Application Guidelines – Community Life component – Cooperation with the Community Sector subcomponent

Development of Official-Language Communities Program

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Objectives and expected results for the Community Life component

The Community Life component enables the federal government to work with partners to offer official-language minority communities (English-speaking communities in Quebec and the Francophone communities residing outside Quebec) access to services in their own language, as well as the infrastructure necessary to ensure their growth and development.
The objectives of the Community Life component include the following:

  • to foster the implementation of activities and projects or programming that ensure the long-term development of official-language minority communities in key sectors;
  • to help expand and diversify the range of partners working together towards the development of official-language minority communities;
  • to help make official-language minority communities more inclusive;
  • to help provincial and territorial governments and their creations foster the growth of official-language minority communities by providing them with, in accordance with the development priorities identified by the communities, services in English in Quebec and in French outside Quebec, as well as the necessary infrastructure to provide these services.

The expected results of the Community life component include the following:

  • Offer of activities and services designed for official-language minority communities by community organizations;
  • Offer of activities and services designed to strengthen and ensure visibility of official-language minority communities’ action in the areas of arts, culture and heritage;
  • Offer of minority-language services by provincial and territorial governments, in areas other than education.

Objectives and expected results for the Cooperation with the Community Sector subcomponent

The purpose of the Cooperation with the Community Sector subcomponent is to support engagement by community organizations and strengthen their ability to act in order to obtain measurable gains in terms of community vitality, as well as to encourage innovation and excellence.

The expected results of the Cooperation with the Community Sector subcomponent include the following:

  • Offer of activities and services designed for official-language minority communities by community organizations.

Application deadlines

Programming funding
Organizations Deadline
  • National organizations
October 1
Regions
  • Quebec
September 20
  • Alberta
  • British Columbia
  • Manitoba
  • New Brunswick
  • Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Northwest Territories
  • Nova Scotia
  • Nunavut
  • Ontario
  • Prince Edward Island
  • Saskatchewan
  • Yukon
October 1

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

Project funding

Two-step process
Organizations Letter of intent deadline (New) Funding application deadline
  • National organizations
N/A November 15
Regions
  • Prince Edward Island
  • Manitoba
  • New Brunswick
  • Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Northwest Territories
  • Nova Scotia
  • Nunavut
  • Saskatchewan
  • Dedicated Funds for the English-Speaking Communities of Quebec
N/A November 15
  • Alberta
  • British Columbia
  • Ontario
  • Yukon
September 1 November 15

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 programming or project funding, your organization must be:

  • a Canadian non-profit organization, duly registered;
  • an association or institution;
  • a Canadian foundation; or
  • a Canadian for-profit organization (solely for non-profit activities).

These bodies must represent the interests of official-language minority communities. Their missions, mandates or the majority of their activities must support and assist the development and enhance the vitality of official-language minority communities nationally, provincially, regionally or locally.

Individuals, government organizations, universities, school, school boards, foreign institutions and 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

Programming funding

To be eligible for funding under the Cooperation with the Community Sector subcomponent, your programming must carry out ongoing regular activities related to development issues in the community or in the area being supported. The funds aim to support the ongoing commitment and actions of organizations. They cover expenses related to activities and organizations’ operation costs. The priority will be given to activities that have a lasting effect on the community or the area being supported, that is to say that strengthen relations between community stakeholders and help build the sector being supported.

Project funding

To be eligible for funding under the Cooperation with the Community Sector subcomponent, your project must carry out one-time activities and whose implementation does not require ongoing funding. The priority will be given to projects that address current issues or are innovative, such as projects which help develop areas that are largely unexplored or underserved.

Eligible expenses

We will only fund expenses related to your programming or project. These expenses must be in cash and in-kind value. These may include the following:

  • costs to set up, deliver and monitor programs, services, activities and projects (cultural activities program, volunteer training program, recreation, cultural services, community communication services, etc.);
  • costs related to studies or analyses carried out for the purpose of developing programs, services or activities essential to development of official-language minority communities; and
  • administrative costs, including, but not limited to, auditing and evaluation costs and other administrative overhead related to the funded activities.

