Language selection

Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

Search

Application Guidelines – Promotion of Linguistic Duality component – Promotion of Bilingual Services subcomponent

Enhancement of Official Languages Program

On this page:

Objectives and expected results for the Promotion of Linguistic Duality component

The Promotion of Linguistic Duality component provides support for organizations in various sectors to help them undertake and carry out activities that promote a better understanding and appreciation of the linguistic and cultural benefits of knowing and using both of Canada’s official languages.

This component is also intended to promote the provision of services in both official languages and to build bilingual operational capacity within non-governmental organizations. The expected results of the Promotion of Linguistic Duality component include the following:

  • provision of activities and projects to enhance both official languages;
  • provision of activities and projects to bring Canadians together;
  • provision of services in both official languages within non-governmental organizations; and
  • provision of activities and projects to enhance French language and culture in Canada.

Objectives and expected results for the Promotion of Bilingual Services subcomponent

The Promotion of Bilingual Services subcomponent encourages various non-governmental organizations, particularly volunteer organizations, to provide services in English and French and to share their best practices in that area through innovative projects or initiatives designed to:

  • develop delivery models for bilingual services (action plan, policy development, pilot projects in organizations and businesses, feeder projects, mechanisms that can be exported to other organizations, etc.);
  • promote the benefits of bilingual services;
  • share best practices.

The expected results of the Promotion of Bilingual Services subcomponent include the following:

  • provision of services in both official languages within non-governmental organizations.

Application deadlines

Letter of Intent September 9
Funding application November 12

When an application deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday or statutory holiday, it is extended to the following working day.

Who can apply

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

  • a Canadian non-profit organization, duly registered;
  • an association or institution.

Individuals and government organizations are not eligible.

Eligibility

We are responsible for determining the eligibility of each applicant, its project and project-related expenses. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee funding.

Eligible projects

To be eligible for funding under the Promotion of Bilingual Services subcomponent, your project must contribute to innovative activities (e.g. the development of best practices and/or respond to emerging issues) that do not require ongoing funding.

Eligible expenses

Only project-related cash expenses are eligible; these may include:

  • all costs to carry out activities linked to the promotion of bilingual services.

Expenditures related to international activities are not eligible.

We cannot fund expenses incurred before we receive your application. 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 Promotion of Bilingual Services subcomponent and other levels of government (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal) cannot exceed 100% of the total costs of your project.

We can fund up to 100% of eligible expenses or $300,000 per fiscal year in the case of grants and 100% of eligible expenses or $5 million per fiscal year in the case of contributions.

The maximum contribution amount payable to an initial recipient in the case of further distribution of funding is $5 million per fiscal year. The maximum amount payable by the initial recipient to the final recipient is $2 million per fiscal year.

Applying for more than 12 months

You may request funding for a project spanning more than 12 months. You must then show that there is a need for a multi-year commitment and that you have the capacity to complete the project. This is demonstrated with a realistic project timeline and budget projections as well as sound governance.

How to apply

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

Contact us to request a Letter of Intent form.

A two-step process

The first step consists of filling out the Letter of Intent form. The information provided in your Letter of Intent form will allow us to determine the eligibility of your project proposal and its relevance to the current program subcomponent priorities.

We will acknowledge receipt of your Letter of Intent form within 10 business days after reception. If you do not receive an acknowledgement of receipt within 10 business days, you must contact us. We will assess your project proposal based on program evaluation criteria.

We will contact you within 15 business days of receipt of your form to inform you of the results of the evaluation of your project proposal as part of the first step.

The second step, if your project proposal is retained, consists of submitting the Application form.

Only organizations whose project proposals are retained will be invited to present a funding application. Presenting an application form does not guarantee funding.

