Regional Partnership Grant Application Guide January 2018

Transcription

1 Regional Partnership Grant Application Guide January 2018

2 Table of Contents 1. Purpose and Scope Overview About the Regional Partnership Grant Submitting an Application Contact Information Grant Requirements Eligibility Requirements Funding Period Maximum Available Funding Funding Criteria Demonstrated Need Eligible Expenses Ineligible Expenses In-Kind Contributions Beneficiaries Investment Decisions For Financing Projects Acknowledgement, Oversight and Reporting Proposal Requirements Business Case Proposal Details Business Plan Performance Measures Conditions of Applications About the Application Form Application Questions Budget Checklist... 19

3 1. Purpose and Scope This guide provides information on the Regional Partnership Grant (RPG) Program of the Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF) for applicants and funding recipients. This guide should be used along with the IEDF Handbook. 2. Overview The RPG supports regional and province-wide projects that improve access to funding, jobs and training for Indigenous people and communities in Ontario. An Indigenous person/community includes First Nations, Métis and Inuit. 2.1 About the Regional Partnership Grant The RPG promotes economic development through investments on a regional or province-wide basis which improve access to training and funding opportunities for promising projects. Projects must result in significant economic benefits for Indigenous people and communities at the regional or province-wide level. Projects are approved through a competitive process. The objectives of the RPG are: To promote the success of promising projects that contribute to economic growth, job growth and training on a regional or province-wide basis, and To improve access and participation of Indigenous people in accredited training programs resulting in qualifications recognized by the Province of Ontario. 2.2 Submitting an Application All applications must be submitted through Grants Ontario. Refer to Section 3 of the IEDF Handbook on how to submit an application through Grants Ontario. If an applicant has previously submitted an application for funding from other programs through Grants Ontario, a new ONe-key account is not required, but you may be still be required to enroll in the Transfer Payment Common Registration system. Application deadlines are listed on Grants Ontario. 2.3 Contact Information Questions about the IEDF should be directed to aboriginalbusiness@ontario.ca or by telephone at and , Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Information on the IEDF and the RPG is also found at Technical questions regarding Grants Ontario may be directed to the Grants Ontario Customer Service Line at GrantsOntarioCS@Ontario.ca or by telephone at or , Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. 3

4 3. Grant Requirements General requirements of the IEDF are provided in the IEDF Handbook. The following outlines details on requirements for the RPG. 3.1 Eligibility Requirements For Financing Projects Applications are accepted on behalf of one or more of the following organizations seeking funding for a financing project through the RPG: Political Territorial Organization (PTO) in Ontario. Tribal Council in Ontario. Aboriginal Financial Institution (AFI) in Ontario. All applicants must submit resolutions/motions in support of an application from each entity involved in a proposed project. Note that only AFIs that do not receive funding through the IEDF Business & Community Fund are eligible for funding through the RPG. For Skills Training Projects Applications must be made on behalf of at least two eligible organizations listed below: First Nations in Ontario Métis communities in Ontario Political Territorial Organization (PTO) in Ontario. Tribal Council in Ontario. Aboriginal Financial Institution (AFI) in Ontario. Aboriginal business in Ontario. Indigenous organization recognized by the Province of Ontario. Non-Aboriginal business and/or organization (including not-for-profit organizations) in partnership with another eligible entity. Applicants must match RPG project funding via in-kind contributions, funding from other provincial, federal and local funders and/or private funders. The amount of match funding should equal 50% of total project costs. In exceptional circumstances, the Ministry may consider proposals that include less than 50% match funding. All applicants must submit Band Council Resolutions and/or resolutions/motions in support of an application from each entity involved in a proposed project. 4