Expenses related to international activities are not eligible.

We cannot fund expenses incurred before we receive your application. If you incur expenses for your programming or 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 Cooperation with the Community Sector 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 $7 million per fiscal year in the case of contributions.

The maximum contribution amount payable to the initial recipient in the case of further distribution of funding is $7 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 and continued financial viability.

How to apply

For a:

  • programming or project funding application at the national level;
  • regional programming funding application; or
  • regional project funding application (Atlantic, Quebec and Prairie and Northern regions only).

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

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 Cooperation with the Community Sector subcomponent and the following supporting documents:

  • a document describing the links with the objectives of the Cooperation with the Community Sector subcomponent:
    • the official-language issue(s) that led the organization to submit an application (an official-language issue is defined as what fosters or restricts the use of the minority language);
    • what must be changed, improved or maintained?
  • a description of proposed programming, services, activities or projects;
  • a clear statement of expected results along with the performance indicators for the duration of the project;
  • if applicable, a description of priorities linked to the development of communities, or the area of intervention;
  • 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;
  • if applicable, a description of measures taken with respect to communication and outreach activities targeting the other official-language group;
  • 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;
  • a copy of your organization’s most recent financial statements, audited, if available;
  • a proof of authority and delegation of signing authority;
  • an acknowledgment confirming an absence of conflict of interest; and
  • a letter confirming your organization’s commitment to provide information on results.

For a regional project funding application (Ontario and Western regions only) New

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

Contact your respective regional office to request a Letter of Intent form.

A two-step process

The first step consists of completing 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 a funding 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 Cooperation with the Community Sector subcomponent and the supporting documents listed above.

Application process

For a:

  • programming or project funding application at the national level;
  • regional programming funding application; or
  • regional project funding application (Atlantic, Prairie and Northern regions only)

You must complete and sign the Application form – Official Languages Support Programs (PDF format) by selecting the Cooperation with the Community Sector subcomponent from the drop-down list, affix the date, and attach all the required supporting documents.

To apply for funding at the national level, please submit your complete funding application package by email to dglo-olsp@pch.gc.ca.

To apply for funding at a regional level, please consult the list of the regional offices of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

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.

For a regional project funding application (Ontario and Western regions only) New

Step 1

Contact your respective regional office to request a Letter of Intent form.

  • You must complete and submit your Letter of Intent form by email; 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 Cooperation with the Community Sector subcomponent from the drop-down list, affix the date, and attach all the required supporting documents.

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

To apply for funding at a regional level, please consult the list of the regional offices of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

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 activities and projects that have clear objectives and measurable results. Funding decisions are based on the number and quality of applications received for each Cooperation with the Community Sector 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 Cooperation with the Community Sector subcomponent
  • The proposed issues are relevant in terms of community vitality
  • The proposed activities are relevant to the situation described
  • Links with the community’s development priorities, or the area of intervention, if any
  • The activities are funded from various funding sources
  • The activities are supported by a variety of quality partners
  • The expected outcomes will have a real impact on the target clientele
  • The proposed performance measurements are relevant
  • The budget is proportional to the proposed activities
  • Contribution to increasing inclusiveness of official-language minority communities, if applicable

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 funding is provided

For programming or for projects, 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 programming activities or 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 for your programming, you are required to submit audited financial statements.

If you receive $250,000 or more as a contribution for your project, you are required to submit an audited financial report.

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.

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
Official Languages Branch
Department of Canadian Heritage
Cooperation with the Community Sector subcomponent
15 Eddy St, 7th Floor
Gatineau QC J8X 4B3
Contact
Regional offices of the Department of Canadian Heritage
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 Cooperation with the Community Sector 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.
Programming
Funding provided to organizations to cover the cost of eligible, regular and ongoing activities that help to achieve the objectives and expected outcomes of a Department program. In addition, funds may only be used to cover eligible expenses, as specified in the program’s terms and conditions.

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