Funding for community-based organizations to support wider Defence community members affected by sexual misconduct
September 25, 2023 – Defence Stories
On 21 September 2023, the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) launched its 2023-24 call for applications for the Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant program.
The goal of the Grant program is to broaden the scope of support services accessible to the wider Defence community affected by sexual misconduct in the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and increase the collaboration between community-based and DND/CAF service providers.
The program offers two types of grants: one-time project-based (maximum $50,000) and recurrent funding (maximum $75,000 annually for up to three years).
“Wider Defence community” includes current and former CAF members and DND public service employees, Cadets, Junior Canadian Rangers, families, supporters and caregivers (aged 16 and older). “Families” includes members of traditional and non-traditional families.
Expanding support services
The Grant program currently funds 32 projects led by community-based service providers across most regions in Canada. The SMSRC is seeking to ensure that all members of the wider Defence community who have been affected by sexual misconduct in the DND/CAF can access support services. Although service providers in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut will be prioritized, providers from all regions in Canada are encouraged to apply.
Eligible community-based organizations may include but are not limited to sexual assault centres, virtual platforms, research and academic institutions, and counselling services. The program seeks, to support projects tailored to meet the needs of and/or remove barriers for women, men, Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and additionally sexually and gender diverse (2SLGBTQI+) people; First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples; Black, Asian and other racialized individuals; people living with disabilities; religious minorities; those living in an official language minority community; those living in northern, rural and remote communities; others with diverse identity factor and people that cannot access services in person.
Who can receive funding?
To be eligible, organizations must be Canadian, legally constituted not-for-profit community-based service providers with the legal status necessary to enter into a grant agreement with the Government of Canada.
Spread the word!
Please encourage service providers you know in your area to apply for funding. Applications must be received before 3 November 2023, 23:59 Pacific Time.
Visit the SMSRC Grant Program website for information on submitting an application.
For more information, please email the SMSRC’s Grant Program Team at SMSRCGrant-SubventionCSRIS@forces.gc.ca.