You must meet all of the eligibility requirements and submit a complete funding application package for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will be rejected. A complete funding application package includes the Application form – Official Languages Support Programs (PDF format) for the Promotion of Bilingual Services subcomponent and the following supporting elements:

  • an assessment of the situation in the area concerned (along with a description of the facts that led to the submission of the application, and the rationale for selecting the proposed approach);
  • a document describing the links with the objectives of the Promotion of Bilingual Services subcomponent;
  • a description of proposed programming, services, activities or projects;
  • a clear statement of expected results along with performance indicators for the duration of the project;
  • an implementation schedule;
  • a budget that provides a breakdown of the estimated expenses and financial contributions for each section of the proposed programming, services, activities or projects;
  • a copy of your organization’s documents of incorporation or the application for incorporation (if in progress);
  • a copy of the articles and by-laws;
  • if applicable, a copy of your organization’s most recent financial statements, (audited if available); and
  • a letter confirming your organization’s commitment to provide information on results.

Application process

Step 1

Contact us to request a Letter of Intent form.

  • You must complete and submit your Letter of Intent form by email to: dglo-olsp@pch.gc.ca; and
  • Indicate the name of your organization and the name of the project in the subject line of your email.

Step 2 (only for project proposals that are retained)

You must complete and sign the Application form – Official Languages Support Programs (PDF format) by selecting the Promotion of Bilingual Services subcomponent from the drop-down list, affix the date, and attach all the required supporting elements.

Indicate the name of your organization and the name of the project in the subject line of your email.

Please submit your complete funding application package by email to: dglo-olsp@pch.gc.ca.

When an application deadline is identified, 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. Funding decisions are based on the number and quality of applications received for each Promotion of Bilingual Services subcomponent application deadline. Your application will be evaluated based on the Evaluation criteria below.

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

  • The project is consistent with the objectives of the Promotion of Bilingual Services subcomponent.
  • The project demonstrates the organization’s continued commitment to the promotion of bilingual services in Canada.
  • The proposed activities are relevant to the situation described.
  • Development of service delivery models that can be exported between organizations.
  • Projected outcomes will have a lasting effect.
  • The proposed performance measurements are relevant.
  • The applicant organization has the capacity to successfully carry out the activities.
  • The activities are supported by a variety of quality partners.
  • The activities are funded from various funding sources.
  • The budget is proportional to the proposed activities.

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

We reserve the right to target our funding to specific projects. Please note that all decisions regarding eligibility and funding amounts are final.

How the funding is provided

We will determine whether 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. If you receive $250,000 or more as a contribution, you are required to submit an audited financial report.

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

Anti-racism and anti-hate

Canadian Heritage is committed to address systemic racism, promote diversity, and create environments where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered. We strive to challenge discriminatory beliefs and practices, cultivate understanding and empathy, and champion policies and programs that advance equality for all.

Organizations receiving funding, including any representatives whether employees, consultants, or other persons directly affiliated with the organization, must take steps to ensure they respect the values underlying the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Human Rights Act, and Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy.

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.

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 related to the funded project. Additional requirements may be included in your funding agreement.

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

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 promote 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

Address
Department of Canadian Heritage
Official Languages Branch
Promotion of Bilingual Services subcomponent
15 Eddy Street, 7th Floor
Gatineau, Quebec
J8X 4B3
Email
dglo-olsp@pch.gc.ca
Telephone
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, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ET).

Glossary

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.
Final recipient
Refers to an individual or organization that benefits directly from the recipient’s activities.
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.
Initial recipient
Initial recipient refers to an organization that is eligible to receive a contribution under the Promotion of Bilingual Services subcomponent and is to further distribute funds to final recipients.
Innovative project
Introduces a new idea or practice to improve a service or create opportunities for gatherings involving both official-language communities on a linguistic and cultural level. This innovative practice can be a new best practice or may address current issues.
Interim report
Interim reports are submitted during your project based on the requirements in your 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.
Official-language minority communities
The official-language minority communities are the English-speaking communities residing in Quebec and the Francophone communities residing outside of Quebec.

Page details

Date modified: