Social Development Partnerships Program - Terms and Conditions

 

Social Development Partnerships Program

Terms and Conditions

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction 
2. Program Authority
3. Objectives 
4. Interpretation 
5. Eligible Activities
6. Expected Results and Outcomes
7. Eligible Recipients
8. Stacking Limits
9. Type of Financial Assistance
10. Eligible Costs
11. Proposals/Applications
12. Approval Process
13. Agreements
14. Maximum Amount and Duration
15. Basis of Payment
16. Disposal of Capital Assets
17. Intellectual Property
18. Authority to Approve Proposals
19. Authority to Sign Agreements
20. Authority to Approve Payments
21. Audit
22. Accountability Framework and Evaluation
23. Due Diligence
24. Duration of Terms and Conditions
25. Transition
26. Cost of Managing the Program

Note: This table of contents and all links to return to it are included to meet internet accessibility requirements and are not part of the Terms and Conditions approved by Treasury Board.

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1. INTRODUCTION

The Social Development Partnerships Program (SDPP) supports the Government of Canada’s overarching social goals to enhance the quality of life and promote the full participation of all Canadians in all aspects of Canadian society.

Since its inception, the SDPP has been working in partnership with organizations in the social non-profit sector to:

• Address the social development needs and aspirations of persons with disabilities, children and their families and other vulnerable or excluded populations and
  
• Promote their inclusion and full participation as citizens in all aspects of Canadian society.

SDPP now delivers at least three distinct components including disabilities; early childhood learning and care; and social inclusion for other vulnerable groups.

SDPP plays a unique role in furthering broad social goals by making strategic investments, through grants and contributions, in generating and disseminating knowledge, fostering partnerships to achieve shared goals and strengthening the capacity of the social non-profit sector.

SDPP advances Canada’s commitment under the Social Union Framework Agreement (SUFA) “to promote the full and active participation of all Canadians in Canada’s social and economic life; and to work in partnership to ensure appropriate opportunities for Canadians to have meaningful input into social policies and programs.”

SDPP also recognizes the vital contribution that the social non-profit sector makes to the well being of Canadians by delivering services, enriching public dialogue, providing feedback on program effectiveness, promoting citizen engagement, and promoting understanding, awareness, inclusion and social justice.

SDPP’s relationship with the social non-profit sector is guided by the principles and values underlying the Accord Between the Government of Canada and the Voluntary Sector.

 

2.  PROGRAM AUTHORITY

Department of Human Resources Development (HRDC) Act.
Previous Authorities:  T.B. #822746 Child Care Visions (CCV); T.B. #825997 Social Development Partnerships Program (SDPP); T.B. #829743 Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award (TCVA); T.B.  #828238 Voluntary Sector Initiative (VSI).

3. OBJECTIVES

The long term objectives of the Program are to:

• Increase the effectiveness of the non-profit sector in meeting the social development needs and aspirations of persons with disabilities, children and their families and other vulnerable or  excluded populations; and,
  
• Improve the quality and responsiveness of governments’ social policies and programs.

The Program’s more immediate objectives, against which the program will be evaluated, are to:

• Promote the generation, dissemination and application of knowledge on emerging social concerns, innovative solutions, best practices; and social and economic outcomes as they relate to persons with disabilities, children and their families, and other vulnerable or excluded populations;
  
• Foster collaboration, partnerships, alliances, and networks to advance shared social goals and priorities; and,
  
• Strengthen the capacity of organizations in the social non-profit sector with respect to governance, policy and program development, community outreach, organizational administration and management.

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4. INTERPRETATION

The phrase “social non-profit sector” includes a wide range of non-profit organizations working to advance the goals of social development and inclusion. 

The phrase “other vulnerable or excluded populations” refers to those groups facing systemic barriers to their full participation in Canadian society.

