Applicant's Guide for Project Funding includes Family Violence Initiative Self-Government Initiative

Introduction

The Aboriginal Women's Program (AWP) is a program of the Department of Canadian Heritage that works with Aboriginal women to ensure their full participation in their own communities and within Canadian society. The AWP provides funding support to independent (free from outside control or influence) Aboriginal women's groups toward achieving this important goal.

Content
How can this brochure help?

This guide will help you develop funding proposals that meet the AWP requirements. It also:

• describes the three funding areas of the AWP, including the following: the Family Violence Initiative and the Self-Government Initiative; and
  
  
• includes a list of the requirements to address in your proposal.

As an important first step, contact the Program Officer in the nearest office of the Department of Canadian Heritage, as listed in Appendix A. The contacts at these offices can answer questions you may have concerning the eligibility of your group and your proposed project. They can guide you with the development of your proposal.

Purpose
What is the aim of the Aboriginal Women's Program?

The purpose of the AWP is to assist independent Aboriginal women's groups/organizations to carry out activities that:

• support the full participation of Aboriginal women within their communities and Canadian society; and
  
  
• assist them in reclaiming and using their unique Aboriginal identity and cultures.

Project Funding
What funding is available?

While the AWP provides operational support for the national Aboriginal women's representative organizations, this Guide will provide information only on project funding available for activities and projects within the three funding areas, that is, the general AWP, the Family Violence Initiative and Self-Government Initiative.

What is project funding?

Project funding is for specific activities in keeping with the objectives of the AWP and the two Initiatives. These activities must produce clearly defined results within a specific time frame, and must be identified in the funding proposal.

Objectives
This section describes the broad objectives of the AWP as well as the objectives of the Self-Government Initiative and the Family Violence Initiative.

General objectives of the Aboriginal Women's Program
Funding under the AWP is available to Aboriginal women's groups in Canada, regardless of where they live, for projects that address one or more of the following four key objectives:

• to influence public policy and decision-making related to concerns and aspirations of Aboriginal women at all levels of Aboriginal and Canadian government;
  
  
• to maintain the cultural distinctiveness and preserve the cultural identity of Aboriginal women;
  
  
• to enhance and develop strong leadership capabilities, individual and collective skills and talents, so that Aboriginal women can play a central role in their own communities as well as participate effectively in Canadian society; and
  
  
• to undertake projects to improve the social and economic conditions of their community.

Self-Government Initiative Objectives
Within the AWP, the Self-Government Initiative objectives are to support Aboriginal women's groups in Canada, regardless of where they live:

• to develop Aboriginal women's positions, strategies and research on Aboriginal self-government;
  
  
• to participate and partner with other Aboriginal and women's groups/organizations as well as Aboriginal governments on self-government initiatives; and
  
  
• to communicate with and inform Aboriginal women on this very critical issue affecting their lives and those of their children and families.

Family Violence Initiative Objectives
Within the AWP, the Family Violence Initiative assists Aboriginal women's groups primarily *off-reserve to carry out activities that:

• examine and address issues of violence in immediate and extended Aboriginal families, and
  
  
• research and develop holistic and culturally-appropriate responses to family violence.
  
  

Please note:    The Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development is responsible for administering funding under the Family Violence Initiative for First Nations women living on-reserve.

Eligible Applicants
Who is eligible?

The AWP supports community-based projects which are initiated, managed and lead by "Aboriginal women". This term is inclusive of women of Aboriginal North American descent living in Canada, whether Status or Non-status Indian, Inuit, or Métis.

What kinds of groups can apply?

Projects and activities must be initiated, administered and operated by an Aboriginal women's group/organization, with priority given to those groups/organizations located off-reserve.

The group/organization must be non-profit and must be independent of any other organization. It can be provincial, territorial, regional, or community in nature.

What about new groups?

We will also consider funding projects under $25,000 proposed by:

• new or emerging organizations (See Governance in Appendix B for non-incorporated groups); and
  
  
• ad hoc or special purpose organizations which address specific issues . See Governance in Appendix B for non-incorporated groups ( e.g. ad hoc Aboriginal women's committees).
  
  

All applicants must demonstrate community support through letters of support from the community leadership and/or other recognized Aboriginal women's groups and/or Aboriginal organizations.

Ineligible Applicants
Who is NOT eligible to apply?

The following are NOT eligible to apply for funding under the AWP (and the Initiatives):

• individuals;
  
  
• other Aboriginal organizations;
  
  
• Aboriginal governments; and
  
  
• non-Aboriginal organizations.
  