5 3.2 Funding Period Applications may be submitted for single-year funding. Complete applications must be submitted through Grants Ontario no later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the application deadline date indicated on the Grants Ontario site. The fiscal year begins on April 1 and ends on March 31 of the subsequent year. 3.3 Maximum Available Funding For Financing Projects Grants will support up to 100% of eligible project costs, with a maximum contribution of $250,000 per year, per project, per applicant. For Skills Training Projects Grants will support up to 50 % of eligible project costs, with a maximum contribution of $250,000 per year, per project, per applicant. A maximum of one grant per applicant, per fiscal year is permitted. All partners represented by an applicant are also limited to receiving funding for one project per fiscal year through the RPG. 3.4 Funding Criteria To be eligible for funding, a project must: Be regional or provincial in scope; Relate to improving access to financing or training for Indigenous people in Ontario; Involve two or more eligible delivery partners for Skills Training projects; and Have potential to result in jobs, training and/or business opportunities for Indigenous people in Ontario. Projects should be linked to an existing economic development plan or an existing or planned economic development project within the geographic area of the proposed project. 3.5 Demonstrated Need While not an exhaustive list, examples of potential projects include: Skills training projects (e.g., sector-specific or on-reserve business mentorship, internships, or apprenticeship projects that result in provincially-recognized qualifications). A regional or sector-specific business financing program for promising start-up and early stage Aboriginal businesses. Applicants must show how a proposed project would not proceed and/or achieve its desired outcomes without support from the IEDF. Applicants should provide information on other sources of funding that 5

6 will be used to support the project as a part of the application. In-kind contributions count towards an applicant s contribution and should be described as well. 3.6 Eligible Expenses Costs that can be funded under the IEDF include: Staff salary and mandatory employer related costs (MERCs) such as CPP, EI, WSIB. Staff training that is project-specific. Direct and indirect overhead costs. Indirect overheads must be fairly apportioned. o Overhead costs may include the purchase (to a maximum of $5,000.00) of eligible office computer and equipment, software updates, and equipment repairs, to support funded positions (unless additional equipment is necessary to meet evolving demands of the program activities). o Overhead costs may include lease of equipment necessary for delivering a skills training project. The terms of the lease must only be for the duration of the project. o Administration costs are considered overhead costs and must be directly related to the work plan. Eligible costs include: utilities; telephone/fax charges; network charges; postage/courier charges; photocopying charges; financial institution service fees; office supplies and the preparation of audited financial schedules. A maximum of 10% of the total budget (pre-administration) may be allotted to administration. Rent for premises used to deliver the project. If the project occupies only a portion of the building for which rent is paid, the rental charge in the budget must be fairly apportioned. Professional fees, consultants and/or technicians for technical expertise relating to the economic development. Please note that it is expected that a community/organization will be building their internal technical capacity. For this reason, large consultant fees within budgets are strongly discouraged. Applicants must provide strong justification for use of any consultant. Travel and accommodation expenses for activities directly related to the work plan. Community outreach, for activities such as community meetings, presentations and workshops related to the work plan. Honoraria, payments to Elders for their attendance at a meeting/event or to individuals for their Indigenous ceremonial participation at a meeting/event. This includes payments made to Elders for their specialized knowledge (e.g., on cultural sites, traditional knowledge). Publicity requirements of the IEDF, including websites, promotional material and signage. Other program costs directly related to the delivery of the project. Ontario reserves the right to determine the eligibility or non-eligibility of any proposed program delivery costs. For Financing Projects: The RPG may be used to provide capital for financing products such as loans or other investments which are subsequently repaid, generating interest. Investments must be made in a manner consistent with the objectives of the RPG. Interest earned can be reused for further investment for activities related to 6

