About the program

The program helps document Canada's history, so we can share it with current and future generations.

On this page

Purpose

The purpose of this program is to provide approximately $ 1.5 million in funding each year to local organizations in support of Canada’s documentary heritage. The term “documentary heritage” refers to records and publications (written or audio-visual) that reflect Canada’s history. Some examples include:

The program objectives are to help local organizationsFootnote 1:

Each year, organizations can apply for funding through a call for proposals. The call opens in the fall for projects starting in April the next year.

We assess proposals for eligibility, feasibilityFootnote 2 and merit. For each project that receives funding, LAC and the recipient organization sign a contribution agreementFootnote 3. This specifies the terms and conditions to receive the funds. At the end of the term, every recipient must submit an interim report and a final report.

Value of the contributionFootnote 4

Program funding can cover up to 100% of a project's eligible expenses.

When appropriate and feasible, we encourage past funding recipients to:

Determining the value of a project

The program will award eligible projects as follows:

Summary of available funding 1 year projects 2 year projects
Type of organization Small contributions
(up to $24,999)
Large contributions
(between $25,000 and $50,000, or up to $60,000 for organizations located in remote areas)
Two-year large contributions
(Up to $50,000 per year, or up to $60,000 for organizations located in remote areas)
Non-incorporated non-profit organizations Checked Empty Empty
Incorporated non-profit organizations Checked Checked Empty
Past DHCP recipients who are incorporated Checked Checked Checked

Note: Indigenous government institutions are eligible for small and large contributions

1-year projects

Small contributions: Up to $24,999
Large contributions: Between $25,000 and $50,000 (or up to $60,000 for organizations located in remote areas)

2-year projects

Only past DHCP recipients that have completed their project(s) can apply. Once activities are completed and we accept the organization’s project-end report, the project is completed. Please note that final reports are assessed at the conclusion of the Government of Canada's fiscal year.
Two-year large contributions: Up to $50,000 per year (or up to $60,000 for organizations located in remote areas)

Organizations in remote areas

The program provides extra funding for organizations in remote areas, as the costs of living and business are higher.

Eligible organizations can apply for:

Please see Canada Revenue Agency's list of locations included in prescribed zones to check if your area qualifies as remote.

Limit of government assistance

Organizations can only apply for one project per funding cycle. You can only carry out one DHCP-funded project at a time.

Funding from LAC and other government departments operating at the federal, provincial, territorial, or municipal level, can't exceed 100% of a project's eligible costs.

How we assess applications

You must meet the eligibility criteria and submit a complete application package to be considered. We review all applications in three phases:

  1. Our advisors check project eligibility
  2. Our experts examine project feasibility
  3. Our external advisory committee compares the merits of each project as well as program priorities, available funding, and regional representation

The process focuses on strengthening local documentary heritage communities and networks across Canada. It is based on:

The program is highly competitive. Total funding requests always exceed available resources. Submitting an application doesn't guarantee you'll receive funding.

Project assessment criteria

Relevance and community engagement

The applicant demonstrates that the project:

Project planning and management

The organization shows that:

Budget analysis

Evaluation and expected outcomes

The evaluation strategy is appropriate to assess the success of the project.

Capacity to deliver

The applicant organization:

Risks associated with the proposed project

The project proposal demonstrates:

Funding decisions

The Librarian and Archivist of Canada makes the final funding decision.

The decision is final and not subject to review or appeal.

We aim to announce the recipients in the spring (13 weeks following the closure of our call for proposal).

External Advisory Committee Members 2023-2024 and 2024-2025

Other funding programs

Glossary

Documentary heritage

Documentary heritage is a collection of recorded history in any format. It includes records and publications of interest to Canada about the experience of a specific local community or group.

In-kind contribution

A donation to a project by an individual, business or organization. It consists of materials, goods, services or time that the recipient would have had to paid for. There is no expectation of compensation for an in-kind contribution. It involves non-cash asset transactions such as:

  • securities
  • land
  • buildings
  • equipment
  • use of facilities, labour and goods

To be eligible as an in-kind contribution, the donation must:

  • be key to the project’s success
  • represent an expense that would not otherwise be incurred and paid for by the recipient as part of the project
  • be mentioned in the recipient’s contribution agreement
  • be documented and recorded in the recipient’s accounting books
  • be reasonably estimated at fair value on the date it is made, using either market value or an appraisal
  • contribute to the total cost of the project but not be reimbursable, as no monies change hands
Interim report

Funding recipients must provide an interim report midway through the project. This report must provide:

  • the results of work completed so far
  • the status of outstanding work
  • updated revenue and expense reports
Local documentary heritage organization

An organization that operates primarily at a community or regional level. It has a collection that reflects and represents a local and/or regional audience.

Official language minority communities

English-speaking communities in Quebec and French-speaking communities in the rest of Canada.

Owner of collection

The proprietor, possessor or title-holder of the collection(s).

Partner/Partnership

An organization that meets the DHCP eligibility criteria. It agrees to collaborate with the applicant to achieve a common goal. The DHCP does not recognize partner organizations unless they contribute in cash or in-kind to the completion of the project.

Project

A set of tasks that a recipient proposes to undertake with financial help from a department. The project has clear start and end dates. It happens within a reasonable amount of time, and has measurable results.

Third Party

An eligible organization that receives funding from a recipient for a specific role or service in a project.

Volunteers

Unpaid individuals who give their time, energy and skills for public benefit. This differs from paid employees and unpaid interns. For more information, refer to In-kind contribution.

Page details

Date modified: