Social Development Partnerships Program (SDDP)

General Information

Department

Human Resources Development Canada

Partners

Non-profit organizations, such as voluntary organizations, research institutes, professional associations and educational institutes.

Effective Date

April 1, 1998

Expiry Date

Work to renew the SDPP is continuing in 2002-2003 with approval of a revised set of program terms and conditions expected before the end of 2002.

Web Site

http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/hrib/sdd-dds/menu/home.shtml

Purpose

To support research and development activities of the social non-profit sector in line with HRDCs mandate. These activities identify, develop and promote nationally significant best practices and build capacity of national organizations to meet the social development needs and aspirations of populations who are or may be at risk, such as people with disabilities, children and families.

Roles and Contributions

Social Development Partnerships Program works through partnerships, collaboration and sharing of knowledge with voluntary organizations, international agencies, researchers, universities and other not-for-profit organizations, as well as with provinces and territories, to strengthen the voluntary sector. It seeks to promote social inclusion and cohesion through cultural and institutional change.

Information about departmental roles and contributions through this program is publicly available (e.g., on the website). Emphasis has been on informing and involving relevant organizations and individuals involved in social development, rather than the general public.

The program renewal process has sought to engage traditional stakeholders and others in thinking about a renewed SDPP (e.g. stakeholder consultations, etc.). Preliminary work is underway to develop a more strategic, multi-year approach to program planning and priority setting.

Funding is provided by HRDC in the form of grants for organizational support to national social service and disability organizations or contributions for specific research and development projects. Project proposals are assessed, primarily, through review processes that include internal and external review mechanisms.

HRDC is the sole funding source of the program.

Resources

Funding

SDDP* 2001-2002:$ 21.0M, 2002-2003: $ 21.3M

*Includes $5.2M from former Child Care Visions Program. Does not include O&M; funds.

Tracking and Reporting

Regular reporting through departmental reporting mechanisms, including through the Estimates documents (specifically, Part 1, page 12-5 for grants).

Details regarding the Social Development Partnerships Program are available at: http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/dept/reports/5_socdev.shtml

Project reporting to the public on the program is done via the website, address given above.

Federal Disability Report available in 2002-2003 will report on the Disability Component of SDPP. Departmental Performance Reporting includes reporting on the SDPP.

Commencing in 2001-2002 initiatives were undertaken through funding intake processes to increase public knowledge of and access to the program.

In late 2001-2002, a booklet was published by HRDC outlining 37 projects with an investment of $10 million in SDPP resources over two fiscal years for early childhood learning and care. Similar initiatives to provide public information in a more user friendly format will be explored in 2003-2004 as alternatives to or as complements to project based website information.

Measurement and Reporting

Outcomes

Outputs are currently defined in terms of Delivery of Outputs Funded, e.g. research projects, information bases, etc. and Reach of Outputs, e.g. activities and resources linked to program activities.

Outcomes are currently defined in terms of:

1. Improved knowledge bases, practices and dissemination of knowledge.
2. Increased capacity of national non-profit organizations to meet the social development needs of vulnerable populations, e.g. children, persons with disabilities, etc.
3. Increased capacity for contributing information and knowledge on current and emerging social issues to government and others.
4. Enhanced knowledge and improved practices and effectiveness of national, regional and local organizations.
5. Improved design, implementation and resourcing of governments' programs for vulnerable populations.

Indicators

Basic information is collected on program components, e.g. early childhood, disability and other social development initiatives. Funding can also be attributed to key program activities (e.g. research, development and capacity building).

Information is collected on outputs such as number of contributions and dollar value and number of grants and dollar value.

Comparable Indicators

There are few comparable programs; societal results are indirect effect of the program.

Evaluation / Thrid Party Assessments

The survey work for a summative evaluation of SDPP was conducted by a third-party consultant group in 2001-2002. The report is currently being finalized and should be available by late fall 2002.

Shared Information and Best Practices

Knowledge development and knowledge dissemination, including best practices, are key program priorities. Projects are required to have dissemination approaches to share results to interested parties. Work is underway to strengthen information dissemination. Recent trends in project funding do show increased funding for conferences and symposiums and therefore increased opportunities for dissemination of knowledge, including best practices.

Public Reporting

Information regarding reports from research undertaken as a result of this program, as well as pilot project results, are available through the Internet at: http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/hrib/sdd-dds/engagement/content/projReportCE.shtml

Research reports are available from sponsors.

See Tracking and Reporting.

Involving Canadians

Provisions for Citizens to Participate in Developing Social Priorities and Reviewing Outcomes

The program consults primarily through a system of reference groups of key stakeholders. In 2002-2003, consultations on program renewal have included a broader range of social sector stakeholders.

Feedback Mechanisms to the Public

As above, program status is discussed with reference groups. All grants and contributions awarded will be posted on the website. The public may contact us through the website noted below.

Service Commitments

Public Availability of Eligibility Criteria

http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/hrib/sdd-dds/engagement/content/funding.shtml

Existence and Availability of Service Commitments

Service standards for the program are under development within a broader HRDC framework and will be informed by the anticipated voluntary sector code on funding practices.

Measurement and Public Reporting

Under review and development.

Appeals and Complaints

Existence, Availability and Communication of Mechanisms

Notification of results of project application identifies the Directors as the first point of contact to express concern.

More formal articulation of process for recourse is under consideration.

Tracking and Public Reporting

Tracking and public reporting will form part of the articulation of the process for recourse.

Mobility

Existence of Measure

There are no residence-based barriers.