The following information is posted on the Open Government website:

• organization name
• business number
• amount of funding
• project title
• agreement number
• agreement dates
• location

A – Organization identification (Questions 1 to 21 in the PDF version of the application form)

Legal name (Question 1)

What is your organization's legal name? The legal name is usually:

• the name on your registration with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or provincial/territorial equivalent, or
• the name used on funding cheques, bank accounts, etc

Operating (common) name (if different from legal name) (Question 2)

What is the operating (or common) name of your organization (if it differs from the legal name)?

Business or registration number (Question 3)

What is your 15-digit CRA business number? (For example, 123456789 RR 0001).

For registered charities and not-for-profit organizations, what is your registration number?

You can find your CRA business number on tax-related documents or written communications from the CRA.

For more information, please visit CRA.

If you do not have a:

• CRA business number, or
• not-for-profit registration number

You must provide one of following documents:

If incorporated:

• a copy of letters of patent
• articles of incorporation
• certificate of incorporation
• memorandum of association
• your rules, by-laws, or constitution

If not incorporated:

• a copy of your rules, bylaws, council resolutions, or constitution

Please note that Indigenous organizations are not required to provide a CRA document for proof of organization type and status.

Organization type (Question 4)

This question is mandatory. Choose one of the following:

• Not-for-Profit

  Not-for-profit organizations are established for purposes other than financial gain for their members. They primarily receive provincial/federal funding (supplemented by fundraising and fees), often rely on volunteers to deliver programs, and are often governed by a Board of Directors or a Committee. These organizations include:

  • community, charitable or voluntary organizations, including faith-based organizations (for example, churches, synagogues, temples, mosques)
  • Indigenous not-for-profit organizations
  • Non-governmental organizations
  • Not-for-profit Band Councils
• Public Sector Employers

  All companies and agencies under the jurisdiction of the Government of Canada are classified as public sector employers. For the purposes of certain statutes, various agencies, such as school boards and hospitals, are considered part of the public sector. They are often referred to as parapublic organizations. Public sector employers can be large or small, though often have numerous employees and are governed by Public Policy mandates.

  Public sector employers include:

  • public community colleges and vocational schools
  • research organization or institutes and public degree-granting universities and colleges
  • Municipal/Provincial/Territorial* governments and agencies, including regional legislative bodies and departments
  • school boards and elementary and secondary institutions

  *Please note that Provincially/Territorially funded institutions are eligible with the agreement of the Provincial/Territorial government

  When a public sector employer uses a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) registered charity business number, it does not change the organization’s designation to a not-for-profit.

• Private Sector Employers

  Private sector employers are established in order to generate a profit or to provide an economic advantage to their proprietors, members or shareholders. They primarily operate through company profits but can be supplemented by Provincial/Federal government funding. These employers are privately owned and are independently managed. Note that volunteers may deliver some programs and a Board of Directors may govern the business.

  Private sector employers include:

  • financial Institutions
  • business, incorporated or unincorporated bodies, which include:
    • federal Crown corporations operating in a competitive environment and not ordinarily dependent on appropriations for operating purposes as indicated in Schedule III, Part II of the Financial Administration Act
    • provincial and territorial Crown corporations recognized as operating in a competitive environment and not ordinarily dependent on appropriations for operating purposes
    • private health and educational institutions
    • independent owners of franchises
  • private Indigenous organizations
  • private universities or colleges

Organization category (Question 5)

This question is mandatory. Select the most appropriate category from the following based on what you chose in Question 4.

• Not-for-profit sector
  • Local community, charitable, or voluntary
  • Provincial non-governmental organizations
  • National non-governmental organizations
  • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO)
  • Not-for-profit band councils
  • Indigenous not-for-profit groups
• Private sector
  • For-profit organizations if the nature and intent of project activities is non-commercial, not intended to generate profit, and supports program priorities and objectives
• Public sector
  • Public degree school boards / school districts
  • Municipal governments and agencies
  • Provincial governments and agencies
  • Territorial governments
  • Public community colleges and vocational schools
  • Public degree-granting universities
  • Public degree-granting colleges

Year established (Question 6)

What year was your organization established?

Organization address (Questions 7 to 11)

What is your organization's address? Give a complete address in a format recognized by Canada Post. For more information, please visit Canada Post website.

Telephone, Website and email (Questions 12 to 14)

What is your organization's telephone number, Website (if it has one) and email address?

Mailing address (if different from organization address) (Questions 15 to 19)

What is the mailing address of your organization (if it differs from your organization's physical address)?

Telephone (Question 20)

Does your organization have an alternate telephone number from the one provided in question 12?

Organization’s mandate (Question 21)

What are your organization’s main activities, including your mandate, mission and objectives?

Select the target group(s) that best aligns with your organization’s primary activities (more than one may be selected).

