Project Funding

Overview

The Federal Victims Strategy consolidates all federal government work related to victims of crime into one objective: to give victims a more effective voice in the criminal justice system.
The Victims Fund provides grants and contributions to support projects and activities that encourage the development of new approaches, promote access to justice, improve the capacity of service providers, foster the establishment of referral networks, and/or increase awareness of services available to victims of crime and their families. 
The Victims Fund does not provide criminal injuries compensation for victims of crime.

Who is eligible?

Who can apply for this funding?

  • not-for-profit agencies and organizations;
  • national, provincial, territorial, municipal, Aboriginal, community or professional organizations, societies or associations;
  • educational institutions;
  • bands and tribal councils and self-governing First Nations who are working to provide services and assistance to victims of crime in Aboriginal communities;
  • non-governmental organizations;
  • private-sector organizations sponsoring non-profit projects;
  • non-governmental international organizations, of which Canada is a member, that have a focus on victim advocacy, services, assistance or raising awareness about the impact of victimization.

Objectives

The objectives of the Victims Fund are to:

  • promote access to justice and participation by victims in the justice system;
  • promote the development of law, policies and programs for victims;
  • promote the implementation of principles, guidelines and laws designed to address the needs of victims of crime and articulate the victim’s role in the criminal justice system;
  • increase knowledge and awareness of the impact of victimization, the needs of victims of crime, available services, assistance and programs, and relevant legislation;
  • encourage governmental and non-governmental organizations to identify victim needs and gaps in services, and develop and deliver programs, services and assistance to victims; and,
  • promote capacity-building within non-governmental organizations.

Activities/Projects

What types of projects qualify for funding?

Funding is available to encourage the development of approaches that aim to meet the needs of victims of crime.  The types of projects that could receive funding include:

  • projects to increase awareness and access to services for victims, with a focus on those in northern and rural communities;
  • projects to enhance the capacity of victim service providers;
  • projects to set up and implement referral networks, partnerships, protocols, public-education projects and training; and,
  • projects that involve consultation, research or evaluation intended to benefit victims of crime.

What types of activities are not eligible for project funding?

  • ongoing activities;
  • duplication of programs or services already funded or delivered by other organizations or government departments;
  • entertainment expenses or honoraria for participants at conferences, workshops, or seminars;
  • thesis projects; and,
  • capital expenditures (excluding those related to the purchase of testimonial aids).

Points to Consider

What improves the chances of having a successful funding application?

The review of your application could take 4 to 6 months to complete.  Please consider this in deciding the start date for your project. 
Please respond to each question in the application/proposal form.  Incomplete applications may result in delays and even in rejection of the application.
A project has a greater chance of securing funding if there are other partners, as well as demonstrated support from organizations in the community. Letters of support are required as part of a complete application.

When is the deadline to submit a funding application?

There is no deadline for submitting funding applications under this initiative. Proposals are approved, in part, based on the availability of funding.

How to Apply  for Funding

The following is a guide to assist with making a proposal for funding:

The following application form should be used to submit a request for funding.  Once completed, the form contains all the information required to allow the Department of Justice Canada to fully assess the merits of the proposal.

We also encourage you to use the Application Checklist found at the end of the Guide to ensure that your application is complete: Application Checklist
Step One: Please download the application form

Step Two: An application package must be completed and signed by an authorized representative of the organization. In order to be considered in the assessment process, submitted application packages should also include the following documents:

    • Current audited financial statement;
    • Work Plan, Strategic Plan and/or Business Plan;
    • Project Budget; and,
    • Letters of support, where appropriate.

Step Three: Send your completed application package to:

Victims Fund Manager
Programs Branch
Department of Justice
284 Wellington Street, 6th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0H8
Fax: (613) 941-2269
Telephone: (613) 941-4193
E-mail: pb-dgp@justice.gc.ca

Official Languages

In support of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act, the Department is committed to facilitating the participation of official language minority communities and their organizations in the development and assessment of the Department's policies, programs and services having significant impact on the development of the communities; and to take measures to ensure that the Department of Justice's programs and services reach official language minority communities. In the context of project funding, these measures include:

  • outreach to official language minority communities to enhance their understanding of the Department of Justice funding programs; and
  • encouraging contacts between organizations that are receiving financial assistance and official language minority organizations/groups to ensure that the needs of these communities are taken into consideration in relation to the proposed projects to be considered for Department of Justice Canada funding.

Sustainable Development

The Department of Justice encourages applicants to submit proposals electronically.  If you submit your application on paper, please consider printing on both sides of the paper. These actions will minimize environmental impacts.

Publications and Resources

What can I expect from a funding agreement?

The following guide is designed as a reference tool to help funding recipients better understand and comply with the financial requirements described in contribution agreements. It is recommended that recipients review this handbook at the onset of their funding agreements.

Contribution Funds for Non-Governmental Organizations, a Handbook (PDF Version)

Helpful Federal Government Links:

Helpful Provincial / Territorial Government Links:

Contact Information

Where is more information available?

For more information about the Victims Fund and how to apply for project funding, contact us:
Victims Fund Manager
Programs Branch
Department of Justice
284 Wellington Street, 6th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0H8

Telephone: General Victims Fund: (613) 941-4193

E-mail: pb-dgp@justice.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 941-2269