Professional and Institutional Development Program
The Professional and Institutional Development Program is a proposal-based program which funds governance capacity development projects. Each Region of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada has an independent budget for the Professional and Institutional Development Program, for use in funding projects that will benefit the governance capacity of First Nations and Inuit communities in that Region.
The Professional and Institutional Development Program was created through a merged and strengthened program management framework, supporting activities previously funded under the Indian and Inuit Management Development and the Gathering Strength-Professional Development programs.
Objective
To develop the capacity of First Nations and Inuit communities to perform core functions of government, by funding governance-related projects at the community and institutional levels.
Process
Funds are distributed through the receipt and approval of project proposals that are assessed according to consistent program guidelines. The Professional and Institutional Development Program funds activities that develop the capacity of communities to perform ten core functions of governance:
- Leadership
- Membership
- Law-Making
- Community Involvement
- External Relations
- Planning and Risk Management
- Financial Management
- Human Resources Management
- Information Management / Information Technology
- Basic Administration
Starting in 2011-2012, rather than merely fund one-time projects, the Professional and Institutional Development program will invest in the governance capacity of communities based on their own longer term plans.
This year, the department will give priority to capacity development plans which address the following priorities:
Priority 1 – Management Action Plans: The first priority will be capacity development activities related to governance submitted by communities which are implementing AANDC Management Action Plans under the new Default Prevention and Management Policy (formerly Remedial Management Plans.)
Priority 2 – Governance-Related Risks: The second priority for funding will be capacity development plans from communities whose AANDC General Assessments identify risks in the following areas:
- Governance in the sense of the capacity of the Council to transact business, of the capacity of the administration to maintain a management framework for program delivery, and of the capacity of the government to remain accountable to community members
- Planning, either strategic planning or operational planning and budgeting, and
- Financial Management.
Priority 3 – Existing Capacity-Development Plans: The third priority for funding will be governance activities proposed in existing capacity development plans.
Priority 4 – Future Planning Capacity: The fourth priority will be proposals which seek to invest in the lasting sustainability of communities to develop capacity development plans, operational plans, or strategic plans. Activities might include best-practices workshops with other communities, training in planning such as through the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association , and community meetings on priority-setting.
Please contact your AANDC regional office for information on the specific application and approval process for 2011-2012.
Guidelines
Professional and Institutional Development Program: Program Guidelines 2013-2014
Professional and Institutional Development Program Guidelines 2010-2011
Tools
The Governance Capacity Planning Tool (GCPT) is a practical, step-by-step, independent workbook that was piloted with First Nations and communities to develop a five-year roadmap to plan and prioritize governance capacity-building projects and initiatives that are community-focused.
Governance Capacity Planning Tool, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
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