Note: your answer to this question will not impact the assessment of your proposed project. (Optional):

• seniors
• newcomers
• visible Minorities (including racialized individuals)
• youth
• women
• 2SLGBTQI+
• people with Disabilities
• low income
• remote / Rural
• Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
• Official Language Minority Communities
• Indigenous (specify)
  • First Nations
  • Inuit
  • Metis
  • Urban/Non-Affiliated
• Other (specify)
• Not Applicable

B – Organization contact (Questions 22 to 43 in the PDF version of the application form)

Primary contact information (Questions 22 to 32)

Who is the main contact person for the proposed project? Provide the contact information for the person who will be ESDC’s primary contact person in respect to your application for funding. Include the following details:

• Question 22: Given (first) name and surname (last name)
• Question 23: What is the title of the contact person named in question 22? For example:
  • Business Owner
  • President
  • Executive Director
• Question 24: What official language would your contact person prefer to use in written and spoken communications? Choose either English or French.
• Question 25: Indicate if your address is the same as the organization address, same as the organization mailing address, or different. If it is different, provide the following for the primary contact person (questions 26 to 32):
  • Question 26: Street address
  • Question 27: City or Town
  • Question 28: Province or Territory
  • Question 29: Country
  • Question 30: Postal Code
  • Question 31: Telephone number, including extension
  • Question 32: Email address (note this is where all correspondence will be sent)

Secondary contact (Questions 33 to 43)

If we cannot reach the main contact, who else can we contact? Provide the person’s full name, telephone number where we can reach them during business hours and their email address.

• Question 33: Given (first) name and surname (last name)
• Question 34: What is the title of the contact person named in question 33? For example:
  • Business Owner
  • President
  • Executive Director
• Question 35: What official language would your contact person prefer to use in written and spoken communications? Choose either English or French.
• Question 36: Indicate if your address is the same as the Organization Address, same as the Organization Mailing Address, or different. If it is different, provide the following for the secondary contact person (Questions 37 to 43):
  • Question 37: Street address
  • Question 38: City or Town
  • Question 39: Province or Territory
  • Question 40: Country
  • Question 41: Postal Code
  • Question 42: Telephone number, including extension
  • Question 43: Email address

C – Organizational capacity (Questions 44 to 52 in the PDF version of the application form)

The Department will use Question 50 to assess your organization’s capacity to:

• run an intake
• conduct a selection process
• manage and disburse funds

In Question 50, we will also assess how your organization’s capacity in these 3 areas allows you to carry out the project activities. You may wish to also provide information in Questions 44 to 49 and 51 to 52 to help demonstrate your organization’s capacity in these 3 areas. While we refer to Question 50 below, we’ll evaluate your application in whole when reviewing against this specific assessment criteria. Please make sure to answer Question 50.

Does your organization have a governing board that meets on a regular basis? (Question 44)

A governing board is a group of individuals who are responsible for making decisions, overseeing the activities and direction of an organization.  If there is no board, please describe how your organization functions.  For example, are there regular meetings held between employees to discuss day to day operations, is there a decision-making process in place, discussion on the organization’s objectives and provide oversight and guidance.

Are the following written policies in place for delivering projects and services? (Question 45)

Please describe how your organization addresses Human Resource issues such as hiring, compensation and benefits and employee relationships.  How does your organization ensure the well-being and safety of employees?  Please describe any other policies your organization may follow to create a supportive and productive work environment.

Does your organization have financial management components in place?  (Question 46)

Financial management includes what measures are in place to effectively manage the organization’s finances.  Please describe your organization’s ability to effectively manage financial activities.  Examples may include financial planning, budgeting, reporting and cashflow management.

For this project, will your organization further distribute funding to any other organizations to support program objectives? (Question 47)

Please describe how your organization will manage funding distributed to other parties.  For example, how will the organization verify the use of public funds, and that activities and results of the project are being met?

How many employees does your organization currently have? (Question 48)

Indicate the total number of people employed in your organization or business. The number of employees must be a whole number.

Has your organization undergone any important transformations in the past 2 years? (Question 49)

Important transformations refer to events such as:

• a change in leadership in the board of directors or at the executive level
• a significant reduction, increase or turnover in staff
• a merger with or split from another organization
• a change in mandate or main activities
• etc.

If you answer “Yes”, provide a description of the changes.

Describe how your organization has the experience and expertise to carry out the proposed project activities. (Question 50)

Provide a description of your organization’s experience and expertise in administering projects. This information will help the Department to assess the extent to which your organization is capable of undertaking the proposed project activities and achieving the expected results. You may wish to highlight related past achievements in addition to describing current expertise and activities or projects. As well, if you have past projects with ESDC, provide details, such as dates, outcomes, success, etc.

This question is mandatory.

