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Application Guidelines – Minority-Language Education component – Cooperation with the Non-Governmental Sector subcomponent

Development of Official-Language Communities Program

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Objectives and expected results for the Minority-Language Education component

The Minority-Language Education component supports the delivery by provinces and territories of educational programs and services to English-speaking communities in Quebec and Francophone communities outside Quebec. It includes all levels of education, aims at increasing the production and dissemination of knowledge, innovative methods and tools to support teaching in the language of the minority.

The objectives of the Minority-Language Education component are:

  • to help provincial and territorial governments, directly or through the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC), provide English-speaking communities in Quebec and Francophone communities outside Quebec with education in their own language, which means:
    • to prepare students eligible for minority-language education (preschool, francization, etc.);
    • to attract and retain a larger percentage of eligible students for minority-language education;
    • to foster the integration of eligible students with inadequate linguistic skills into the minority school;
    • within provincial and territorial legislation, to foster the integration of new arrivals whose first official language is that of the linguistic minority into the minority school system;
    • to support minority-language teaching through up-to-date educational programs and activities in primary and secondary schools;
    • to implement and consolidate Francophone school governance in minority communities;
    • to support post-secondary education in the minority language, including distance education and the development of a virtual post-secondary education network;
    • to facilitate access to post-secondary education;
  • to help increase the number of teachers in the minority system and contribute to their development;
  • to enable more Canadians at the post-secondary level to become full-time or part-time monitors of French as a first language in the minority system or at post-secondary institutions;
  • to enable more Canadians to improve their first-language skills;
  • to contribute to the research and dissemination of knowledge, methods and tools related to minority-language education.

The expected results of the Minority-Language Education component include the following:

  • offer of provincial and territorial education programs and activities in the language of official-language minority communities;
  • offer of innovative methods and tools related to minority-language education and knowledge dissemination;
  • offer of language-assistant positions for French as first official language and for summer bursaries in French training.

Objectives and expected results for the Cooperation with the Non-Governmental Sector subcomponent

The Cooperation with the Non-Governmental Sector subcomponent aims to increase the production and dissemination of knowledge, innovative methods and tools to support minority-language education through projects or initiatives:

  • designed to have an impact on many communities, preferably in more than one province or territory or nationwide; and
  • aimed at all or a substantial proportion (in terms also of geographical representation) of one of Canada’s two linguistic minority communities.

The expected results of the Cooperation with the Non-Governmental subcomponent include the following:

  • offer of innovative methods and tools related to minority-language education and knowledge dissemination.

Application deadlines

Programming funding

September 20

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

Project funding

November 22

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 involved in educational activities; or
  • a Canadian non-profit professional association representing one of the two official-language communities in Canada.

Individuals, government bodies, schools, school boards and foreign 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 Non-Governmental Sector subcomponent, your programming must include regular and ongoing activities that address issues in the area being supported. The priority will be given to activities that have a lasting effect and strengthen relations between stakeholders. The funds support the ongoing commitment and actions of organizations. They cover expenditures related to the activities and organizations’ operating costs.

Project funding

To be eligible for funding under the Cooperation with the Non-Governmental Sector subcomponent, your project must carry out one-time activities that do not require ongoing funding. The priority will be given to activities that are innovative or address current issues specific to the area being supported.

Eligible expenses

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

  • costs related to the dissemination of existing research projects documents as well as methods and tools to support minority-language education that are likely to facilitate learning; and
  • administrative overhead related to the funded activities.

The following expenses are not eligible:

  • capital projects;
  • course development expenses;
  • activities of an international scope.

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 Non-Governmental 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 $75 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 $75 million per fiscal year. The maximum amount payable by the initial recipient to the final recipient is $5 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

Read these 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 Non-Governmental Sector subcomponent (Minority-Language) and the following supporting documents:

  • 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 description of proposed programming, services, activities or projects;
  • a clear statement of expected results along with performance indicators for the duration of the project;
  • a document describing the links with the objectives of the Cooperation with the Non-Governmental Sector subcomponent;
  • a document describing the links with issues related to minority-language education;
  • 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;
  • a copy of your organization’s most recent financial statements, audited, if available;
  • a proof of authority and delegation of signing authority; and
  • a letter confirming your organization’s commitment to provide information on results.

Application process

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

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 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 Non-Governmental 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

  • Demonstration of the organization’s commitment to issues related to minority-language education.
  • The project is consistent with the objectives of the Cooperation with the Non-Governmental Sector subcomponent.
  • Links with issues related to minority-language education.
  • The proposed needs and activities are relevant to the situation described.
  • The scope of the project or initiative is provided.
  • The expected results will have a real impact on the target clientele;
  • The proposed performance measurements are relevant;
  • The 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 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 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 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.

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
Official Languages Support Programs
Department of Canadian Heritage
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 Cooperation with the Non-Governmental 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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