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5. ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

Contributions may be provided for the following Eligible Activities:

• Generating knowledge on emerging social issues, by exploring and testing innovative solutions, best practices and tools and methodologies; creating relevant data bases, information management and retrieval systems; developing appropriate progress indicators and outcome measures;
  
• Disseminating information and knowledge and increasing public awareness through publications, newsletters, Web sites, public education materials, and media; organizing conferences, workshops and symposia;
  
• Establishing and maintaining sustainable partnerships, alliances, networks and collaboration through joint initiatives, agreements, protocols, Memoranda of Understanding, and information sharing; and,
  
• Participating in public dialogue/consultations on Canada’s social policies and programs; conducting internal consultations with constituent communities, organizations and individuals; engaging in consultations with other stakeholders.

Grants may be provided to national non-profit organizations to help increase their capacity in the areas of governance, policy and program development, community outreach, organizational administration and management.

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6. EXPECTED RESULTS AND OUTCOMES

SDPP funding activities are expected to lead to greater knowledge and awareness of social issues and application of solutions and best practices; greater collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to meet shared goals; and greater capacity within national social non-profit organizations to promote social development and inclusion. Over the long term, SDPP support for these activities will help organizations in the non-profit sector to be more effective in meeting the social needs and aspirations of their constituents and will help government policy-makers design and implement more responsive social policies and programs.

Recipients of grants and contributions will be expected to report on the achievement of results in relation to the program’s objectives.

The precise expected results and outcomes are indicated in the program’s final Results-based Management and Accountability Framework (RMAF).

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7. ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS

Project Funding (Contributions)

In order to be eligible to receive project funding (contributions), organizations must meet the following criteria:

• Non-profit; and
• Actively pursuing activities in line with the SDPP’s objectives.

Non-profit organizations may also include:

• Government funded/publicly supported educational and research institutions (i.e., Universities, colleges).

Specific priorities and eligibility for project funding will be developed in ongoing consultations with government and non-government stakeholders and will be part of regular intake processes.

In assessing proposals, preference will be given to projects that have national relevance and/or significance. 

Organizational Funding (Grants)

In order to be eligible to receive organizational funding (grants), organizations must meet the following criteria^[1]:

• Non-profit;
  
• Legally incorporated;
  
• Mandate encompasses goals related to social development and inclusion;
  
• Actively pursuing activities consistent with SDPP objectives;
  
• National in reach (operate or have affiliates in a minimum of three of the following five regions-Pacific, Prairie, Central, Atlantic, North^[2]);
  
• Membership based (individual or organizational members);
  
• Democratically constituted and accountable to members;
  
• Publish annual statements of accounts and activities;
  
• Focus on “public good”- as opposed to organizations whose primary function is to benefit or provide services to their own members (e.g., professional associations, labour unions, self-help groups)
  
• Financially and administratively sound (demonstrated track record, independent audits, etc)

Non profit organizations which are not eligible to receive grants for capacity building (but eligible to apply for project funding) include:

• Government funded/publicly supported educational and research institutions (i.e., Universities, colleges);

• Organizations whose primary purpose is to provide services to their own members (labour unions, professional associations, etc); and,
  
• Quasi-government agencies (e.g., Children’s Aid).

In assessing applications for grants, preference will be given to organizations that demonstrate commitment to:

• Working with government and other partners to identify and address priority social policy issues;
  
• Generating knowledge and promoting innovation in policy, program and service delivery;
  
• Expanding networks and ongoing alliances with those with common goals;
  
• Committed to strategic planning and principles of modern comptrollership; and,
  
• Developing a sustainable funding base.

Each year, two voluntary charitable organizations, designated by the recipients of the Thérèse  Casgrain Volunteer Award (TCVA) for that year, will be eligible to receive a grant of $5,000.00 each.  Organizations designated by the recipients of the TCVA are exempt from the eligibility criteria national in reach.  All other grant criteria would apply.

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8. STACKING LIMITS

The maximum level (stacking limit) of Total Government Assistance (federal, provincial and municipal assistance for the same eligible expenditures) for this program will not exceed 100% of eligible expenditures.  This stacking limit(s) must be respected when assistance is provided.  In the event that actual Total Government Assistance to a recipient exceeds the stacking limit, it will be necessary for the department to adjust its level of assistance (and seek reimbursement, if necessary) so that the stacking limit is not exceeded.  The Program will require all potential recipients to disclose all sources of funding for a proposed project before the start and at the end of a project.