This question has 2 parts. You must give answers for both parts:

Part 1: Experience working with or delivering programming to at least one of the following populations:

• Indigenous populations
• Under-served populations
• Youth populations

You must describe:

• how your organization and/or your organization’s staff has experience working with or delivering programming to one or more of the populations listed above
• the total number of months of this experience
• how this experience enables your organization and/or your organization’s staff to carry out your proposed project activities

Note:

• Experience includes past staff or past organization experience working with the above-mentioned populations. Experience may have taken place in a volunteering setting or any other relevant setting. For example, a school teacher in an Indigenous community, an under-served community, or both
• Experience can come from the organization and/or organization staff directly involved in the project. Please do not include any personal information
• Details can include roles, responsibilities, clients served and results of the experience. For organization staff directly involved in the project, details may also include:
  • months of experience
  • knowledge and skills
  • training and certifications

For the purposes of this question, Indigenous populations and under-served populations include:

• Indigenous people (First Nations, Inuit, Métis citizens, non-affiliated Indigenous persons)
• Black and racialized people (including people who self-identify as Black, East Asian/East Asian descent, Middle Eastern and/or North African descent, South Asian/South Asian descent, Southeast Asian/Southeast Asian descent, Latino/Latina/Latinx, Mixed󠆱, or as part of another visible minority/racialized population)
• Persons with disabilities
• 2SLGBTQI+ people
• People who are newcomers
• People from official language minority communities (OLMC)
• People living in rural or remote areas
• People from low-income households

Part 2: Capacity to run an intake, conduct a selection process, and manage and disburse funds to carry out project activities

You must explain how:

• your organization has the capacity to be able to run an intake
• your organization has the capacity to be able to conduct a selection process
• your organization has the capacity to manage and disburse funds
• this capacity allows your organization to carry out the project activities

Note:

• capacity refers to demonstrating that the organization has the support (experience, skills and knowledge) to ensure successful delivery of the project.
• intake refers to soliciting project proposals from qualified applicants
• selection process refers to reviewing submissions and selecting candidates for the purpose of managing and providing payments to participants or clients in a safe and secure way and ensuring funds are properly distributed
• manage and disburse funds refers to managing the delivery and redistribution of organizational funding
• details can include experience, skills, and knowledge. It can also be related to the organization’s:
  • mandate
  • priorities
  • activities
  • resources

Does your organization owe any amount to the Government of Canada? (Questions 51 to 52)

If “Yes”, complete the fields for each amount owing. We will not reject your application for this reason. However, you must provide detail as to the type of debt and the arrangements you have for repayment.

Example of detail to provide for the type of debt and the arrangements you have for repayment

A – Project identification (Questions 53 to 55 in the PDF version of the application form)

Project title (Question 53)

Give a short title that describes your project.

Planned project start and end dates (Questions 54 and 55)

This question is mandatory.

State the planned start and end dates of your project.

• We expect that approved projects under the Micro-grant streams can start as early as August 2024
• The intent of the call is to fund project activities up to March 31, 2027
• Please refer to Question 56 for how start date affects pro-rating of micro-grants per fiscal year

We will notify you in writing (by email) of the outcome following the assessment of your application. If you receive approval of your project, both you and the Department must sign a Contribution Agreement. Do not assume any commitment of funding until both you and the Department have signed the Agreement. If you begin any of the proposed activities or spend any funds for the project at any time before the signing of the Agreement, you do so at your own risk.

B – Project description (Questions 56 to 65 in the PDF version of the application form)

The Department uses the information you provide in this section as part of the assessment in determining whether or not your proposed project is eligible for funding.

Project objectives (must clearly link to the program objectives) (Question 56)

This question is mandatory.

Outline the objective(s) of your project. Your objective(s) must be clearly linked to the objectives of the program to which you are applying .

Proposals should include clear and achievable objectives. The objectives of each proposal should be described in terms of quantifiable and measurable goals to be achieved through this project. Multifaceted proposals should include major steps and sub-objectives.

Objectives are statements of desired change that describe what should be accomplished and provide a context in which progress can be monitored and success can be measured.

Project objectives should:

• be S.M.A.R.T.: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely
• be consistent with the funding program’s objectives and linked to the program objectives
• identify the specific outcome(s) or expected results that the project is designed to accomplish (example: number of clients served, number of clients trained, number of clients employed, etc.)
• ensure that these outcome(s) are measurable
• identify who will benefit from the project and
• show how meeting the project objectives will help to achieve the identified outcomes

This question has 2 parts. You must provide answers for all parts.

Part 1. Confirm how your proposed project will reach and recruit participants

Note that projects must target:

• participants who are between the ages of 15 and 30 at the time their CSC micro-grant project begins
• at least 50% of total participants who are Indigenous youth, under-served youth, or both

In your answer, you must state:

• the age or age group of participants your project will target
• the Indigenous and/or under-served youth groups that your project activities will target
• the percentage of total participants who are Indigenous youth, under-served youth, or both that your project will target
• the total number of participants who will receive a micro-grant
• the total number of participants who will support the implementation of the youth-led projects

See an example below on what to provide in your answer for Part 1:

• age group of target participants: 15 to 30 years old
• youth groups that your project activities will target: newcomer youth
• percentage of total target participants who are Indigenous youth, under-served youth or both: 50% newcomer youth
• total number of participants who will receive a micro-grant: 120
• total number of participants who will support the implementation of the youth-led projects: 1,200

Part 2. Explain how your proposed project will redistribute at least 40 micro-grants per fiscal year

Note that projects must propose to redistribute at least 40 micro-grants per fiscal year.