7 the originally approved project and may not be used for any uses other than those outlined in the Funding Agreement. Types of investments that may be made with RPG funding include: Grants: Non-repayable payments to Aboriginal entrepreneurs or businesses. Seed Capital: Financing provided to study, assess and develop an initial concept for a new product, service or process with high market potential preceding the start-up phase. Start-up and Early Stage Loans: Funding provided to support promising start-up businesses and the development of a new product, service or process with high market potential. Expansion Capital: Funding provided for the growth and expansion of a promising project with a high potential for benefits to Indigenous people in Ontario, specifically jobs, training and/or business opportunities. Equity: Ownership interest in a business, represented by the shares issued to investors. Other investment instruments proposed by the applicant may be used provided they are consistent with the objectives and requirements of the IEDF. Any proposed investment instruments must be approved by the Ministry. The Funding Agreement will include detailed criteria for investment instruments as well as investment decisions and monitoring requirements, as well as compliance requirements established by the Ontario Financing Authority and the Ontario Securities Commission. 3.7 Ineligible Expenses Costs that cannot be funded include: Annual general meetings, budget deficits, membership fees, fundraising activities, committee and political meetings. Costs covered by other government funding. Activities and travel that take place outside of Ontario; Costs already funded through other sources. Costs outside the scope of the RPG or are not related to economic development. Honoraria to individuals already salaried with the applicant and/or represented community. Stipends for project participants. Contingency or unexplained miscellaneous costs. Infrastructure or large capital expenses including the renovation, construction or transformation of permanent spaces, parks or grounds; furniture, fixtures or other non-portable equipment other than the purchase of eligible office equipment for staff funded by the IEDF. Acquisition or leasing of motorized vehicles and other forms of transportation. Hospitality-related costs. Costs associated with the development of an IEDF proposal and/or application. Debt reduction costs. Litigation or other legal costs. 7

8 Costs related to the Government of Ontario s consultation or engagement initiatives. Costs related to the Government of Canada s consultation or engagement initiatives. Costs related to other provinces consultation or engagement initiatives. Research undertaken for the purposes of pursuing land claims or litigation. Activities that could be deemed discriminatory, as defined by the Ontario Human Rights Code. Portion of harmonized sales tax (HST) costs that are refundable. Insurance fees necessary for the initiative, including Commercial General Liability Insurance. 3.8 In-Kind Contributions Eligible in-kind contributions include the following: Donations of travel services (e.g., vehicles, airfare). Time donated by partners in the development and/or delivery of the project or for consulting and professional services required for the project. This must be valued at the individual s actual salary for the time spent on the project, and not any other value. Donation of applicant s premises to deliver the project on a pro-rated basis. Donation of space at a location other than the applicant s premises necessary for the applicant or another participant to conduct the project. Discounts greater than or above regularly discounted prices. The following will not be considered as in-kind contributions: Donations in the form of knowledge, goodwill and other such intangibles. Guest speakers that would normally not be paid for services. Costs for roles that would traditionally be filled by volunteers. All remunerations and fees paid to the Board of Directors. Opportunity costs. Standard discounts. Interest charges. Any items or services not directly related to the project. Additional information on in-kind contributions is found in the IEDF Handbook. Ontario reserves the right to determine the eligibility or non-eligibility of any proposed in-kind contributions. 3.9 Beneficiaries Projects funded may involve initiatives where there are beneficiaries of programming, such as access to financing, business support service or skills training initiatives. Project beneficiaries may only include: An Indigenous person in Ontario. 8

9 A small- or medium-sized enterprise with under 250 employees that is majority-owned (i.e., at least 51%) by an Indigenous person in Ontario. A social enterprise that is majority-owned (i.e., at least 51%) by an Indigenous person in Ontario. An Indigenous community-owned Economic Development Corporation in Ontario. A consortium or joint-venture with under 250 employees where an Indigenous partner(s) has a majority stake (i.e., at least 51%) in Ontario. Political Territorial Organization (PTO) in Ontario. Tribal Council in Ontario. First Nation community in Ontario. Métis community in Ontario. An Indigenous organization recognized by the Province of Ontario. Beneficiaries must not be in default of the terms and conditions of any grant or loan agreement, including funding agreements with the ministry. For Financing Projects Funding recipients are responsible for providing information on specific application requirements and procedures in each geographic area. Application requirements and procedures must be consistent with the IEDF and RPG requirements outlined in this guide and the IEDF Handbook. All application forms and supporting materials must include the IEDF identifier and/or text provided by the Ministry. Any beneficiary must be informed that the project has been funded by the IEDF. Funding recipients must provide information about benefits from the IEDF to potential and actual beneficiaries. This may be achieved by mentioning IEDF support during introductory sessions for training courses, notice in any contracts or documentation provided to beneficiaries, the provision of an IEDF brochure (to be supplied by the Ministry), or another manner deemed appropriate by the funding recipient. Additional information on acknowledgement is found in Section 5.3 of the IEDF Handbook. Funding recipients must enter into a financing agreement with each beneficiary of RPG funding Investment Decisions For Financing Projects For projects receiving RPG funding where financing is involved, funding recipients will make IEDF-backed investments at their discretion in compliance with the Funding Agreement and the objectives and requirements of the IEDF and the RPG. Investment decisions must be made on sound risk assessments. Applicants must provide information on how its organization will assess requests for financing, decisionmaking processes for determining investments and processes for monitoring investments including repayment policies. Prior to making any investment using IEDF funds, funding recipients must ensure that the following conditions are met: 9