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9. TYPE OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Financial assistance for projects will be provided in the form of contributions.

Financial assistance to help strengthen and sustain organizational capacity will be made in the form of grants.

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10. ELIGIBLE COSTS

Expenditures may be reimbursed on the basis of eligible costs incurred. In order to be eligible, expenditures must be project-related and must be incurred during the agreement period. 

Financial assistance may be provided to cover such costs as wages and employment-related costs for staff; fees for professional service; disbursements for research or technical studies; disability supports for staff of the recipient; utilities; materials; supplies; travel (including international travel where consideration will be based on the reasonableness of the request, program priorities and the availability of funds); insurance; rental of premises; leasing or purchasing of equipment and supplies; costs of audits; evaluations and assessments; performance monitoring and reporting costs; data collection; communication; and other administrative costs reasonably associated with a non-profit organization.       

The costs related to accommodating the special needs of program participants will be approved on a case by case basis.

The purchase of real property is not an eligible expense for funding support.

Where other sources of funding are anticipated, a provision for repayment is to be included in the agreements covering the grant or contribution in case more funding than was anticipated is provided from federal, provincial and municipal sources.

Interest charges will be applied on overdue payments.

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11. PROPOSALS/APPLICATIONS 

All proposals and applications must include all required information and data as set out in the Program’s administrative requirements.

Proposals for project funding must, at a minimum, include information on the organization’s non-profit and legal status and must:

• Address one or more objectives of the SDPP program;
  
• Demonstrate that the proposed project fits within Program priorities;
  
• Describe the activities to be undertaken in pursuit of the stated objectives;
  
• Identify the expected results within a specified timeframe and the impact this will have on the stated objectives;
  
• Identify a proposed process for evaluating the project results;
  
• Outline a process by which products/results will be disseminated;
  
• Provide an estimate of expenditures to be incurred;
  
• Provide a monthly cash-flow forecast;
  
• Disclose the involvement of former public servants who are under the Conflict of Interest and Post-employment Guidelines

Applications for organizational capacity grants must:

• Demonstrate the sponsoring organization’s continued eligibility within the specified class of recipients (described above);
  
• Provide a statement of the resources required to build and sustain capacity in the areas of governance, policy and program development, community outreach, and/or organizational administration and management; and;
  
• Identify the expected results within a specified timeframe and the impact this will have on organizational capacity in the areas identified in the applications;
  
• Provide a budget forecast;
  
• Disclose the involvement of former public servants who are under the Conflict of Interest and Post-employment Guidelines.

Project proposals and grant applications will be accepted through regular, transparent and fair intake processes.

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12. APPROVAL PROCESS

The final approval of proposals is the responsibility of the Minister of Human Resources Development, who may delegate this authority and establish advisory and/or consultative mechanisms to assist in the process.

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13. AGREEMENTS

Each proposal that is approved for funding will be the subject of a formal agreement specifying the responsibilities of each party, the items for which expenditures are anticipated, the conditions under which payments will be made in accordance with the Treasury Board Transfer Payment Policy and the Financial Administration Act, and mutually agreed upon measures designed to assess the success of the activities in attaining their objectives.

Transfer payments may be cancelled or reduced in the event that departmental funding levels are changed by Parliament.

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14. MAXIMUM AMOUNT AND DURATION

Contributions

The maximum level of multi-year financial support per Contribution Agreement is $3,000,000 per fiscal year.  Support will be negotiated and where possible and appropriate, costs will be shared with recipients or other stakeholders.

No financial support shall be directed towards costs that would have been incurred had the proposed project not been undertaken.

Grants

Multi-year grants to organizations to help strengthen and sustain their capacity may be provided to a maximum of $2,000,000 per fiscal year, subject to annual reports on progress toward achieving results.

The duration of the Program’s support will be up to a maximum of five years, subject to review.

