Dementia Strategic Fund: Awareness raising initiatives phase 2 (2022)

On this page

• Background
• Objectives
• Principles
• Application process and deadline
• Other application considerations
• Applicant capacity
• Funding details and requirements
• Eligibility
• Eligible expenses
• Ineligible activities and expenses
• Contact us
• Additional resources

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is pleased to invite eligible applicants to submit proposals for awareness raising initiatives through the Dementia Strategic Fund.

Background

Budget 2019 announced $50 million over 5 years to support the implementation of key elements of Canada's first national dementia strategy, A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Aspire. The strategy's national objectives are to:

• prevent dementia
• advance therapies and find a cure
• improve the quality of life of people living with dementia and caregivers

The $40 million dedicated to the Dementia Strategic Fund (DSF) is supporting a variety of activities, including the development and implementation of:

• a national public education/awareness campaign
• targeted awareness raising initiatives
• initiatives that support access to and use of dementia guidance

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a set of symptoms linked to brain function. It is characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities. These abilities can include:

• memory
• awareness of person, place and time
• language
• basic math skills
• judgement
• planning

Dementia can also affect mood and behaviour.

It is estimated that almost 452,000 Canadians over the age of 65 were living with diagnosed dementia in Canada between April 2017 and March 2018, almost two-thirds of whom were women. As Canada's population ages, the number of Canadians living with dementia is expected to rise. The chance of getting dementia generally increases with age. The likelihood of being diagnosed with dementia is more than six times higher in people aged 80 and over compared to those aged 65-79. Not everyone develops the condition as they age.

Objectives

This funding opportunity contributes to the implementation of Canada's national dementia strategy by supporting projects focused on one or more of the following themes:

• preventing dementia
• reducing stigma
• encouraging and enabling communities to become more dementia-inclusive

Studies have identified several modifiable risk factors associated with a greater risk of developing dementia. It is estimated that 12 risk factors could explain 40% of cases of dementia globally. These risk factors include: lower levels of education, hearing loss, traumatic brain injury, hypertension, obesity, alcohol use, depression, smoking, social isolation, diabetes, physical inactivity and air pollution. Other risk factors currently being explored include diet and cholesterol levels.

For people living with dementia, stigma can result in barriers to care and support. In addition, those living with dementia and dementia caregivers can face challenges as a result of stigma when accessing services, participating in their communities and seeking to continue working while still able.

Principles

An important consideration during the assessment of an Invitation to Submit a Funding Request (ISFR) proposal is the meaningful inclusion of people living with dementia and dementia caregivers in the development, design and implementation of awareness raising initiatives that focus on stigma reduction and/or dementia-inclusive communities. Consideration may also be given to the inclusion of people living with dementia and/or caregivers in the development and implementation of awareness raising initiatives focused on prevention, though the level of engagement is expected to vary according to the scope and focus of the project.

As well, the assessment process will include consideration of the project's alignment with the following principles:

Collaboration

Effective awareness raising initiatives on dementia risk reduction, stigma reduction and dementia-inclusiveness are likely to be enhanced through multi-sectoral partnerships that may bring together:

• non-governmental organizations
• academia
• workplaces
• industry
• communities
• others

Projects are also encouraged to benefit from in-kind and/or financial support provided by partners from various sectors.

Health equity

Proposals must demonstrate how health equity, including consideration of sex and gender as well as other factors (such as LGBTQ2+, age, education, geography, and income), has been considered in the design, implementation and evaluation of the proposed project.

Human rights

Proposals must align with Canada's international and domestic commitments on dementia and human rights, and the principle of "respect human rights" as described in the national dementia strategy, as appropriate.

Evidence-based

Proposals show that the proposed initiative is based on and informed by current best evidence and knowledge, including traditional knowledge and/or lived experience.

Results-based

Projects are designed to track progress and capture lessons learned. Proposals must include robust project evaluation plans to assess the outcomes and impact of planned activities.