  

Eligible Projects
What must my proposal address?

The AWP identifies a variety of issues that are of particular concern to Aboriginal women. Preference will be given to projects that address one or more of the following issues. As well, you will need to show how your project will help towards achieving one or more of the broad objectives of the AWP and/or the objectives of the Family Violence or Self-Government Initiatives, as described previously.

For each issue, you will find key elements and some examples of the types of activities that your group can use to address these issues.

Key Issues
It is recognized that Aboriginal women's issues are always evolving. The following is not an exhaustive list of issues; it should be considered as a guide only.

AWP Projects
What activities would be eligible for funding under the AWP objectives?

Organizational/Skill Development and Capacity Building

• Developing new, emerging and existing organizations and/or representative groups
  
  
• Strengthening and developing awareness and participation of Aboriginal women at the community level
  
  
• Developing leadership skills of Aboriginal women
  
  

Examples: Training and development for volunteers, staff, and/or Board of Directors; sharing information among Aboriginal women's groups; organizing a new group.

Rebuilding Cultural Strength

• Strengthening cultural retention by Aboriginal women, their families and their communities
  
  
• Reclaiming and promoting the traditional roles of women
  
  
• Developing cultural approaches to address issues

Examples: Workshops, cultural activities, development of communication tools.

Political Awareness and Representation

• Enabling groups not represented by any national or provincial body to advocate on their own behalf
  
  
• Building alliances among Aboriginal women
  
  
• Increasing awareness and participation by Aboriginal women in current political, social, cultural, and economic issues
  
  

Examples: Studies, research, networking, conferences

Policy and Legislative Change

• Advocating for policy and legislative change affecting Aboriginal women and their families (including the removal or establishment of policy or legislation), at all levels of government, including Aboriginal government and within the voluntary and private sectors

Examples: Policy development, research, conferences, and development of communication tools

Youth and Family Concerns

• Working with Aboriginal youth on issues of mutual concern

Examples: Stay-in-school, youth parenting skills and suicide prevention workshops, family violence projects.

Economic Development and Independence

• Encouraging economic self-reliance of Aboriginal women
  
  
• Promoting the removal of systemic barriers, for example, by improving access to education and training; by providing culturally-appropriate and affordable child care; and by providing entrepreneurial development and support
  
  

Examples: Advocacy, research, establishing partnerships

Family Violence Initiative Projects
What activities would be eligible for funding under the objectives of the Family Violence Initiative?

The Family Violence Initiative focuses on specific issues. Your proposal for funding under this Initiative must address at least one of the following issues.

• Expanding the information base on family violence in Aboriginal communities
  
  
• Examining innovative, holistic, and traditional healing methods
  
  
• Developing community and culturally-appropriate models
  
  
• Assisting new communities to lay foundations and seek partners for long-term family violence initiatives
  
  
• Exploring partnerships that combine holistic/culturally appropriate approaches with conventional mainstream approaches
  
  
• Examining the application of new technology in addressing family violence in off-reserve communities, particularly for addressing the needs of Aboriginal youth
  
  
• Developing Aboriginal leadership and expertise in the field of family violence.

Self-Government Initiative Projects
What activities would be eligible for funding under the objectives of the Self-Government Initiative?

The Self-Government Initiative focuses on specific issues. Your proposal for funding under this Initiative must address at least one of the following issues:

• Fostering the involvement of Aboriginal women in existing and new women's organizations both on boards and as members to address self-government issues;
  
  
• Supporting the full participation and partnering of Aboriginal women's groups and organizations with Aboriginal organizations and governments in negotiating and implementing self-government;
  
  
• Developing Aboriginal women as community leaders and volunteers in the field of self-government;
  
  
• Creating community and information networks on the issue of self-government; and
  
  
• Developing/strengthening communications links which will enable Aboriginal women and their organizations to interact with the local Aboriginal community or government on self-government initiatives.

Proposal Requirements
What information do I need to include in a proposal?

You are required to complete and provide the Department's Funding Application Form. The Form may be obtained from the Program Officer or from the following web site: http://www.pch.gc.ca/aboriginal. In addition to this Form, applicants are required to use the attached Appendix "B", Checklist for Project Funding. Please ensure that information provided in the proposal responds to each point.

How to apply for Funding
Where do I go?

Funding under the AWP, the Family Violence Initiative and the Self-Government Initiative for community, regional, provincial and territorial projects is administered by the regional and district offices of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Who should I call?

