Sport Funding and Accountability Framework

The Sport Funding and Accountability Framework (SFAF) is the process used by Canadian Heritage to identify which organizations are eligible for Sport Canada contributions under the Sport Support Program -- in what areas, at what level and under what conditions.

First introduced in 1995-1996, the SFAF for National Sport Organizations has been divided to follow the summer and winter Olympic cycles. The SFAF for winter sports is now in its third cycle (SFAF III), which will run from April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2011. The SFAF for summer sports will be commencing its fourth cycle (SFAF IV), covering the period from April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2013. The SFAF for Multisport Service Organizations extends from April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2011.

The SFAF is a four-component process: eligibility, assessment, funding and accountability. Decisions to provide funding to an organization are made upon completion of this process. The SFAF has three components:

• National Sport Organization
• Multisport Service Organization
• Project Stream

Please choose a link for more information on each component

Sport Funding and Accountability Framework: National Sport Organizations

Eligibility
This package provides information on the Eligibility application process and contains an application form to be completed and signed by the applicant NSO. This information is available in both PDF and Word format.

SFAF IV - Summer Sports

• HTML
• PDF
• Word

SFAF III - Winter Sports

• HTML
• PDF
• Word

Assessment
The Sport Funding and Accountability Framework (SFAF) is the process used by Canadian Heritage to identify which organizations are eligible for Sport Canada contributions under the Sport Support Program -- in what areas, at what level and under what conditions.

First introduced in 1995-1996, the SFAF for National Sport Organizations has been divided to follow the summer and winter Olympic cycles. The SFAF for winter sports is now in its third cycle (SFAF III), which will run from April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2011. The SFAF for summer sports will be commencing its fourth cycle (SFAF IV), covering the period from April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2013. The SFAF for Multisport Service Organizations extends from April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2011.

The SFAF is a four-component process: eligibility, assessment, funding and accountability. Decisions to provide funding to an organization are made upon completion of this process. The SFAF has three components:

National Sport Organization (NSO) Ranking List, 2005-2010 Funding Cycle
The Sport Funding and Accountability Framework (SFAF) determines the level and area(s) of funding, and monitors accountability against national performance standards that are aligned with the Canadian Sport Policy. The recently completed assessment sets funding reference levels for the 2005-2010 funding cycle.

A comprehensive, evidence-based assessment process evaluated each eligible NSO against a series of objective and qualitative criteria across a broad range of performance indicators in the areas of high performance sport excellence and sport participation and development. Within each of these two areas, various assessment sections and components were rated and weighted to reflect the goals and priorities of the Canadian Sport Policy and measure each NSO's contribution to their achievement.

The SFAF III Assessment Weighting Grid outlines the various sections and components with their relative weight.

SFAF III Assessment Weighting Grid [HTML–PDF]

The Assessment Points and Ranking Lists provide the results scored by each NSO in line with the SFAF III for either its Mainstream and/or Athletes with a Disability programs in the areas of excellence and sport development.

2005-2010 Funding Cycle: Assessment Points and Ranking Lists – Mainstream
[HTML–PDF]

2005-2010 Funding Cycle: Assessment Points and Ranking Lists - Athletes with a Disability [HTML–PDF]

Funding
NSOs having completed the Assessment are required to provide an application for funding as per the Contribution Guidelines in order to receive a contribution under the Sport Support Program. Please click on the link for more information.

Contribution Guidelines

Accountability
All nationally funded organizations are required to incorporate the accountability policy areas within their strategic and operating plans. The NSO Accountability policy areas have been selected to complement the goals of the Canadian Sport Policy (CSP).

While the Framework applies equally to all NSOs, the principle of flexibility and customization will apply to each NSOs implementation strategy. Recognizing the varying strengths and capacities of NSOs, each will pursue the achievement of the accountability objectives in a sport-specific manner. To evaluate results and identify areas of greater or lesser progress, Sport Canada will monitor and assess the NSOs operating and strategic plans. These plans provide the basis of the NSO's accountability 'contract' with Sport Canada, and must incorportate the goals of the Accountability Framework , as well as sport specific performance indicators and targets for each policy area. This Accountability Framework and the NSOs implementation strategy will be the cornerstone of each NSOs funding relationship with the federal government.

The three Accountability Policy Areas are Enhanced Excellence, Enhanced Participation, and Enhanced Capacity. Each policy area includes several specific NSO accountability areas. For each area, there is an objective and national standards. The nine NSO accountability areas are:

Enhanced Excellence:

• High performance
• Athlete focused

Enhanced Participation:

• Participation, access & opportunity.

Enhanced Capacity:

• Sport development
• Official languages
• Governance and ethics
• Women in sport
• Athletes with a disability
• Harassment and abuse

Sport Funding and Accountability Framework: Multisport Service Organization

Eligibility
This package provides information on the Eligibility application process and contains an application form to be completed and signed by the applicant MSO. This information is available in both .PDF and Word format.

• HTML
• PDF
• Word

Assessment
Eligible MSOs proceed to the Assessment stage. The assessment examines the nature, scope, volume and leadership associated with the MSO's delivery of core services within the Canadian sport system. The results of the evaluation of the questionnaires will determine the level of funding that may be provided to the MSO, and in what area(s).

Funding
MSOs having completed the Assessment are required to provide an application for funding as per the Contribution Guidelines in order to receive a contribution under the Sport Support Program. Please click on the link for more information.

Contribution Guidelines

Accountability

MSOs are required to work towards the National Standards outlined in the Sport Canada Accountability Framework for Multisport Service Organization. The Accountability Framework is the means by which the federal government ensures the achievement of key goals. All nationally funded organizations will be required to incorporate the Accountability policy areas within their strategic plans (including expected outcomes). The framework document is available through Sport Canada.