
• submit your application by email.

Email submissions

We encourage you to submit your application package electronically to the following email address: fondsdereouverture-reopeningfund@pch.gc.ca

The email must be “sent” no later than 11:59 p.m. local time on the date of the application deadline for your application to be considered.

How applications are evaluated

We fund projects that have clear objectives and measurable results. Your application will be evaluated based on the evaluation criteria below by a review committee who will compare it with other applications and prioritize it in relation to the funds available.

Commemorate Canada consults with relevant entities to ensure that the proposed commemoration does not conflict or overlap with existing projects.

Failure to comply with any conditions of a previously funded project will be considered in the evaluation of your new application and could result in a rejection of your new application.

Evaluation criteria

Your application will be evaluated based on the following:

• project objectives: project objectives are aligned with the component’s objectives, are specific and clear;
• budget: the proposed budget expenses are eligible, reasonable and linked to the activities;
• expected results: are reasonable and achievable; and
• delivery: the applicant has the capacity to deliver the proposed project.

Funding priority may be given to:

• number of participants / size of the audience;
• celebratory activities that support the revival of local economies after the hardship of the pandemic;
• geographic distribution (other projects within the same proximity);
• demographic reach;
• diversity of projects; and
• projects that have funding from other sources.

Application processing time

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

We will acknowledge receipt of your application within two weeks of receiving your application in our office.

Funding decisions

Please note that decisions regarding eligibility and funding amounts are final.

How funding is provided

The Program will determine if funding will be disbursed as a grant or as a contribution.

A grant is a payment issued to a recipient for a project. The conditions you agreed to at the time of application will apply. At the end of your project, you may 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 your organization and by us and specifies the terms and conditions to receive payment. At the end of your project, you must submit a final report.

Funding conditions

You may be required to submit interim reports during your project and a final report is required if the funding is a contribution.

Additional conditions may apply and, if applicable, will be included in your funding agreement.

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

We expect that you 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.

Official languages requirements

We are committed to taking positive measures to enhance the vitality of official-language minority communities and to promote the use of English and French in Canadian society. If you receive funding, you agree to comply with the official languages requirements set out in your application and in your funding agreement.

Acknowledgement of financial assistance

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

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

Impact Assessment Act

If you receive funding, your project may be subject to the provisions of the Impact Assessment Act. If your activities are to be carried out on federal lands, we will contact you for additional information prior to the start of your project.

Access to information requests

We are subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. The information you submit in your application may be disclosed in accordance with these acts.

Disclosure of information

By submitting your funding application, you authorize us to disclose any information submitted with this application within the Government of Canada or to outside entities for the following purposes:

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

Audits of recipients and evaluation of the Program

We reserve the right to audit your accounts and records to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of your funding agreement. We also conduct periodic Program evaluations, during which you may be required to present documentation.

You must keep any records, documents, or other information that may be required to perform the audit or the evaluation for five years. Demonstrated failure to maintain such records may result in the repayment of amounts previously received.

Contact us

For further information, please contact us:

Department of Canadian Heritage
Commemorate Canada
25 Eddy Street
Gatineau, Quebec
J8X 4B5

Email:

fondsdereouverture-reopeningfund@pch.gc.ca

Telephone

819-997-0055
1-866-811-0055 (toll-free)

TTY

1-888-997-3123 (for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired)

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

Glossary

Administrative Costs

Costs associated with the general management of a project or organization, such as salaries and benefits, fees for services, bank charges and utilities (not exceeding 15% of total contribution). The Program can only reimburse administrative costs directly related to the proposed project. Administrative costs related to the general operation of an organization are not eligible for funding.

Audited financial report

An audited financial report includes a statement of operations for the given period with regard to the Project 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 project. At the beginning of your project, 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.

Capital Projects

Capital projects include but is not limited to the construction and/or renovation of a building or facility; the acquisition of equipment; and / or projects related to regular or routine maintenance of a building.

Demographic Reach

Demographics refer to selected population characteristics. This is understood to be in a specific geographical area, community and/or audience reach. Commonly-used demographics include ethnicity, age, income, disabilities, educational attainment, home ownership, employment status and location.

Equipment rental

Specialized equipment rental that is not permanently installed in a space. Examples for creation, production and/or presentation purposes include sound systems, lighting equipment, staging or rigging equipment, and multi-media equipment.

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 Project being funded.

Final report

A final report is submitted at the end of your project based on the requirements in the funding agreement. Your final report needs to provide the results of the activities you have undertaken for the duration of your project.

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.

Indigenous communities

Indigenous communities include First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

Interim reports

Interim reports are submitted during your project 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.

Liability insurance

Insurance for claims arising from injuries or damage to other people or property.

Major Infrastructure

Permanent buildings, roads, bridges, water lines, harbours etc.

Official-language minority communities

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

Volunteer

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