Please refer to the attached Appendix A and get in touch with the office closest to you. The contacts at these offices can answer questions you may have concerning proposal deadlines, the eligibility of your group and your proposed project, and provide guidance on developing your proposal.

When should I provide my proposal and application form?

Please note that processing of a completed application takes 15-18 weeks and that project start dates must allow for processing time.

Deadline for applying for funding - October 1, 2005

Appendix "A"

Department of Canadian Heritage

Atlantic Region

Quebec Region

Ontario Region

Prairies and Northwest Territories

Western Region

Appendix "B"

Aboriginal Women's Program (AWP)Checklist for Proposals for Project Funding

Please note:    In preparing your proposal, you are required to provide full information that addresses each of the following points:

Objectives

• the objectives of the group/organization are stated and are consistent with the objectives of the AWP, including the Family Violence and Self-Government Initiatives
  
  
• the objectives of the proposal are stated and relate clearly to the objectives of the AWP, including the Family Violence and Self-Government Initiatives
  
  

N.B.:   The objectives must be concrete (specific; definite), measurable and attainable.

Support

The proposal includes :

• letters of support from the community to be served
  
  
• the name(s) of any organization(s) with which the applicant organization is affiliated.

Governance

For a non-incorporated group, the proposal must include:

• the name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address for the organization, where applicable
  
  
• the name(s) and title(s) of the person(s) authorized to sign on behalf of the organization
  
  
• the name and title of the contact person for the proposal
  
  
• names of the members of the ad hoc committee (individuals or organizations)
  
  
• qualifications and relevant experience of the committee members to carry out the project (attach personal resumes of the committee members if available)
  
  
• three references who can attest to the knowledge and experience of committee members that they can carry out the project
  
  
• a description of the structures/staff and processes within the organization that will ensure the successful completion of the proposed activity/activities
  
  
• a copy of the most recent financial statements (audited or unaudited) of the organization (see Appendix C for definitions). This requirement may be waived for a new or emerging group and ad hoc committees for their application in the first year.
  
  

For an incorporated organization, the proposal must include:

• a copy of the incorporation document (letters patent)
  
  
• a copy of the constitution and by-laws of the organization
  
  
• a list of the executive and board of directors, and the address and telephone number of each
  
  
• the name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address for the organization, where applicable
  
  
• the name(s) and title(s) of the person(s) authorized to sign on behalf of the organization
  
  
• the name and title of the contact person for the proposal
  
  
• a copy of the most recent financial statements (audited or unaudited) of the organization that are in compliance with departmental requirements. Audited financial statements are required for project funding $50,000 or over.
  
  

N.B.:   Where the applicant has previously provided the above information, the applicant must confirm that there have been no changes made, or provide specific information on the changes, and indicate that the changes have been legally registered, where required.

Need

The proposal must include information on:

• the target population
  
  
• existing services and service gaps in the community
  
  
• why this project is needed
  
  
• who was consulted, including individuals and organizations from the target group and the community, to identify this need.
  
  

Activities

The proposal must:

• describe the activity/activities to be funded, i.e., what will take place
  
  
• clearly link each activity to the AWP, Family Violence and/or Self-Government objective(s) that it addresses
  
  
• describe how the proposed activity/activities meet the needs
  
  
• include a proposed timetable/schedule showing when each activity would take place
  
  
• identify the staff position(s) that will carry out the project, e.g., full-time project coordinator and part-time cultural worker.
  
  

Expected results

• the proposal must describe the expected results of the proposed activity/ activities, i.e., who is expected to benefit and how, and how these results relate to the project objectives.

NB:   The expected results should include:

• quantitative results related to the project, e.g., number of workshops, number of participants, etc.; and
• qualitative results that describe the impact of the project, e.g., as a result of the workshop, the participants gained knowledge/awareness/capacity in XYZ, etc.

Budget

The proposal must include:

• a detailed budget and cashflow statements that clearly links to the proposed activity/activities (see Appendix C for definitions).
  
  
• budget notes that show how amounts were calculated
  
  
• in cases where advance payments are required, an explanation of the need for advance funding
  
  
• information on any other funds requested for the proposed activity/activities, including the source of funds, and how they are to be applied against the budget.
  
