GATINEAU, QUÉBEC, January 18, 2010—The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, announced today a call for proposals for community organizations, among others, to develop outreach projects to help Canadians access education savings incentives and improve their financial literacy. Canadian families could benefit from education savings incentives that encourage them to start saving early for their children’s post-secondary education.
“Access to post-secondary education and skills training is essential for both current and future generations to succeed in the job market,” said Minister Finley. “Saving early for post-secondary education—with the help of the Canada Learning Bond and the Canada Education Savings Grant—is an important step to increase access and reduce barriers to education for low-income families.”
The Call for Proposals is funded from the Education Savings Community Outreach contribution program, which has $6.2 million available for projects over the next three years. Organizations may receive up to $750,000 for a project, which can span a maximum of three years. Funds are provided on a cost-shared basis: the Government of Canada provides up to 75 per cent of total eligible project expenses, and the organization must contribute at least 25 per cent of the total project value (in cash or in kind). Projects will be evaluated in part based on factors such as whether they have matching funds from the private sector and a comprehensive plan to monitor results.
In addition to community organizations, other non-profit groups and associations at the local, regional and national levels, as well as provincial/territorial and municipal government bodies, may also apply for funding.
In 2010, priority will be given to proposals for projects that expand outreach to families with newborns or very young children, Aboriginal people, single parents, children in care, families living in official language minority communities, families living in rural and remote areas, and recent immigrants.
Interested organizations are invited to apply before March 19, 2010. More information on this call for proposals, including applications and guidelines, is available on the following Web site: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/learning/education_savings/esco2010.
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This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