• For fiscal year 2024 to 2025, projects must redistribute at least 27 micro-grants. This is because projects won’t have the full 12-month period for this year.
• We expect that approved projects under the Micro-grant streams can start as early as August 2024.
  • If your planned start date is after August 1, 2024, we’ll pro-rate your targeted number of micro-grants for fiscal year 2024 to 2025 when assessing your proposal
  • Please refer to Question 54 and 55 to state your project’s planned start and end date

In your answer, you must state:

• the number of micro-grants that your project will redistribute per fiscal year
  • A fiscal year is a 12-month period that starts from April 1 to March 31. For example, the fiscal year 2024 to 2025 will begin on April 1, 2024 and ends March 31, 2025
• the total number of micro-grants that your project will redistribute to youth
  • A micro-grant is a one-time cash payment (up to $5,000) that an organization redistributes to youth to support the implementation of youth-led projects that address a community need
  • A youth-led project is a project whose design and implementation is led by youth. Youth-led projects are funded by a micro-grant which is disbursed by an organization who also supports the implementation of the project.
    • Please note that a micro-grant can be for a single youth who may recruit other youth into their project if they choose, or for a single youth-led project wherein a number of youth are grouped together by the recipient organization to achieve an objective.  In all cases, the project must be conceived by the youth and delivered solely by the youth
  • A community need refers to gaps in supports or services available for community members

  See the example below on what to provide in your answer for Part 2:

  • Total number of microgrants to redistribute to youth per fiscal year:
    • Fiscal year 2024 to 2025: 40 micro-grants ($5,000 each)
    • Fiscal year 2025 to 2026: 40 micro-grants ($5,000 each)
    • Fiscal year 2026 to 2027: 40 micro-grants ($5,000 each)
  • Total number of micro-grants to redistribute to youth: 120

  Project activities (give clear steps for each one) (Question 57)

  This question is mandatory. Describe, in full detail, the proposed project activities. It must be broken down into clear steps.

  Project activities are the steps that will be taken to meet the objectives of the project. Activities should be specific, measurable, realistic, and relevant to the project objectives and demonstrate how the project outcome(s) will be achieved.

  Your answer to this question must include details regarding all your planned activities. Refer to the program’s Eligibility criteria for examples and additional details on eligible activities.

  Applicants must include the following details:

  • a description of each activity and explanation of how each relates to the objective(s) of the project. There should always be a clear link between the project activities and project objective(s) (see Question 56). Project activities should support expected project results and impact. List the project activities in a logical sequence, including timelines and/or duration of each, and descriptions where needed. Timelines must be clearly established and feasible. Each activity should be clearly linked to the project costs outlined in the budget (Sections 3B and 3C). This should demonstrate your expected progress and plans to complete the project on time and within budget
  • project milestones, timelines and/or duration of the various activities (milestones are significant events or points of progress during the project). These should be specific and demonstrate your expected progress and plans to complete the project on time and within budget. You should clearly define milestones and timelines for all activities
  • clear linkages between the project activities and the project costs outlined in the budget (see Questions 66 - 77 in Part 3 - Funding). Costs associated with all identified activities should be reflected in the Budget Detail Template. Project activities should be feasible. In other words, you’re able to complete all activities within the available time and resources

  Include details about how the project will be delivered. For example, will there be third-party agreements, or will the organization deliver all aspects of the project?

  The information you provide here will have a significant bearing on the assessment of your proposed project and of your organization’s ability to undertake the project successfully.

  Project activities must go beyond your organization’s normal activities, as this program doesn’t fund an organization’s core, existing or ongoing activities.

  In your answer, you must:

  • describe milestones and timelines that account for all activities
  • demonstrate link between activities and costs
  • present feasible timelines within available time and resources

  In your answer, you must also describe how your proposed project activities will support the Canada Service Corps program and stream objectives

  The program and stream objectives are:

  • create, promote, and facilitate access to volunteer service opportunities that are meaningful to youth, including Indigenous youth, under-served youth, or both
  • give youth opportunities to gain the knowledge, skills, and access tools and supports they need to successfully complete their projects (for example. provide non-financial incentives)
  • support youth in designing and implementing youth-led projects that address a community need

  Under the Micro-grants Stream, volunteer service opportunities are specific to micro-grants only.

  Note that skills can include, but aren’t limited to, communication, collaboration, leadership, adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving.

  Non-financial incentives are items and activities to attract and keep youth in volunteer service opportunities (for example, certificates of completion, bus passes, access to internet, networking opportunities, etc.).

