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Application Guidelines – National Multisport Services Organization

Sport Support Program

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Objectives and expected results for the Sport Support Program

The Sport Support Program (SSP) supports the development of Canadian athletes and coaches. Funding is provided to eligible organizations for programming that supports the goals of the Canadian Sport Policy.

The objectives of the SSP are to:

  • increase opportunities to participate in quality sport activities for all Canadians, including under-represented groups;
  • increase the capacity of the Canadian sport system to systematically achieve world-class results at the highest international competitions;
  • contribute to the provision of technical sport leadership within the Canadian sport system; and
  • advance Canadian interests, values and ethics in sport at home and abroad.

Objectives and expected results for the National Multisport Services Organization component

The National Multisport Services Organization (MSO) component of the Sport Support Program funds eligible MSOs for programs and/or services to the national sport community to advance sport development in Canada.

The expected results of the MSO component include:

  • funded organizations provide national sport programs and services that are aligned with program objectives;
  • funded organizations increasingly meet established national accountability standards;
  • program/policy collaboration is expanded and strengthened, including those supporting reconciliation efforts;
  • all Canadians, including equity-deserving people, have opportunities to participate in a healthy, safe and welcoming sport system;
  • Canadian athletes have improved performances at Olympics, Paralympics, and senior world championships; and
  • Canadians have access to quality sport programs and services.

Application deadline

March 16

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 funding, your organization must be a national sport governing body that has been reviewed through the Sport Funding and Accountability Framework (SFAF), or in the case of priorities specifically outlined in Budget announcements, or other Sport Canada priorities, you must:

  • be a federally or provincially incorporated not-for-profit organization, with a sport mandate;
  • have independently audited and board-approved financial statements for the past fiscal year; and
  • be undertaking a national initiative, a pilot leading to a national initiative, or a component of a national program.

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

Reference-level funding is an amount determined through the SFAF assessment process to support the delivery of your core operation/business and is communicated in a notification letter from Sport Canada.

Project funding (formerly known as Above-Reference) is to further support sport system development in the following areas:

  • development and delivery of a non-SFAF assessed national team program for persons with a disability, to perform at a significant international event in a sport that is on or anticipated to be added to the Paralympic Games program;
  • furthering Canadian leadership and influence within international sport federations; and
  • the advancement of areas specifically outlined in Budget announcements, or other Sport Canada priorities, including Supporting Initiatives.

SFAF-eligible National Multisport Services Organizations can apply for their Reference-level and Project funding, if appropriate.

Eligible non-SFAF organizations may only apply for Project funding, but only when determined eligible for specific projects.

Eligible expenses

Certain contribution blocks are identified as ‘Protected’ which means the funding can only be used towards these eligible expenses. Any unspent ‘Protected’ funds cannot be transferred to cover other expenses and must be returned to the Receiver General.

Ineligible expenses for all include:

  • litigation costs and/or legal costs unless specified below;
  • capital costs: a tangible asset held for long-term use rather than for sale, such as building or land owned by the organization;
  • costs of sales;
  • fundraising;
  • medals, trophies and banquets;
  • awards to athletes;
  • and personal items.

All uniforms and equipment for program development and sporting and office equipment must remain the property of the funded organization.

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.

We will fund only project-related cash expenses; these may include the eligible expenses listed below.

Reference-level funding

General administration

General administrative costs related to the management of an organization.

Eligible expenses include:

  • general administrative costs;
  • legal costs associated with contract/agreement review;
  • general organizational, promotion and communication activities, including website; and
  • domestic and international meetings, including meals, accommodation, facility rental, travel and carbon offsets for any travel-related activities.

You may allocate up to 10% of your total Sport Canada funding toward general administration costs. Requests for exceptions must be presented and approved in advance by the Sport Support Program.

Governance

Costs related to the development of a strategic plan, a risk management strategy and/or the identification of key performance indicators.

Eligible expenses include:

  • contracts and/or honoraria, including legal costs associated with policy review and/or development;
  • meetings (domestic), including meals, accommodation, facility rental, travel and carbon offsets for any travel-related activites; and
  • resource design, printing and distribution.

Salaries, fees and benefits

Costs of employing or contracting part-time and full-time management and administrative staff.

Eligible expenses include:

  • contracts and/or honoraria;
  • pro-rated salaries/wages, statutory deductions and benefits;
  • and staff professional development.

The Sport Support Program contribution towards staff salaries and expenses is limited to $90,000 per eligible full-time position. The contribution limit for part-time positions is prorated against this amount. Requests for exceptions must be presented and approved in advance by the SSP.

Leadership, equity and access

Costs related to improving the conditions for, or improving the engagement of, a targeted group.

Eligible expenses include:

  • content development and delivery of coaching, officiating and athlete development programs;
  • training (workshops, conferences and e-learning content design);
  • research and development;
  • resource design, printing and distribution;
  • facilitators’ honoraria;
  • meals, accommodation, travel and carbon offsets for any travel-related activities; and
  • facility rental and equipment rental/purchase.

