Application Guidelines – Second-Language Learning component – Cooperation with the Non-Governmental Sector subcomponent

Objectives and expected results for the of Second-Language Learning Component

The Second-Language Learning component aims to support the supply of programs and activities for the instruction of English and French as second official languages at all levels of learning. The purpose for this component is also to increase the production and dissemination of knowledge, innovative methods, and tools to support second-language instruction.

The objectives of the Second-Language Learning component are:

• to assist provincial and territorial governments, directly or through the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC), in providing instruction in English and French as second official languages;
• to help increase the number of teachers of English and French as second official languages and to contribute to their professional development;
• to allow a greater number of Canadians at the post-secondary level to become full-time or part-time monitors of English or French as second official languages in the school system or at post-secondary institutions;
• to provide Canadians with the opportunity to use their knowledge of Canada’s two official languages while working as much as possible in their field of study;
• to allow a greater number of Canadians to learn English or French as a second official language and to improve their language skills;
• to make learning English and French as second official languages a culturally and socially rewarding experience;
• to contribute to the research and dissemination of the knowledge, methods and tools pertaining to the teaching of English and French as second official languages.

The expected results of the Second-Language Learning component include the following:

• Offer of provincial and territorial programs and activities related to learning English and French as a second official languages.
• Offer of innovative methods and tool for the teaching of English and French, as a second official languages, and knowledge dissemination.
• Offer of official-language assistant positions and of summer language bursaries.

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, methods and tools to support teaching of a second language through projects or initiatives designed to have an impact on many communities, preferably in more than one province or territory or nationwide.

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

• Offer of innovative methods and tool for the teaching of English and French, as a second official languages, and knowledge dissemination.

French Second Language Learning from Early Childhood - pilot project

Exposure to the French language in early childhood promotes the learning of the language in later grades and contributes to an improvement of bilingualism in Canada. It also broadens children's cultural horizons and stimulates their attachment to, and interest in, Francophone cultures and the history of the French language in Canada.

The pilot project aims to support the learning of French as a second language from early childhood.

The information that follows below applies to the Cooperation with the Non-Governmental Sector subcomponent, as well as the French Second Language Learning from Early Childhood - pilot project, unless indicated otherwise.

Application deadlines

Who can apply

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

Cooperation with the Non-Governmental Sector subcomponent

• a Canadian non-profit organization, duly registered;
• a Canadian non-profit professional association.

Individuals and government bodies, schools, school boards and foreign organizations are not eligible.

French Second Language Learning from Early Childhood - pilot project

• a Canadian not-for-profit organization, duly registered;
• a Canadian not-for-profit professional association;
• a for-profit organization for not-for-profit activities (e.g.: daycares or childcare centers).

Individuals, governments, and foreign organizations are not eligible.

Eligibility

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

Eligible projects

Eligible expenses

We will only provide funding to cover expenses related to your programming or project. These expenses must be in cash and may include the following:

Cooperation with the Non-Governmental Sector subcomponent

• costs related to research and the dissemination of knowledge, methods and tools to support the teaching of English or French as a second language that are to facilitate learning;
• administrative overhead related to the funded activities.

French Second Language Learning from Early Childhood - pilot project

Eligible expenses include:

• costs related to the research and dissemination of knowledge, methods or tools;
• costs related to the development of pedagogical tools and activities;
• costs related to the support or development of learning specialists;
• administrative costs including evaluation and other general administrative costs related to the funded activities. The maximum amount that the Recipient may claim for administrative costs will be set out in the Contribution Agreement, where applicable.

The following expenses are not eligible for both Cooperation with the Non-Governmental Sector subcomponent and French Second Language Learning from Early Childhood - pilot project:

• capital projects;
• activities with 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.

Cooperation with the Non-Governmental Sector subcomponent

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 $50 million per fiscal year in the case of contributions.

Applying for more than 12 months

You must demonstrate that you have the capacity to complete the project. This can be done by presenting a reasonable project timeline and budget forecast and demonstrating sound governance and ongoing financial viability.

Cooperation with the Non-Governmental Sector subcomponent

You may request funding for a project spanning more than 12 months. You must 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.

French Second Language Learning from Early Childhood - pilot project

This is a two-year pilot project for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, for which funding has already been allocated. No further funding application will be received at this time.

How to apply

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

You must meet all 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 (Second-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 document describing the links with the objectives of the Cooperation with the Non-Governmental subcomponent;
• a clear statement of expected results along with performance indicators for the duration of the funding;
• a document describing the links with issues related to second-language learning;
• 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 and by-laws, if applicable;
• a copy of the most recent financial statements of your organization (audited, if possible);
• a document confirming the signing authority of your organization; and
• a letter confirming your organization’s commitment to share the information on project 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 (Second-Language) from the drop-down list, affix the date on the form, and attach all the supporting documents required.

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 provide funding for activities and projects that have clear objectives and measurable results. Funding decisions are based on the number and quality of applications received for 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 second-language learning.
• The project is consistent with the objectives of the Cooperation with the Non-Governmental Sector subcomponent.
• Links with issues related to second-language learning.
• 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 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

For a 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 programing 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 terms and 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

Department of Canadian Heritage
Official Languages Branch
Cooperation with the Non-Governmental Sector 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 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.