10 A business plan for each investment. The business plan must include details of the proposed activity for which the investment is being sought, as well as outline the viability of the project and any details on sales and profitability. A clear and realistic exit strategy for each investment. Evidence that the beneficiary has reasonably exhausted other available sources of financing from public and private sources. Applicants may propose a specific focus for IEDF-backed investments. For example, applicants may focus on one or more of the themes of the Government of Ontario s Jobs & Prosperity Fund, of which the IEDF is a funded program. These themes include productivity, going global and/or innovation. Productivity refers to increased economic diversification, employment and/or business opportunities. Going global refers to expansion of businesses to international markets outside Canada. Innovation refers to the development of new products, services or processes. Applicants may also propose focusing on supports that accelerate the impact of early stage, high-potential Aboriginal businesses and community projects. Applicants may also propose focusing on traditionally under-serviced clients, such as persons with disabilities, women and youth. If a theme is selected, the approach to investment should be a multisector one and not focused on a single sector. Any proposed focus should be supported by a business case based on market need and/or gaps Acknowledgement, Oversight and Reporting Successful applicants will be required to: Provide a valid Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number. Sign a Funding Agreement with the Province of Ontario outlining the terms and conditions for receiving funds. Have or seek at least $2 million commercial general liability insurance coverage, and to add Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Ontario as represented by the Ontario Government as a coinsured on this coverage before the Funding Agreement can be executed. Report back to the Ministry on the use of funds, deliverables and outcomes achieved. Successful applicants must submit a Final Report and an Audited Schedule to provide this information. Permit the Province to verify/audit information submitted (at the discretion of the Province) to ensure that it is complete and accurate, and that funds were used for the purpose(s) intended; and Identify the project management structure/staffing model which has been agreed to and implemented. Additional information on reporting, acknowledgement, oversight and project management is outlined in the IEDF Handbook. The Handbook should be reviewed carefully prior to submitting an application for funding. 10

11 4. Proposal Requirements The following section outlines additional requirements of submissions to the RPG. General IEDF requirements are provided in the IEDF Handbook. Proposals must meet the requirements outlined in Section 3 of this guide. Information on how a proposed project meets IEDF and RPG requirements must be included in the business case, proposal details and business plan. 4.1 Business Case Applicants must provide a business case outlining why IEDF funding is required to enhance the applicant s ability to provide financing and/or training supports to Aboriginal entrepreneurs, businesses and communities on a regional or province-wide basis. More information on what to include in the business case is found in Section 3.6 of this guide and Section 4.4 of the IEDF Handbook. 4.2 Proposal Details Proposed deliverables must be consistent with and contribute to the objectives of the IEDF and the RPG. Proposals must also be consistent with IEDF requirements outlined in the IEDF Handbook. Specifically, proposals must show how funding and the proposed project will advance the following objectives: Increased access to financing for Indigenous communities and Aboriginal businesses in Ontario; Increased training opportunities for Indigenous people; Increased employment opportunities for Indigenous people; Increased business opportunities for Indigenous people; Increased innovation of Indigenous communities and Aboriginal businesses; and/or Increased participation of Indigenous people in high-potential sectors (e.g., resource development, social enterprise, cultural industries and tourism). Proposals must focus on regional or province-wide projects related to training or access to financing. Proposals that consider community-level capacity or other business development needs will be accepted as long as a sound market need or gap analysis and evidence is provided. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Ministry to discuss potential projects that may align with government priorities. If a project relates to an existing project, the proposal must clearly show the market need for expansion. When developing proposals, consider projects that have the potential to: Deliver tangible benefits to Indigenous people, including jobs, training and business opportunities; and/or Enhance the impact of promising Aboriginal businesses and community projects. The proposal must provide information on the proposed geographic area and industry sectors that may be supported. Information should also be provided on anticipated jobs, training positions and/or businesses that could be created and/or sustained with support. The proposal should outline any links to other government supports where a RPG would add value or increase the impact. Proposals must include information on delivery partners and information on how projects will continue once IEDF 11