  

The following list identifies eligible expenditures. It is not exhaustive:

Subject to ministerial approval, project costs may include:

• salaries and employee benefits for staff carrying out AWP responsibilities, identifying the position and rate of pay for each;
• employee and volunteer training related to the performance of AWP activities;
• honoraria;
• professional services/consulting fees related directly to the project;
• audit costs (required for projects of $50,000 and over)
• limited capital costs for materials and equipment directly related to the project;
• issue specific newsletters
• appropriate meeting and conference expenses;
• travel within Canada related to the project
  In the case of employee travel, the rate of reimbursement may not exceed Treasury Board Guidelines on travel expenses as found at: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pubs_pol/hrpubs/TBM_113/td-dvc_e.asp
• itemized administrative costs related to the project, e.g., photocopying, office supplies, postage, telephone, and
• project/activity evaluation.

The following list identifies ineligible expenditures:

• allowances/honoraria for attendance in a course/activity;
• costs incurred before the application is made;
• salaries and honoraria for a principal officer or Board members;
• regular annual general, executive or board meetings of an organization or association;
  on-going organizational newsletters
• travel/activities that take place outside of Canada;
• profit-making activities for commercial gain;
• contingency/miscellaneous fees; (e.g. costs for future events or items that cannot be predicted with certainty) and
• deficit recovery.

Partnering Agreements

• the proposal must identify any organizations and institutions that will be involved in the project and clearly identify the role that they will play in the project.

Evaluation

• the proposal must include an evaluation plan that describes how information on the achievement of the 'Expected Results' will be gathered (e.g., questionnaires, interviews with participants) and reported, and how the organization will determine how well the project objectives have been met.

Reporting

• the proposal must commit to providing timely activity, evaluation, and financial reports and other related information, as requested by the Department. (occurring at an appropriate time)

Recognition

• The applicant must describe how the AWP contribution will be recognized in relation to each project/activity in a way that ensures that both the participants and, to the fullest extent possible, the community are aware of the support provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Former Public Servants

• The applicant must disclose the involvement of former public servants who are subject to the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Service.

This document is available at:
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pubs_pol/hrpubs/TB_851/vec-cve_e.asp

Appendix "C"

Aboriginal Women's Program (AWP) Glossary of Terms

Definitions for some important terms used in this guide have been provided to assist applicants.

Ad Hoc Committee -A temporary committee set up to do a specific task; that is, not a permanent standing committee.

Advocacy – support or argument for a cause, policy, etc. (An advocate is a person who supports or speaks in favour of a cause, policy, etc.)

Capacity Building – increasing the skills and abilities of individuals, groups and organizations to plan, undertake and manage initiatives such as projects/programs. It also enhances the capacity of the individual(s) to organize these ventures, to keep them running and to effectively deal with future issues and/or problems.

Cash Flow Statement– reflects the actual and projected timing of the flow of cash in and out (revenues and expenditures) of an organization usually by month or quarterly depending on program requirements. A cash flow is a financial management tool that is used for examining future budget needs and for ensuring the actual revenues and expenditures are in line with forecasted revenues and expenditures during the project period. Often cash flow statements will need to be revised during the course of a project.

Financial statements – (audited or unaudited) – A set of financial statements (Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Operations and Statement of Changes in Financial Position) that, taken together provide the reader with a "picture" of the financial viability and management capacity of an organization. Recipients' financial statements allow the Department/Program to confirm actual expenses and revenues of the project funded by the contribution.

Governance – the act or manner of governing.

Initiatives – are like programs except that initiatives are funded for a specified period of time, sometimes called a "sunset date" (e.g. Family Violence Initiative). Initiatives are sometimes extended, and can sometimes evolve into a program.

Non-Profit Organizations - Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have voluntarily associated themselves for a non-profit purpose, operating in line with democratic principles at the national, provincial, regional, community or neighborhood levels (e.g. community-based organizations).

Objective – identifies the overarching measurable goals that an organization plans to attain within a measurable period of time. Objectives should clearly identify the vision of the project and describe what your organization wants to achieve through project activities. Objectives need to be measurable, concrete and linked to the Expected Results.

Programs – as defined by Treasury Board are "groups of related activities designed to achieve specific departmental objectives as approved by Parliament". (e.g. Aboriginal Women's Program).

Project – as defined by Treasury Board are: "a set of activities or functions that a recipient proposes to undertake with the contribution funds provided by the Department." A project has the following characteristics:

• unique - it's a one-time set of events
• start and end dates;
• measurable objectives;
• the identification of an activity or activities designed to achieve the goal(s) and objectives.

Results – as defined by Treasury Board, "relate to what was achieved. They are the collection of impacts and outcomes associated with a program, policy or initiative". Expect Results (or outcomes) are what the applicant believes will be the final results that will be achieved through a proposed project.