Culturally safe and culturally appropriate

Proposals are expected to demonstrate how activities and deliverables will be developed in ways that are relevant, culturally appropriate and culturally safe for the individuals and populations they are intended to benefit.

Application process and deadline

All eligible applicants must submit a completed Funding Request (including the documents identified in the checklist on page 8) in Microsoft Word, an Excel budget sheet, and letters of support. Additional supporting material will not be accepted or reviewed. Funding Request templates are available by sending an email request to: cgc.solicitations-csc@phac-aspc.gc.ca.

The application deadline is 12 P.M. (EST) April 8, 2022.

All applicants must:

• Provide all details of the proposed project requested including demonstrating the applicant's ability to complete the proposed work
• Provide a valid email address (all submitted applications will be acknowledged by email)

The maximum length for Part B of the proposal is 30 pages single-spaced in size 12 font.

The submission process is competitive and all submissions are subject to screening and review. All funding is subject to budgetary and solicitation considerations.

Additional application process information is available by sending an email request to: cgc.solicitations-csc@phac-aspc.gc.ca.

Other application considerations

Official language requirements

The Government of Canada is committed to enhancing the vitality of English and French linguistic minority communities in Canada, supporting and assisting their development, and fostering the full recognition and use of both official languages in Canadian society. Projects must be accessible in one or both official languages depending on the reach and audience. For additional information, consult the Official Languages Act.

Gender-based analysis requirements

The Government of Canada is committed to Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+). GBA+ incorporates consideration of gender as well as other identity factors such as age, education, language, geography, culture and income in the development of policies and programs. Applicants are expected to incorporate these considerations into their submission.

Working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities

The impact of colonization on First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada has had a devastating impact on health and wellness. As a result, First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada face specific challenges and have unique experiences with the social determinants of health. Organizations led by First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada, and organizations with strong partnerships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities (including demonstrated collaboration) are encouraged to submit funding request proposals.

Lobbying

Recent amendments to the Lobbying Act have broadened the definition of lobbying. We encourage applicants to review the revised act and regulations to ensure compliance. For more information, refer to the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada website.

Applicant capacity

Applicants are to provide a 1-page cover letter describing their organization. The letter must include the following information:

• Mandate of the organization
• Organizational incorporation/registration number
• A description of how they and/or their collaborators bring the following organizational capacities and expertise to the project:
  • Experience conducting and evaluating awareness raising activities on public health issues
  • Expertise related to dementia, including risk reduction, stigma, and/or dementia-inclusive communities
  • Confirmed access to the target population(s) for the project intends to reach (e.g., a partnership with a community organization)
  • Capacity to engage people living with dementia and caregivers in the development, design and implementation of the project as appropriate

Funding details and requirements

PHAC is anticipating funding up to 9 projects. The recipient will receive up to $375,000 in fiscal year 2022/23 and up to $341,000 in fiscal year 2023/24. The total maximum funding available over fiscal years 2022/23 and 2023/24 is $716,000.

Projects funded under the DSF may be invited to share information with the Canadian Dementia Learning and Resource Network (CDLRN), which is a closed community of practice for community-based projects funded by PHAC's Dementia Community Investment (DCI).

Eligibility

The following types of organizations are eligible for funding:

• Not-for-profit voluntary organizations and corporations
• For-profit organizations, provided they partner with a not-for-profit organization
• Unincorporated groups, societies and coalitions
• Provincial, territorial, regional, and municipal governments and agencies
• Organizations and institutions supported by provincial and territorial governments (regional health authorities, post-secondary institutions, etc.)
• Indigenous organizations working with First Nations, Inuit or Métis

Partnerships between organizations with complementary areas of expertise are strongly encouraged, as are projects involving partnerships that span more than one province/territory.

Only Canadian organizations may apply for funding under this solicitation.