12 support concludes. Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate sustainability, where appropriate. The proposal should also include information on any linkages to existing economic development plans or strategies, as well as existing or planned economic development projects or opportunities within the geographic area of the proposed project. Proposals involving skills and training projects should also indicate support from employers to ensure that training leads to existing or anticipated employment opportunities. Any proposal involving skills training, including projects that involve apprenticeable trades, must detail how the project will align with provincial regulations and requirements related to accreditation. Projects must ensure that any training is recognized by employers and the province, and is in compliance with any applicable legislation. Any proposal involving financing must provide details on how IEDF funding will be used for investment instruments, including: The type of activities to be supported; The type of investment instruments to be offered; The percentage of funding allocated for each investment instrument to be offered; and The maximum amount of funding for each project eligible for each type of investment instrument to be offered. 4.3 Business Plan Proposals must include a business plan showing that the applicant has the capacity and infrastructure required to implement the proposed project. Business plans must include: A process for identifying and engaging promising start-up and early stage businesses and other eligible beneficiaries identified in Section 3.10 of this guide where IEDF funding would support development of a new product, service or process; Viable and innovative approaches for supporting eligible beneficiaries through new or enhanced support services; Roles and responsibilities of delivery partners; Methods to capture and report on the performance of eligible beneficiaries receiving funding, including a schedule of reporting requirements (e.g. quarterly reporting on milestones and project targets); Financial viability and the appropriate fiscal management systems to ensure accountability of public funds, including appropriate board experience and management structure; Proven ability to deliver success (e.g., the identification of any organizational experience that would be applicable to the project); and Appropriate conflict of interest guidelines. 12

13 Where an applicant or one of the project partners proposes to provide application-based services to beneficiaries (e.g., for financing or skills training), the business plan must include information on the proposed review committee to evaluate proposals from eligible beneficiaries based on identified transparent criteria consistent with the IEDF and the RPG objectives and requirements. 4.4 Performance Measures Only projects contributing to the objectives of the IEDF and the RPG will be considered for funding. Required performance measures are outlined below. It is understood all measures may not be applicable to all projects. Additional performance measures may also be proposed. Financing Projects Outcome Improving access to financing for Aboriginal business opportunities. Growth, competitiveness and economic diversification of Aboriginal businesses and Indigenous communities Performance Measures Total amount of financing dollars secured by Aboriginal businesses, communities, organizations or other Indigenous partners through the IEDF Total amount of financing dollars secured by Aboriginal businesses, communities, organizations or other Indigenous partners from other sources leveraging support from the IEDF Total amount of sales dollars increased as a result of support to Aboriginal businesses Number of new projects initiated by Aboriginal businesses and Indigenous communities and/or organizations as a result of support Number of new Aboriginal start-up businesses as a result of support; number of Aboriginal businesses in operation within 12 and 24 months of receiving support Number of jobs created or sustained as a result of support; number of jobs sustained as a result of support within 12 and 24 months of receiving support Skills Training Projects Outcome Increased economic development capacity including community economic planning and access to skills and employment training to participate in economic opportunities Performance Measures Number of Ontario-based Indigenous people accessing skills and training programs as a result of support 13