  In your answer, you must explain:

  • how your project activities will create, promote, and facilitate access to volunteer service opportunities (micro-grants)
  • how such volunteer service opportunities (micro-grants) are meaningful to participating youth in your project
  • how your project will give youth opportunities to gain knowledge, skills and access tools and supports to ensure their successful completion of youth-led projects
  • what are the knowledge, skills, tools and supports that your project will provide to help youth complete their micro-grant projects
  • how your project activities will directly support youth in designing and implementing youth-led projects
  • how your project activities will support youth in addressing a community need  
  • how your project’s expected results support the program and stream objectives above

  Eligible project activities include:

  • activities that support the development (incubation) of promising youth volunteer service ideas
  • activities that support the implementation of youth led strategies or actions to address community issues
  • activities supporting the implementation of innovative methods of reaching Indigenous youth, under-served youth, or both
  • activities that offer support for youth in the identification and validation of issues and priorities for community action
  • activities that explore, test and/or develop innovative solutions, best practices, tools and/or methodologies (for example, toolkits, resources, etc.)
  • activities designed to support access and participation in service opportunities for youth
  • activities designed to support innovative approaches to facilitate youth participation in civic life
  • activities designed to support knowledge development and research on engaging youth in service
  • activities designed to test projects to engage youth in service
  • activities supporting the dissemination of information and knowledge

  Please note that:

  • project activities must take place in Canada
  • all projects must let participants know of supports that they can access to help complete their micro-grant projects

  Participant costs and supports include mentoring/coaching supports, alumni activities and funding participant costs and supports such as:

  • living expenses
  • equipment or services that enable virtual service opportunities
  • mentorship
  • dependent care
  • transportation
  • accommodation
  • meals
  • mental health supports
  • career development supports
  • specialized services or referrals to appropriate resources
  • arrangements or equipment for persons with disabilities

  Note that participant living expenses must have a direct link to the project objectives and activities. Living expenses must be due to participation in an intervention. They must also be reasonable and at fair market value. Living expenses aren’t to replace or act as an employment or income support.

  Expected results of the project (Question 58)

  This question is mandatory.

  Describe the expected results of your project. The expected results of the project must be clearly linked to the project objectives. The expected results must also be specific, concrete, and measurable (qualitative or quantitative) and must be defined as outcomes.

  Your application must:

  • describe the expected results (outputs and outcomes) of your project
  • explain how your project’s expected results link to your project’s objectives
  • explain how your project’s expected results link to your project’s activities
  • include targets for the following:
    • total number of micro-grants per fiscal year
    • total number of micro-grants for entire project
    • total number of participants
      •  Please note that a micro-grant can be for a single youth who may recruit other youth into their project if they choose, or for a single youth led project wherein a number of youth are grouped together by the recipient organization to achieve an objective.  In all cases the project must be conceived by the youth and delivered solely by the youth.

  Please note that projects must propose to redistribute at least 40 micro-grants per fiscal year.

  • for fiscal year 2024 to 2025, projects must redistribute at least 27 micro-grants. This is because projects won’t have the full 12-month period for this year.
  • we expect that approved projects under the Micro-grant streams can start as early as August 2024.
    • If your planned start date is after August 1, 2024, we’ll pro-rate your targeted number of micro-grants for fiscal year 2024 to 2025 when assessing your proposal.

  A fiscal year is a 12-month period that starts from April 1 to March 31. For example, the fiscal year 2024 to 2025 will begin on April 1, 2024 and ends March 31, 2025.

  Outcomes are the short-term and medium-term changes that you expect the project deliver. You can link more than one outcome to a goal. They answer the questions “How do we know the project is a success?” and “How do the activities improve conditions for the target group?”

  Outputs are direct products or services that your project produces to create the desired outcomes. Several activities could contribute to one output. They answer the question “What will the project produce?”. For example, a project could produce a guide, information sessions, etc.

  Concrete means that the project’s expected results are clear and based on its actual activities.

  Measurable means that you’re able to measure your project’s expected results.

  A good project proposal will clearly define project outcomes and outputs.

  Does the project include indicators to measure results? (Question 59)

  This question is mandatory.

  Describe how you will meet and track the expected results of the project. Provide a description of how you plan to gather, measure, monitor and report on results achieved by your project.

  A performance indicator provides evidence that results have or have not been achieved. They ensure a proper assessment of the progress achieved towards the intended outputs, outcomes, goals, and objectives of the project. Applicants must provide performance indicators, which will clearly demonstrate how they will measure each anticipated result and ensure their project is progressing as planned.

  Proposals must include at least one result measurement indicator for each of the project’s expected results identified under Question 58. In addition, for each result measurement indicator, data collection mechanisms must be provided.

  Measuring results is a way to ensure that you know how your project is progressing towards meeting the expected results. It helps connect a project’s activities and outputs to its intended outcomes as well as the intake overall outcomes. The Department (ESDC) uses the information you provide in this section to assess your capacity to demonstrate results.