National Games, International Games and Program Support

Costs related to supporting Canadian teams for their preparation and participation in:

  • the Olympic Games;
  • the Paralympic Games;
  • the Pan American Games;
  • the Parapan American Games;
  • the Commonwealth Games;
  • the Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire Games (Summer);
  • the Special Olympics World Games; or
  • the Deaflympics Games.

Includes support for the hosting of multisport events, post-secondary school championships or domestic leagues held in Canada, and the corresponding coaching and officiating development, as well as support for anti-doping related activities for post-secondary competitions.

Eligible expenses include:

  • content development and delivery of coaching/officiating programs;
  • training (workshops, conferences and e-learning content design and delivery);
  • research and development;
  • sport science and medical/paramedical services;
  • resource design, printing and distribution;
  • anti-doping programs and services;
  • data development and management;
  • honoraria (facilitators, medical, paramedical or team support staff);
  • shipping costs;
  • meals, accommodation, travel and carbon offsets for any travel-related activities; and
  • facility rental and equipment rental/purchase.

Sport programs

Costs related to the delivery of sport programming that strengthens sport pathways, complementary to National Sports Organizations.

Eligible expenses include:

  • content development and delivery of coaching/officiating/athlete development programs;
  • training (workshops, conferences and e-learning content design and delivery);
  • research and development;
  • resource design, printing and distribution;
  • facilitators’ honoraria;
  • meals, accommodation, travel and carbon offsets for any travel-related activities; and
  • facility rental and equipment rental/purchase.

Sport promotion

Costs related to outreach activities that target all Canadians and promote the benefits of sport participation and physical activity, including through the delivery of grant programs.

Eligible expenses include:

  • delivery of grant programs;
  • resource design, printing and distribution;
  • meals, accommodation, travel and carbon offsets for any travel-related activities; and
  • facility rental and equipment rental/purchase.

Supporting Initiatives based on the SFAF Services

Costs related to Franchise Holders’ Working Group, Physical Literacy Advancement Program, Communication and Knowledge Mobilization/Exchange services.

Eligible expenses include:

  • content development and delivery of athlete development programs;
  • training (workshops, conferences and e-learning content design and delivery);
  • research and development;
  • resource design, printing and distribution;
  • data development and management;
  • facilitators’ honoraria;
  • meals, accommodation, travel and carbon offsets for any travel-related activities; and
  • facility rental and equipment rental/purchase.

Standard Services

Costs related to the development and delivery of services associated with mandated system-wide standards for quality assurance (coaching, anti- doping and dispute resolution).

Eligible expenses include:

  • content development and delivery of coaching programs;
  • training (workshops, conferences and e-learning content design and delivery);
  • laboratory testing;
  • research and development;
  • resource design, printing and distribution;
  • dispute resolution, facilitation, mediation and arbitration;
  • anti-doping programs and services;
  • data development and management;
  • facilitators’ honoraria;
  • meals, accommodation, travel and carbon offsets for any travel-related activities; and
  • facility rental and equipment rental/purchase.

Reconciliation initiatives

Initiatives with the goal of advancing reconciliation by addressing the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action #87-91 within your organization in the roles of athletes, coaches, officials, technical leaders, volunteers, and/or administrators.

Eligible expenses include:

  • coaching/officiating professional development focused on Indigenous inclusion and cultural uniqueness;
  • facilitators’ honoraria;
  • partnership development / relationship building with the Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC), Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies (PTASBs), North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) and Arctic Winter Games (AWG) host societies, and local First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and organizations;
  • program content and/or policy development and delivery focused on Indigenous inclusion and cultural uniqueness;
  • resource design, printing and distribution;
  • meals, accommodation, travel and carbon offsets for any travel-related activities; and
  • facility rental for program delivery or development opportunities.

Official languages (protected)

Support to ensure the organization’s capacity to provide programs, services, events and communications materials in both official languages and to foster bilingual capacity. Organizations are encouraged to allocate funding to translation services, interpretation services, training and education.

Eligible expenses include:

  • interpretation services at press conferences, conferences, congresses, general meetings, symposia, special activities and at national competitions;
  • language training and education for coaches, officials, staff and key volunteers; and
  • translation services for website, promotional material and activities, social media, communications and documents related to programs, services and national competitions.

Project funding (protected)

Non-SFAF assessed national team program for persons with a disability

Funding requests must meet the same eligibility requirements, conditions and restrictions listed above under “Reference-level funding.”

Eligible expenses include:

  • general administration;
  • governance;
  • salaries, fees and benefits;
  • official languages; and
  • operations and programming.

International sport initiatives

Provides support to advance Canadian sport interests and knowledge, primarily via meeting obligations arising from membership in key multilateral bodies. The MSO must demonstrate an organizational strategy for international representation and is expected to identify specific issues and interests that the organization will be seeking to address in the proposed initiative. Organizations must discuss such a request with their program analyst.