14 4.5 Conditions of Applications All applications must be complete and signed by a person with the authority to bind the applicant. An application that does not follow the prescribed format, or is incomplete, will not be evaluated. Additional materials other than those requested will not be accepted or considered to be part of the application. Information on the application process is found in Section 5 of this guide. The Ministry reserves the right to ask applicants with similar or complementary projects to consider collaborating in broader partnerships subject to project timelines and funding availability. The Ministry also reserves the right to impose whatever conditions it deems necessary in the acceptance of an application. The Ministry, in its sole and absolute discretion, may determine whether to provide funding, the amount of any funding, and the purpose for which the funding will be used. 5. About the Application Form The instructions in this section provide guidance to applicants concerning which questions to complete for the online IEDF-RPG application in Grants Ontario. For any questions in the application that an applicant identifies as not applicable, you must put N/A in the space provided. The online application has general instructions below each heading. When on the Grants Ontario website, position the mouse cursor over a key word for additional information to appear. All fields marked with a star/asterisk in the application are mandatory and must be completed. Once an application is submitted electronically through Grants Ontario, an will be sent to the lead application contact confirming receipt of the application. If you do not receive confirmation within 24 hours of submission, please contact the Grants Ontario Customer Service Line. 5.1 Application Questions The following sections correlate directly to the sections of the application available through Grants Ontario. Although alphabetized, you will notice some gaps in the letters. Grants Ontario utilized a standardized application for various government funding programs. Certain sections may not be applicable for the IEDF. The sections outlined below are those that are used for the IEDF-RPG application. Sections A to C Organization Information, Address and Contact Information Instructions for these sections are provided directly in the online application form. Since organizations must register with Grants Ontario to access the online IEDF-RPG application, most of the information requested in these sections will be pre-populated (i.e., automatically filled in) using data from the registration process. Sections A and B cannot be edited on the application form. If there is incorrect information, contact the Grants Ontario Customer Service and explain what needs to be changed or added. Section C may 14

15 contain contact information about your organization that was entered during a previous application submission. You may edit this information if you wish or leave it as it appears. Section D Organization Capacity This section is for you to tell us about your organization, including the number of staff and volunteers (Questions 1 to 3). For Question 4 (Accumulated Deficit), include your accumulated deficit in the space provided. If your organization has a zero balance or surplus, put 0 in the space provided. For Question 5 (Accumulated Surplus, include your accumulated surplus in the space provided. If your organization has a zero balance or deficit, put 0 in the space provided. Note: The surplus or deficit noted in the questions above must match the information indicated in the financial statements for your organization, which must be submitted as an attachment with this application. For Question 6, describe your organization s core business or field of activity. Note that you can enter a maximum of 2,000 characters. For Question 7, outline how your strategic plan guides your organization s activities. For Question 8, outline your organization s risk management plan for prevention of abuse to clients, members and staff. For Question 9, provide information on how is your Board elected. If not applicable, indicate N/A in the space provided. For Question 10, provide information on how the composition of your Board represents the community or communities it serves. For Question 11, provide information on the practices/procedures that exist to ensure the Board conducts its activities with accountability and transparency. If not applicable, indicate N/A in the space provided. For Question 12, describe your organization s history of managing similar projects and include past achievements. Note that you can enter a maximum of 2,000 characters. Provide a concise description of your organization s history, governance structure, principal activities/services as well as a description of your major achievements. For Question 13, describe your organization s ability and capacity to successfully undertake this project. You may enter a maximum of 2,000 characters. Describe the personnel (i.e., key staff from your organization, consultants or experts) that will be responsible for carrying out your project. If hiring new staff, provide an outline of responsibilities to be undertaken. If hiring a consultant or expert, provide an 15

