Application Guidelines – Community Life component – Strategic Fund 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 (Anglophone communities in Quebec and 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 Strategic Fund subcomponent

The Strategic Fund subcomponent enhances the vitality of official-language minority communities through major projects and/or strategic initiatives for the purpose of:

  • improving community living spaces (establishing community meeting places, cultural programs and events, community radio, and others);
  • having an impact on several communities (preferably in more than one province or territory);
  • developing new areas of intervention;
  • encouraging the concerted effort and cooperation of several partners.

The expected results of the Strategic Fund subcomponent include the following:

  • Offer of activities and services designed for official-language minority communities by community organizations;
  • Offer of minority-language services by provincial and territorial governments, in areas other than education.

Application deadline

There is no established deadline date to submit a funding applications under the Strategic Fund subcomponent, as applications are accepted on a continuous basis. However, you should submit your application at least 16 weeks prior to the proposed start date. Please take this into account when planning your project.

Who can apply

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

  • a Canadian non-profit organization, duly registered;
  • an association or professional institution;
  • provincial and territorial governments.

Eligible projects

To be eligible for funding under the Strategic Fund subcomponent, your project must help the long-term development of official-language minority communities in priority sectors.

Eligible expenses

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

  • costs to carry out projects that help the long-term development of official-language minority communities in priority sectors.

Expenses 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.

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.

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 Strategic 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 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.

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 Strategic Fund subcomponent and the following supporting elements:

Provincial and territorial governments

  • a document describing the links between the project and the objectives of the Strategic Fund subcomponent:
    • 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 the proposed project and of its innovative nature;
  • a clear statement of expected results along with performance indicators for the duration of the project;
  • if applicable, a description between the project and the priorities linked to the development of communities or of the targeted sector;
  • an implementation schedule;
  • a budget that provides a breakdown of the estimated expenses and financial contributions for each section of the proposed project;
  • if applicable, a description of measures taken with respect to communication and outreach activities targeting the other official-language group;
  • a commitment to provide information on the results achieved.

Other applicants

  • a status report on the domain covered, a written description of the planned programs, services, activities or projects, expected results and performance indicators, and how they meet the objectives and priorities of the program and an implementation schedule;
  • a statement of projected revenues and expenditures for proposed programs, services, activities or projects;
  • evidence of incorporation or a copy of the application for incorporation (if in progress);
  • a copy of the articles and by-laws;
  • a copy of the applicant’s most recent financial statements, audited if available;
  • proof of authority and delegation of signing authority;
  • an acknowledgment confirming an absence of conflict of interest;
  • a 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 Strategic Fund subcomponent 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.

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 Strategic 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

  • The project is consistent with the objectives of the Strategic Fund subcomponent;
  • Relevance of issues presented in terms of community vitality;
  • The proposed activities are relevant to the situation described;
  • If applicable, priorities are linked to the development of communities or of the targeted sector.
  • The activities are funded from various funding sources;
  • The activities are supported by a variety of quality partners;
  • The expected results will have a real impact on the target clientele;
  • The proposed performance measurements are relevant;
  • The budget is proportional to the proposed activities;
  • If applicable, contribution to increased inclusiveness of official-language minority communities.

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 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.

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, bylaws, 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 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
Strategic Fund subcomponent
15 Eddy St, 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 or 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 and includes a final report of actual revenues and expenses.
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 Strategic Fund 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 reports
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 Anglophone communities residing in Quebec and the Francophone communities in Canada residing outside of Quebec.

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