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15. BASIS OF PAYMENT

Payments to Contribution recipients will be made, as appropriate via monthly or quarterly progress payments based on expenditure claims and a final payment of any sums due following receipt of the final claim.  HRDC may withhold up to 10% of the contribution until after the final account by the recipient has been received.  When necessary, advance payments will be made in accordance with the cash management provisions of Appendix B of the TB Policy on Transfer Payments.  The department will determine if an organization is eligible for this provision through the use of historical information and management judgement.^[3]

Any payments that exceed the amount to which the contribution recipient is entitled are debts to the Crown and must be repaid. 

Payments to Grant recipients will be made in instalments, as appropriate, in accordance with the Treasury Board’s Policy on Transfer Payments, subject to verification of continued eligibility of the organization.

Notwithstanding the approved duration of funding, payments will be linked to financial and/or performance reviews as appropriate.  Results of such reviews may lead to the early termination of an approved undertaking.

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16. DISPOSAL OF CAPITAL ASSETS

Where the purchase of capital assets, costing $500 or more are approved for the fulfillment of the project objectives, HRDC retains the right to approve the disposal of such assets at the end of the project. 

They may be sold at fair market value with any realized funds being used to offset HRDC's contribution; turned over to an organization or individual, as designated or approved by HRDC; or disposed of in any other manner, as determined by HRDC.

HRDC encourages the continued use of these assets when they support the continuation of the project activities.  Capital assets purchased under a contribution program must not be redirected to HRDC for HRDC's own use.

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17. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Where it is to the advantage of Canadians, and not detrimental to the goals of the recipient, HRDC will negotiate the shared use of any intellectual property developed by the recipient or through a third party.  The rights to use this material will include such things as use of data for further research, and publishing the intellectual property on HRDC’s website or in printed documents and publications.

18. AUTHORITY TO APPROVE PROPOSALS

The final authority for the approval of proposals may be delegated by the Minister of Human Resources Development to appropriate officials of the Department as per HRDC’s delegation instruments.

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19. AUTHORITY TO SIGN AGREEMENTS

The authority to sign and subsequently amend contribution agreements and grants may be delegated by the Minister of Human Resources Development to appropriate officials of the Department as per HRDC’s delegation instruments.

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20. AUTHORITY TO APPROVE PAYMENTS

The authority to approve payments by certifying compliance with the terms of the contribution or grant agreements may be delegated by the Minister of Human Resources Development to appropriate officials of the Department as per HRDC’s delegation instruments.

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21. AUDIT

Each agreement will specify that HRDC retains the right to audit the records of the recipients of contributions and, if it is determined that the amount paid exceeds the amount payable, the difference will be considered as a debt to the Crown.

A risk-based audit framework for monitoring and audit of recipients, an internal audit plan, including an evaluation of program management of the transfer payment program is attached as Annex C.

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22. ACCOUNTABILITY FRAMEWORK AND EVALUATION

A draft Results-based Management and Accountability Framework (RMAF) is attached as Annex B.  The final RMAF will be developed in close collaboration with Evaluation and Data Development (HRDC), Treasury Board Secretariat and stakeholders between January and March 2003.  The final RMAF will be submitted to Treasury Board Secretariat on or before March 1, 2003.

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23. DUE DILIGENCE

Departmental systems, procedures and resources for ensuring due diligence in approving transfer payments and verifying the eligibility and entitlement for the management and administration of the program is in place.  These systems include: The Grants and Contributions Operations Guide, the Risk-based Audit Framework (RBAF), and the Quality Assurance Framework monitoring of Grants and Contributions (based on an assessment of risk).

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24. DURATION OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS

These Terms and Conditions will come into effect on April 1, 2003, and will expire on March 31, 2008.

Amendments to these terms and conditions will be subject to approval by Treasury Board.

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25. TRANSITION

These terms and conditions replace those previously approved for the Child Care Visions Program, the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award, the Voluntary Sector Initiative and  the Social Development Partnerships Program, Grants and Contributions; and will be the authority for new agreements.

Agreements signed under the previously approved terms and conditions for those programs mentioned above will continue to operate under those authorities until completion.

Transition from current to renewed Terms and Conditions will be managed and implemented in a manner that minimizes hardship to organizations currently receiving funding. 

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26. COST OF MANAGING THE PROGRAM

The additional costs of managing and administering the program will come from existing reference levels.

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