16 outline of all services to be rendered. Note: Hired consultants/experts must not be employees or voluntary members of the applicant or its partners. For Question 14, provide details on your staff and relevant staff experience for those involved in the project. Provide details on staffing and relevant staff experience for those managing or running your initiative. You may enter a maximum of 2,000 characters. For Question 15, describe successful strategies your organization has used to ensure achievement of program outcomes. If not applicable, indicate N/A in the space provided. For Question 16, describe your organization s experience developing, tracking and reporting on outcomes and performance measures successfully. You may enter a maximum of 2,000 characters. Section E Grant Payment Information From the drop down next to 1 Payment Organization, select the appropriate option available. If you select Other, please fill out the address fields in this section. This is where your cheque will be mailed should you select cheque as your payment option and your application is approved for a grant. Enter the contact information for the most appropriate person to be answering payment-related questions. For Method of Payment you have the option of selecting Cheque or Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT). EFT is the preferred method of payment. Section F Application Contact Information Provide the name of the person who will be managing the day-to-day activities of the IEDF-RPG applicant file. This person will also receive the automated application submission confirmation provided they have entered a valid address. Section G1 Project Information Provide information about the project, including proposed project outcomes, evaluation plan and risk assessment. The project start date (Question 2) should be no earlier than April 1, The project end date (Question 3) should be no later than March 31, For Question 7 (Project Scope), select regional or provincial only. For Question 8 (Host Municipality), enter the name of the host community (if applicable). For Question 10 (Project Summary), provide a brief description of your project. You may enter up to 2,000 characters. Note that if your application is successful, this wording may be used by the Ministry in its website and other public materials. 16

17 For Question 11 (Project Description), include project details described in Section 4.2 of this guide. The Project Description should also include your business plan (see Section 4.3 of this guide). You may enter a maximum of 4,900 characters. For Question 12 (Project Objectives), provide information on how the project will achieve the objectives and requirements of the IEDF and the RPG. Consult the IEDF Handbook and Section 4.4 of this guide for more information about IEDF requirements. You may enter up to 2,000 characters. For Question 13 (Rationale/Need), include your business case (see Section 4.1 of this guide). Applicants must also describe why the project is viable and what steps or measures will be taken to ensure that the project does not overlap with existing projects. If a project involves the enhancement of an existing program, describe how funding would be used to expand participation, benefits and/or reach. You may enter up to 1,000 characters. For Question 14 (Project Beneficiaries), applicants must include details of how the project will serve beneficiaries as defined in this guide. Also include information on the proposed geographic area. You may enter up to 2,000 characters. For Question 15 (Risk Assessment and Management), provide information on any risks associated with delivering the project and how these risks will be mitigated. You may enter up to 2,000 characters. For Question 16 (Project Outcomes), include information on anticipated outcomes. Outcomes must be aligned with the objectives of the IEDF and the RPG, as outlined in the IEDF Handbook and this guide. You may enter up to 1,000 characters. For Question 17 (Evaluation Plan/Criteria), include information on how performance will be monitored and evaluated. Note that lead applicants are responsible for ensuring data is gathered by partners. Lead applicants are also responsible for ensuring partners deliver project requirements. You may enter up to 2,000 characters. Applicants are not required to complete the Event Start and End Dates (Question 4 and 5). For Target Sector (Question 6) and Project Priority (Question 9), select N/A. Section G2 Additional Questions Applicants must answer the following questions within the allotted 5,000 character limit for each. For Joint Applications, the Applicant must enter the information for each of the eligible organization represented. 1. Are you a new applicant, yes or no? (i.e., have you have ever received IEDF funding in the past?) 2. Have you previously received an IEDF RPG, yes or no? 3. Have you previously received funding through another Grant of the IEDF, yes or no? If yes, which Grant? 17