  Your application must list the indicators that you’ll use to measure the progress towards your project results. At a minimum, you must include these mandatory indicators:

  • total number of micro-grants for the entire project
  • total number of micro-grants per fiscal year
  • total number of participants

  In your answer, you must also:

  • explain how your organization will track and measure project progress

  Your organization is under no obligation to do a full program evaluation and is simply required to collect data listed below.

  Your proposal must demonstrate the ability to collect aggregate and disaggregate data. If we select your project for funding, you’ll need to use the Canada Service Corps’ Data Collection System to report on: 

  • anonymized participant data and results based on variables, such as:
    • age range
    • start date and end date
    • level of education
    • geographical location
    • amount dispersed (applies to micro-grants only)
    • participant demographic characteristics
  • contact information for participants

  The Department will use this anonymous data for policy analysis, research and/or evaluation purposes only and it will not be shared with third parties. This data is important as it helps to support policy development and program design and demonstrate results for Canadians over time. Note that data collection and reporting are eligible costs outside of administrative costs.

  Does this proposed project fit with your organization's other activities? (Question 60)

  Describe how the project relates to the ongoing work of your organization. You may wish to highlight how achievements and current activities and/or projects are related to your proposed project. This information helps the Department to determine the extent to which your organization is able to undertake the proposed project and to achieve the expected results.

  Include any previous work done by your organization, your partners and your potential partners. Include details as to how your project builds on, and does not duplicate, this previous work.

  You may also wish to include details on your project management processes.

  Will any of the project activities be delivered in a different location than where your organization is located? (Question 61)

  If "Yes", give the main address first and then add other addresses.

  If you have more than 5 locations, please continue your answer in Appendix A. Activities must take place in Canada.

  Note that the program will consider projects that, together, provide geographic coverage across provinces and territories.

  Will your project benefit or involve people in English or French language minority communities? (Question 62)

  We commit to enhance the vitality of the English and French linguistic minorities in Canada. We support and assist their development and foster the full recognition and use of both English and French in Canadian society. Official language minority communities are English-speaking communities established within the province of Québec and French-speaking communities established outside the province of Québec.

  Answering "No" to this question will not invalidate your application.

  If your proposed project involves official language minority communities, you should answer "Yes" to this question. Complete the question following the instructions in the application form.

  If you answer “Yes” to this question, we’ll ask you to:

  • publicly announce the project in English and French
  • actively offer project-related services to the public in English and French
  • make project documents or other project information for the general public available in English and French
  • encourage members of English and French language communities to take part in the project
  • consider the needs of English and French language communities in providing the services when possible

  Find more information about official language minority communities

  Is your project targeting vulnerable groups? (Question 63)

  Please select “No”. This question does not apply to the Micro-grants Stream.

  Please make sure to answer question 81 instead.

  Will any other organizations, networks be involved in carrying out the project? (Question 64)

  If relevant, describe the other group(s) or individual(s) as well as the role(s) and expertise they will bring to the project.

  This information will help the Department (ESDC) to assess the support base for your proposed project.

  Please answer “Yes” or “No” to this question. Answering “No” to this question will not result in your application being screened out from this call for proposals.

  If you answer “Yes”, information on other organizations, networks or partners should include (where applicable):

  • information about the other organization, network or partner, such as:
    • name
    • type of organization
    • location
  • relationship with the other organization, network or partner, such as:
    • what role(s) will they have in the project
    • what will they bring to the project, such as:
      • relevant experience and expertise
      • time and/or resources
      • cash and/or in-kind contributions
    • how will they support in achieving the project’s expected results

  Does the project address the program’s national, regional, or local priorities? (Question 65)

  Please select “No”. This question does not apply to the Micro-grants Stream. It is not a mandatory question.

A – Anticipated sources of funding (Questions 66 to 71 in the PDF version of the application form)

We do not require projects to have cash or in-kind contributions. Cash and in-kind contributions from other sources are optional for this call for proposals.

The Department’s funding programs generally encourage and/or require applicants to seek cash and/or in-kind contributions for their proposed project from other sources of funding. Each program has a “stacking limit”, that is, a maximum permitted amount of combined funding from federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments for any one project or initiative. Contributions to the project cannot exceed 100% of eligible expenditures.

The Department uses the information provided in this section to verify that your funding request conforms to any stacking limit or requirement for funding from other sources.

“Other sources of funding” includes any source of funding (including from your organization) other than the program to which you are applying for funding.

Source name (Question 66)

If you are receiving contributions from other sources, tell us the names of all the organizations that will contribute funds and/or in-kind contributions to this project.

Source type (Question 67)

Tell us what type of organization is providing the cash contribution from the following options:

• not-for-profit organizations
• municipal governments
• provincial and territorial governments, institutions, and Crown Corporations
• Indigenous organizations including:
  • band councils
  • tribal councils
  • self-government entities
• international organizations
• coalitions, networks or committees
• research organizations or institutes
• educational institutions
• for-profit organizations

Cash contributions (Questions 68)

Tell us how much cash contributions you will receive.