Eligible expenses

Eligible costs include expenses such as:

Personnel

• Project staff salaries and wages
• Employer's contribution to extended employee group benefits plans (dental, medical, pension benefits, RRSPs) by virtue of the collective agreement or letter of employment, combined with statutory benefits for each employee.
  • Extended benefits must be offered to all part-time employees under the collective agreement or letter of employment, not solely for staff involved in PHAC agreements
  • If benefits are higher than 20%, a copy of the collective agreement or letter of employment is required as justification
• Contractor fees (trainers, translation services, etc.)

Travel and accommodation

• Expenses for project activities such as private vehicle mileage, air, train or bus fares, project-related meals, and accommodation costs

Note: Kilometric rates, meals and other travel related expenses must not exceed those allowed under the National Joint Council Travel Directive.

Materials and supplies

• Office supplies
• Printing
• Postage

Equipment

• Office/project equipment such as computers
• Equipment for adults with special needs, etc.

Note: Cost effectiveness should be considered when deciding whether to purchase or rent.

Rent

• Actual rental costs incurred and substantiated by a rental/lease agreement
• Cost incurred to rent space for off-site meetings, conferences, training (if space not available at project location)

Utilities (if not included in the rental agreement)

• Telephone, electricity, heating, etc.
• Property maintenance costs based on the square footage used for the project or other acceptable methods

Performance measurement/evaluation

• Fees for a third-party evaluation, data collection and analysis

Other

• Actual project expenses that do not fit in the previous budget categories
• Bank charges
• Training of staff and volunteers
• Membership fees when directly related to the project
• Other indirect prorated costs portions related to the project:
  • auditor fees
  • insurance fees
  • liability insurance (including for board members)

No project expenses may be incurred prior to the signing of a contribution agreement by all parties.

Ineligible activities and expenses

The following activities and expenses are not eligible for funding:

Personnel

• Statutory and extended benefits exceeding the 20% ceiling not included in employee group benefits plans by virtue of employment/labour agreement or equivalent (dental, medical, pension benefits, RRSPs)
• Performance pay (bonus)
• Severance/separation/termination payments
• Maternity leave (including top up, which is the portion not covered under EI)
• Compensation during extended absence

Travel and accommodation

• Travel and hospitality expenses that exceed the National Joint Council rates

Materials

• Rental charges for use of recipient owned equipment (i.e., computers)

Rent

• Rental costs claimed for property/space owned by or donated to the recipient

Other

• Capital costs such as the purchase of land, buildings, or vehicles
• Direct services which are part of the jurisdiction of other governments (e.g., medical treatment and services)
• Costs of ongoing activities for the organization (not directly related to the funded project)
  • Overhead/administrative fees expressed as a percentage of ongoing operational support of an organization
• Stand-alone activities (a "stand-alone activity" would be considered as such when there is no program intervention with a project audience, etc.), such as:
  • audio visual production or website/smartphone application development and maintenance
  • conferences, symposia, and workshops as stand-alone projects
• Profit-making activities, including any "fee for service" activities, such as educational events, workshops or applications offered by the recipient that would require a payment from the target population to use, register or participate
• Pure research in any discipline (Pure research is original investigation undertaken to gain new scientific or technical knowledge and understanding, but without specific applications)

Contact us

To obtain additional information about this ISFR, please contact us at cgc.solicitations-csc@phac-aspc.gc.ca.

NOTE: PHAC is under no obligation to enter into a funding agreement as a result of this ISFR.

PHAC also reserves the right to:

• reject any submission received in response to this invitation
• accept any submission in whole or in part
• cancel and/or re-issue this ISFR at any time

Please note that PHAC will not reimburse an applicant for costs incurred in the preparation and/or submission of a funding request proposal in response to this invitation.

Additional resources

For further information on the risk factors for dementia and dementia-inclusive communities, you may wish to refer to the following publications:

• What We Heard Report: Informing a dementia strategy for Canada
• A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Aspire
• The Lancet: Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission
• Canadian Institute for Health information: Dementia prevention and treatment
• World Health Organization: Towards a dementia-inclusive society: a WHO toolkit for dementia-friendly initiatives
• Risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia: WHO guidelines