18 4. Have you received or will you receive funding from another provincial program for this project, yes or no? If yes, identify the funding source(s) and amount. 5. Have you received or will you receive funding from any other sources for this project, yes or no? If yes, identify the funding source(s) and amount. 6. If you have sought but not been approved for funding from any other source for this project, please explain why. 7. Have all Final Reports been submitted for past IEDF-funded projects? 8. If any reports have not been submitted please provide a brief explanation. 9. What type of applicant are you, single or joint? Section G3 Project Work Plan The Work Plan is designed to provide the Ministry with a clear idea of how the applicant and any delivery partners will carry out the project. The Work Plan should demonstrate a systematic approach as to how you will accomplish all phases of the project. A comprehensive Work Plan with specific achievable milestones demonstrates strong organizational capacity and is an indicator of likely project success. Each row of the Work Plan contains six fields that must be completed: Key Milestones, Activities, Start Date / End Date, Responsibility, and Performance Indicator. You may add as many rows as you like by clicking on the + symbol to the far right of the table. If you have added a row in error, press the X symbol to the far left of the table to delete the selected row. Applicants are required to include the following work plan components in their proposals: Key Milestones mark the completion of a work phase; Activities tasks that will be undertaken to complete the project; Start Date anticipated start date of each activity; End Date anticipated end date of each activity; Responsibility indicates who is responsible for completing the activities; and, Performance Indicator signal that demonstrates tasks achieved successfully. When drafting the Work Plan remember to complete all fields in the row as each cell is mandatory and must contain a response. You will not be able to submit your application if a cell is blank in your Work Plan. Applicants are required to prepare a work plan for each year that they are applying for funding. Each section in the work plan for each year must be completed. Section I Performance Measures Applicants must record a number in the Goal column for each of the Performance Measures listed. Performance Measures are in two sections: Ministry Provided Performance Measures for which you enter only the goal (see Section 4.4 of this guide); and 18

19 Client Provided Performance Measures for which you enter the metric, description and goal. Please include any additional performance measures that your organization will use to gauge the success of project. If a Ministry-provided performance measure is not applicable, enter N/A. Funding recipients will be responsible for collecting data from all delivery partners and providing information on performance measures in reports to the Ministry, as outlined in the Funding Agreement. Additional information on performance measures are found in the IEDF Handbook. Section J Partner / Stakeholder Information (Joint Applicants Only) For Joint Applicants, use this section to identify all of the organizations that are being represented. Single Applicants are not required to complete this section. Section Z Declaration / Signing At least one authorized signing authority must electronically sign the application by clicking the Sign Document button. All contacts listed in Section C of the application form will be listed here as possible signatories if the Signing Authority checkbox is checked under their contact information in Section C. To remove them from the list of signatories, go to Section C of the application form and uncheck the Signing Authority checkbox under their contact information. 5.2 Budget Applicants must complete the Budget document as an attachment in Grants Ontario following the instructions on the form and submit as an attachment to your Application. Any proposed or secured match funding must be identified in the budget. Additional details on eligible and ineligible expenses can be found in Section 3 of this guide. 5.3 Checklist Applicants should use the chart below to determine if their application is complete prior to submission. Information/Document Requirements for a Complete Submission Review the Indigenous Economic Development Fund Handbook Review the Indigenous Economic Development Fund Regional Partnership Grant Application Guide Complete and submit the Application Form in Grants Ontario Complete and submit the Budget document as an attachment Provide Proof of Insurance Complete and provide a Business Plan Additional Documents and Information (where applicable) Band council resolution(s) in support of an application from each First Nation community represented on the application. Completed? 19

20 Information/Document Requirements for a Complete Submission Métis community resolution or motion in support of an application for each of community or communities represented in the application. Letters of commitment or approval letters for match funding demonstrating that all remaining projects costs will be covered by other funders. Letters of commitment or support from all delivery partners Completed? Current contact list(s) of Executive Committee, Chief and Council or Board of Directors (as applicable) with portfolio information If incorporated for less than two years, a copy of your organization s by-laws, constitution and mandate; information on your governance structure, and information on your membership requirements Copy of letters patent/certificate of incorporation (if applicable) Organizational Chart(s) (if available) Valid Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number. All complete and unabridged audited financial statements from the most recent available fiscal year are required (no earlier than ). The audited financial statements must include: Auditors cover letter Auditors Management letter Balance Sheet Income Statement Statement of Changes in Net Assets Statement of Changes in Fund Balances Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Notes to the Financial Statements All Schedules of Revenue and Expenditures from all sources of funding Schedules of Salaries, Honoraria, Travel and Meal Expenses 20