Eligible expenses include:

  • general administration;
  • honoraria or salaries; and
  • travel, carbon offsets for any travel-related activities, meals and accommodation for delivery of the initiative.

Funds allocated to this contribution block may not be used for hosting or participating in conferences, forums or seminars.

Budget announcements and other Sport Canada priorities

Funding requests must meet the same eligibility requirements, conditions and restrictions listed above under “Reference-level funding.”

Eligible expenses include:

  • general administration;
  • governance;
  • salaries, fees and benefits; and
  • operations and programming.

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 Sport Support Program and other levels of government (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal) cannot exceed 100% of total project-related costs.

Applying for more than 12 months

You may request funding for the same activities for a number of fiscal years. You must show that you have the capacity to complete the planned activities on an annual basis. This is demonstrated with realistic results 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 eligibility requirements and submit a complete application package to be considered for funding.

Contact us to obtain an application package.

The General Application Form (Annex 1) must be completed and submitted along with the following supporting documents:

  • Project Detail Form (Annex 2). You must use your SFAF funding reference level when completing Annex 2;
  • Project funding Application Form (Annex 3), if applicable. You must discuss Project funding requests with us prior to completing Annex 3;
  • Reference-level Planning Form (Annex 6);
  • Projected Revenues and Expenses Budget; and
  • Your organization’s operational plan.

Application process

  • Complete, sign and date the General Application Form (Annex 1);
  • Attach all the required supporting documents; and
  • Please submit your application in only one format to the following email address: contributionssportcanada@pch.gc.ca

Email submissions

We encourage you to submit your application package electronically to your program analyst.

The embedded “sent” date must be no later than 11:59 pm local time on the date of the application deadline for your application to be considered eligible.

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 Component application deadline. Your application will be reviewed for eligibility and then evaluated based on the 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 the rejection of your new application.

Evaluation criteria

We will evaluate all eligible applications using the following criteria:

Because the evaluation for SFAF-eligible organizations is done in advance, there will be no further evaluation of “Reference-level funding” applications.

Project funding requests will be evaluated by a Review Committee which will compare and prioritize it with other applications in relation to the funds available. The Committee will assess the conformity of expenses based on the definition for each project, ensure these projects are not part of the organization day to day operation and allocate the available funds amongst recipients who requested funds.

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 submitting your application.

Funding decisions

Please note that decisions regarding eligibility and funding amounts are final.

How funding is provided

We provide funding in the form of a contribution.

A contribution is a conditional payment issued to your organization for a specific purpose, as outlined in a funding agreement. The funding agreement is signed by us and your organization 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 audit of the cost of your project.

If your organization receives support from us, you must:

Travel, meal and accommodation expenses must comply with the National Joint Council Travel Directive.

Additional conditions 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.

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 or 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.

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 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

For further information, please contact us:

Department of Canadian Heritage
Sport Support Program - Sport Canada
15 Eddy Street
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0M5

Email
sportcanada@pch.gc.ca
Telephone
819-997-0055
1-866-811-0055 (toll-free)
TTY
1-888-997-3123 (toll-free)

Agents are available to answer your questions Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm (EST).

Glossary

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 standards.
Cash flow
A presentation of all anticipated revenues and planned expenses that will occur over the length of your project. At the beginning of your project, your cash flow will have only forecasted revenues and expenses. Over time, your cash flow will be updated to reflect the actual revenues and expenses.
Equity-deserving people
People who identify as girls and women, people with a disability, Indigenous peoples, Francophone, TwoSpirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Plus (2SLGBTQI+), Black, newcomer to Canada, or as a person from a marginalized group, continue to be under-represented in all levels of the Canadian sport system as athletes/participants and as leaders.
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 include a final report of actual revenues and expenses.
Interim reports
Interim reports are submitted during your project based on the requirements in the funding agreement. Your interim report will provide the results of the activities you have undertaken for a specific period, a report on the status of work to be accomplished and include updated revenue and expense reports.
Long-Term Development (LTD)
Children, youth and adults need to do the right things at the right time to develop in their sport or activity – whether they want to be hockey players, dancers, figure skaters or gymnasts. Long-Term Athlete Development (LTD) describes the things athletes need to be doing at specific ages and stages.
National Multisport Service Organizations (MSO)
A national multisport service organization, provides sport-related programs and activities to its members, stakeholders and the Canadian public. It is a national organization whose programs and activities may range from broad participation to national standardized programs to games missions, and the overall administration of the organization.
Sport Funding and Accountability Framework (SFAF)

The Sport Funding and Accountability Framework is the tool used by Canadian Heritage to identify which organizations are eligible to receive funding contributions under the SSP. Prior to being considered for funding through the SSP, organizations must proceed through the eligibility step of the SFAF process.

Organizations that meet the eligibility criteria proceed to the next stage of the SFAF, the assessment stage, during which various components are rated and weighted to determine an organization’s final assessment score, which determines their funding reference level.

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