Application Guidelines — Post-Secondary Sector and Scientific Knowledge in French Support Fund New
Development of Official Language Communities Program
On this page:
- Objectives and Expected Results for the Minority-Language Education Component
- Objectives and expected results for the Post-Secondary Sector and Scientific Knowledge in French Support Fund subcomponent
- Application deadlines
- Eligibility
- Who can apply
- Eligible projects
- Eligible expenses
- Limits of Government Assistance
- Applying for more than 12 months
- How to apply
- Application process
- How applications are evaluated
- Evaluation criteria
- Application processing time
- Funding decisions
- How funding is provided
- Funding conditions
- Anti-racism and anti-hate
- 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 Program
- Contact us
- Glossary
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, and aims to increase 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 Post-Secondary Sector and Scientific Knowledge in French Support Fund subcomponent
The objectives of the Post-Secondary Sector and Scientific Knowledge in French Support Fund subcomponent are:
- 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 in the language of the minority, so as to enable more Canadians to improve their first language skills;
- to contribute to research and dissemination of knowledge, methods and tools so as to support minority-language education.
The expected result of the subcomponent includes:
- a wider range of services and programs, resources and tools related to minority-language education in the post-secondary sector, and increased dissemination of scientific knowledge in French.
More specifically, the projects must contribute to:
Support for the Post-Secondary Sector
- stabilizing and strengthening the minority-language post-secondary education sector;
- increasing collaboration between Official Language Minority Community (OLMC) organizations and post-secondary institutions serving these communities;
- expanding and diversifying the range of partnerships to improve service and program offerings and access to quality post-secondary education in the minority language;
- fostering the development of minority-language post-secondary education through initiatives aimed at collaboration, mobility or sharing of resources among eligible post-secondary institutions.
Scientific Knowledge in French
- contributing to the dissemination and promotion of scientific knowledge in French;
- promoting better mobilization of scientific knowledge in French;
- strengthening exchanges, linkages and networking between the scientific community and target partners;
- having a strategic impact on the future of Official-Language Minority Communities (OLMC) and target populations.
Application deadlines
Project funding
Support for the Post-Secondary Sector
November 4
When an application deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or statutory holiday, it is extended to the following working day.
Scientific Knowledge in French
Applications for funding may be submitted at any time during the fiscal year.
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.
Who can apply
Support for the Post-Secondary Sector
Eligible organizations include:
- Canadian professional associations;
- Canadian non-profit organizations within the meaning of the law;
- institutions, including post-secondary institutions that offer programs in the minority language or that address a need of one or more official language minority communities.Footnote 1
The following are not eligible:
- individuals and researchers;
- government agencies;
- elementary and secondary schools and school boards;
- foreign organizations.
Scientific Knowledge in French
Eligible organizations include:
- Canadian professional associations;
- Canadian non-profit organizations within the meaning of the law;
- institutions, including post-secondary institutions that offer programs in French;
- foundations, for non-profit activities.
The following are not eligible:
- individuals and researchers;
- government agencies;
- elementary and secondary schools and school boards;
- foreign organizations.
Eligible projects
Support for the Post-Secondary Sector
To be eligible for funding under the Post-Secondary Sector and Scientific Knowledge in French Support Fund subcomponent, your project must:
- be regional, provincial/territorial or national in scope;Footnote 2
- entail concrete, tangible spin-offs or a leveraging effect for the post-secondary sector in official language minority communities;
- address specific issues or pressing needs peculiar to official language minority communities identified by the sector and its stakeholders;
- clearly demonstrate that the deliverables can help improve access to, strengthen and develop the minority-language post-secondary sector.
The following are not eligible:
Projects that support the regular programming of post-secondary institutions or that support the development of programs within a single institution.
Scientific Knowledge in French
To be eligible for funding under the Post-Secondary Sector and Scientific Knowledge in French Support Fund subcomponent, your project must:
- be regional, provincial/territorial or national in scope;
- contribute to the mobilization of research and scientific knowledge in French;
- have clearly identified target audiences;
- entail concrete, tangible spin-offs for one or more communities or segments of the Canadian population;
- present a detailed mobilization plan that includes the means or mechanisms for increasing the dissemination, circulation or mobilization of knowledge and research in French.