In-kind contributions (Question 69)

If you are receiving in-kind contributions, tell us how much the contribution is worth.

In-kind contributions are goods or services that people or organizations give to your project for free.

• Your organization, other organizations or partners can make in-kind contributions
• In-kind contributions include equipment, services or labour that you receive for free

To be eligible as an in-kind contribution:

• you must need it for the project to succeed
• it is an eligible cost under this call for proposal (see the list of eligible costs)
• the in-kind contribution is supported by a letter from the organization to confirm its commitment 
• it is recorded in the recipient's contribution agreement at fair market value
• you can provide an estimate of what a person would pay for the contribution (fair market value)

Examples of in-kind contributions:

• rent
• salaries
• office supplies
• hardware
• software
• appliances
• utilities
• other supplies
• volunteer hours of community members

Volunteer hours of community members are those who:

• volunteer their time for the project with no expectation of being paid for their work or service
• are not paid employees of the organization

Volunteer hours of paid employees of the organization are not eligible as in-kind contributions.

Confirmed cash and in-kind (Questions 70 and 71)

If your project has confirmed cash and/or in-kind contributions, we ask that you provide a letter as proof of these contributions at the time of application.

The letter should use the organization’s letterhead. It should also include the following information:

• name and contact information of the organization making the contribution
• confirmation of their commitment to the project
• confirmation that the contribution will be available when you begin the project 
• signature from an authorized authority of the organization, such as:
• Executive Director
• Chief Financial Officer

B – Budget (Questions 72 to 75 in the PDF version of the application form)

Applicants must provide an estimate of the project’s costs. ESDC uses the information provided in this section to assess the overall cost of the proposed project, as well as the general nature of the expenditures to be covered by all anticipated sources of funding.  The funding amount requested from ESDC cannot exceed $3,000,000 per fiscal year (April 1 to March 31). The total value of each micro-grant per youth-led project must not exceed $5,000.

Note that we may give priority to organizations that aim to pay a high percentage of their requested total funding amount to youth through micro-grants. A high percentage is where the organization aims to pay 70% of their requested total funding amount directly to youth in the form of micro-grants. The remaining 30% would go towards other eligible costs such as overhead costs (normally up to 10%), participant and project costs. Please refer to the list of eligible costs listed below. 

You must include a complete Budget Detail Template (BDT) – Set A (EMP 5569) as part of your application.

Cost category (Question 72)

Applicants shall not request the payment of any charge or fee from participants for their participation in the project.

If the project will involve subcontracting, a rationale and description of the process to select the subcontractors must be included.

If applicants intend to contract or subcontract for a value of $25,000 or more, a fair and accountable process that includes the solicitation of a minimum of 3 bids or proposals is required when contracting for the purchase of project-related goods or services. This includes anyone who is hired to deliver the project who is not an actual employee of the contribution recipient. Failure to comply with ESDC requirements may result in these expenditures being ineligible for reimbursement. In the situation where a contract for goods and services is below the $25,000 threshold, it must still demonstrate the principles of accountability, fairness, and best value for money.

List each activity and its associated cost in your Application for Funding and Budget Detail Template – Set A (EMP 5569). The amounts must be the same in both documents. Costs must be reasonable, detailed and directly related to your project.

You must show how you intend to use the total funding amount requested from ESDC. You must include in your requested costs:

• total amount that will be paid to youth in the form of micro-grants 
• total value for each micro-grant per youth-led project

Your requested costs must:

• include an explanation as to how the requested costs support the proposed project activities
• be eligible, reasonable and foreseeable
• include clear cost estimate breakdowns (in other words, a breakdown of how you determined the requested cost)

Note that costs for unforeseen events or circumstances are not eligible.

Below are examples of cost breakdowns for budget items:

• Wages:
• Administrative assistant: $25/hour × [1 (number of hours) charged to the project per week) × (104 (number of weeks)] = $2,600
• Mandatory employment related costs (MERCs) at 15% (or other) of salary ($2,600) = $390
• Benefits: $250
• total wages: $3,240
  • Please note that the 15% rate for MERCs is only an example. The rates for your MERCs will vary by federal, provincial and territorial legislation.
  • MERCs refers to payments that the Employer is required by law to make for their employees including, but not restricted to, those required for:
    • Employment Insurance premiums
    • Canada or Quebec Pension Plan contributions
    • Vacation pay 
    • Workers’ Compensation Premiums or equivalent liability insurance (if applicable)
    • Health Services Fund
    • Quebec Parental Insurance premiums
    • Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail in Quebec
    • Health and Post-Secondary Education Tax in Newfoundland and Labrador
    • Health and Post-secondary Education Levy in Manitoba
    • Employer Health Tax where applicable
• Professional fees:
  • Consultant: $400/day × [1 (number of days) charged to the project × (104 (number of weeks)] = $41,600
• Sub-projects costs:
• Total Micro-grants: $5,000 (value of micro-grant per youth-led project) x 120 (number of youth-led projects) = $600,000

Examples of key elements to consider when determining the project budget:

• duration of the project
• type of project activities
• wages for the economic region where the work will be located
• cash and/or in-kind contributions from other sources

Eligible costs include:

• overhead costs, normally up to 10%, including costs related to central administrative functions of the recipient organization that are drawn upon to support agreement activities (such as shared postage, telephones, information technology maintenance, and head office support)
• data collection and reporting (including tools such as software programs, outside of administrative costs, that are used to collect data)
• costs of materials and supplies
• wages and mandatory employment-related costs (MERCs)
• training and professional development costs for project staff
• honoraria (program participants aren’t eligible)
• printing and communication costs
• professional fees, such as consultant, technical expertise, or facilitation
• domestic travel costs, not exceeding rates and allowances in the National Joint Council travel directives
• participant costs and supports such as:
  • living expenses
  • equipment or services that enable virtual service opportunities
  • mentorship
  • dependent care
  • transportation
  • accommodation
  • meals
  • mental health supports
  • career development supports
  • specialized services or referrals to appropriate resources
  • arrangements or equipment for persons with disabilities
• recognition or completion certificates and other non-financial incentives to encourage youth to participate and successfully complete their micro-grant projects

Note that participant living expenses must have a direct link to the project objectives and activities. Living expenses must be due to participation in an intervention. They must also be reasonable and at fair market value. Living expenses aren’t to replace or act as an employment or income support.

Where the recipient redistributes contribution funding to one or more persons or entities to carry out project activities, payments from the recipient to the third party to reimburse the latter for the above-listed types of expenditures incurred are also eligible expenditures.

Ineligible costs include:

• financial payment for participants volunteering their time, such as:
  • stipends
  • completion bonuses
  • scholarships
  • student loan repayment
  • severance pay
  • honoraria
• international travel costs
• gift cards as form of recognition
• living expenses and rent not related to domestic travel costs
• debts
• membership fees (organizational or individual level)
• credit card payments
• fines
• penalties
• mortgage payments
• primary accommodations of participants

Refer to the program’s Eligibility criteria on the Who can apply page for expenditures.

Planned spending (dollar) (Questions 73 to 75)

Give the total planned spending from all sources, including Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The amounts should align with those that you put in section A - Anticipated sources of funding of your application for funding.

"Other" means a cash or in-kind contribution from other sources other than ESDC.

Your application must provide the total planned spending amounts from all sources, including ESDC.

• The amounts you provide in Questions 73 to 75 should align with those that you put in ‘Section A. Anticipated Sources of Funding’ under ‘Part 3 – Funding’ of your Application for Funding

“Other” means a cash or in-kind contribution from partners or other sources other than Employment and Social Development Canada.

C – Budget details (Questions 76 to 78 in the PDF version of the application form)

Associated businesses or individuals (Question 76)

Check all statements that apply to your planned spending of the funding from ESDC.

• Contracts valued at $25,000 or more are part of the planned expenditures
• Contracts with businesses or individuals legally associated with the applicant organization are among the planned expenditures
• Contracts with outside providers to manage all or part of the project activities on behalf of the applicant organization are among the planned expenditures

In carrying out the project, you may need contractors or third parties (outside providers) to carry out part of the project activities, such as reporting.

"Associated businesses or individuals" means:

• an officer, director or employee of your organization, or a member of their immediate family
• a business in which an officer, director or employee of your organization, or a member of their immediate family, has a financial interest
• a business connected to your organization

Third Party: a person or organization that has signed an agreement with the organization under the terms and conditions of a master agreement between the organization and the federal government.

Project activities must go beyond your organization’s normal activities, as this program doesn’t fund an organization’s core, existing or on-going activities.

Capital assets: Will capital assets be among your planned expenditures with ESDC funding? (Question 77)

Answer “Yes” or “No”.

If “Yes”, explain how your project will benefit from the purchase of capital assets. A disposal plan for the capital assets should also be included.

A capital asset is any single or composite asset with a purchase value of more than $1,000 (before taxes) that is not physically incorporated into another product and that remains functional at the end of the project.

A composite asset is a collection of unique assets that form one identifiable functional unit, where all components are required for the asset to be functional. The collection of assets is treated as a single capital asset if the total cost of all individual items together is greater than $1,000 (before taxes).

For example, a personal computer composed of a hard drive, a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse and cabling is a composite capital asset. Four $300 chairs are not capital assets because each chair is functional on its own and, as single units, fall below the established threshold of $1,000 (before taxes).

Further budget details (Question 78)

Your application must clearly demonstrate the requested amounts from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). You should give further budget details in the Budget Detail Template for the requested amounts in Question 72 – Cost Category.