The following are not eligible:
Projects involving the translation or interpretation of information produced in a language other than French.
Eligible expenses
Support for the Post-Secondary Sector
Only project-related cash expenses are eligible; these may include:
- the costs of implementing projects contributing to the development or strengthening of the minority-language post-secondary sector in priority areas identified by the Department and as set out in each call for proposals.
The following are not eligible:
- expenses related to international activities;
- expenses related to ongoing academic programming activities, including teaching, student support within a single post-secondary institution or any other activity funded under the bilateral agreements on minority-language education between the federal government and a province or territory.
Scientific Knowledge in French
Only project-related cash expenses are eligible; these may include:
- the costs of implementing activities contributing to the mobilization of knowledge in French within target populations or official language communities.
The following are not eligible:
- expenses related to international activities.
If funding is approved, we may fund eligible expenses incurred prior to the receipt of your application or the application deadline, provided they have not been incurred prior to April 1 of the fiscal year for which funding has been granted. 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 Post-Secondary Sector and Scientific Knowledge in French Support Fund 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. Limits per fiscal year and terms of agreements (grants or contributions) will be determined by the program and may be subject to change.
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 realistic budget projections, as well as sound governance and continued financial viability.
How to apply
Please read the complete application guidelines before preparing your application.
You must meet all eligibility requirements and submit a complete funding application package to be considered for funding. Incomplete applications may be rejected.
A complete funding application package includes the Application Form signed by one or more authorized signatories and the following supporting documents:
- 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 or any legal document attesting to the institution’s legal framework;
- for funding requests over $100,000, a copy of your organization’s most recent financial statements, audited, if available. Institutions, including post-secondary institutions, are exempt from submitting financial statements.
- a proof of authority and delegation of signing authority;
- a commitment to collect the appropriate information requested by the Program to determine whether the project results have been achieved;
- a letter of support from the respective province or territory (in the case of applications from post-secondary institutions).
To obtain a funding application kit and instructions, please contact us at the following email address: dglo-olsp@pch.gc.ca.
Please specify in your email if you intend to submit your application under Support for the Post-Secondary Sector or Support for Scientific Knowledge in French.
Application process
You must complete and sign the application form for the Post-Secondary Sector Support Fund or Support for Scientific Knowledge in French subcomponent, date it and attach all 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 Post-Secondary Sector and Scientific Knowledge in French Support Fund 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
Support for the Post-Secondary Sector
- Relevance of the needs or issues presented in relation to the proposed project;
- Demonstration of the importance or necessity of this project in terms of the accessibility, diversity and quality of post-secondary program offerings in minority settings;
- Clarity and specificity of the target deliverables and results, with a specific timeframe;
- Link between the applicant’s mandate and the proposed activities;
- Level of collaboration established between the partners;
- Project spin-offs, as measured by the quality of the performance targets and indicators provided;
- Applicant’s capacity to carry out the project on time.
Scientific Knowledge in French
- Relevance of the needs or issues presented in relation to the proposed project;
- Concrete impact on the mobilization and dissemination of scientific knowledge in French;
- Demonstration of the importance or necessity of the project and in engaging the target communities or audiences;
- Clarity and specificity of the deliverables and results targeted by the project, with a specific timeframe;
- Benefits of the proposed project for target audiences, accompanied by performance indicators;
- Applicant’s capacity to carry out the project on time.
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 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 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 for receiving 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.
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.
Public Health Guidance
We expect that you will act in compliance with applicable statutes, laws, by-laws, 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.
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 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 - 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 auditing principles.
- Cash flow Statement
- A presentation of all projected income and expenses for the duration of your project. At the start of your project, your cash flow will show only forecast expenses and revenues. Over time, it will be updated to reflect actual revenues and expenses.
- 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.
- Knowledge mobilization
- The range of activities linked to the production and use of research results, including synthesis, dissemination, knowledge exchange and transfer, and joint creation and production by researchers and knowledge users.
- 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 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.
- Official language minority communities
- Official language minority communities are the Anglophone communities residing in Quebec and the Francophone communities residing outside Quebec.
- Scientific knowledge
- The body of knowledge acquired through proven methods in accordance with the research and observation procedures specific to the sciences.
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