Human Rights Project Grant Program Expression of Interest and Grant Guidelines Revised August 2017 The Human Rights Education and Multiculturalism Fund receives an annual allocation of funds from the Alberta Lottery Fund
1. Purpose The Human Rights Education and Multiculturalism Fund (the Fund) provides grants that support community projects that foster equality and reduce discrimination. The Fund is established by the Alberta Human Rights Act which recognizes that all people are equal in dignity, rights and responsibilities. The Act names some of the kinds of discrimination that Albertans can face. These include discrimination on the basis of race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status and sexual orientation. The Human Rights Project grant is an outcomebased grant that assists non-profit organizations or public institutions to promote an environment in which all Albertans can participate in and contribute to the cultural, social, economic and political life of Alberta. This grant program supports projects that address human rights equality and freedom from discrimination issues, for all including Indigenous people, immigrants, racialized groups, religious minorities, gender and sexual minority groups, and persons with disabilities. Projects may address the intersection of human rights with issues such as social exclusion, inequality of opportunity, discrimination, racism, or other barriers that limit Albertans' ability to be full and contributing citizens. 2. Process at a Glance Discuss your project idea with a grant consultant Complete and submit your Expression of Interest (deadlines: May 1 and October 1) Each Expression of Interest is assessed. If the assessment identifies that your Expression of Interest has the potential to successfully meet the purpose and eligibility criteria of the grant program, you will be invited to advance to the application stage Develop your application. Discuss any ideas that have been suggested for enhancing your project with your consultant. You will have approximately one month to complete the application Submit your application Applications are assessed and rated. Funding recommendations are submitted to the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General The Minister makes funding decisions and notifies the Commission Applicants are notified of the decision 2
3. Eligibility Criteria 3.1 To be eligible for a grant, an applicant: a. Must be an incorporated organization b. Must have the ability to undertake the project c. Must have met all reporting requirements for prior completed projects supported by the Fund 3.2 For a project to be eligible, it should: a. Address social exclusion, inequality of opportunity, discrimination, racism or other barriers that limit Albertans ability to be full and contributing citizens. b. Facilitate change that makes a positive difference c. Take place in Alberta and benefit Albertans d. Address a community need e. Demonstrate solid planning and community involvement f. Involve the people or communities directly affected by the issue g. Build upon the strengths and resources of the organization(s) involved as well as the community h. Be developed and delivered in ways that respect cultural beliefs and practices and are consistent with human rights legislation in Alberta i. Demonstrate the commitment and support of the organization s senior management 3.3 For budget costs to be eligible, they must relate directly to the work of the project. WHEREAS recognition of the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all persons is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world; WHEREAS it is recognized in Alberta as a fundamental principle and as a matter of public policy that all person are equal in dignity, rights and responsibilities without regard for race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation; WHEREAS multiculturalism describes the diverse racial and cultural composition of Alberta society and its importance is recognized in Alberta as a fundamental principle and a matter of public policy; WHEREAS it is recognized in Alberta as a fundamental principle and as a matter of public policy that all Albertans should share in an awareness and appreciation of the diverse racial and cultural composition of society and that the richness of life in Alberta is enhanced by sharing that diversity; and WHEREAS it is fitting that the principles be affirmed by the legislature of Alberta in an enactment whereby those equally rights and that diversity may be protected. Alberta Human Rights Act 3
4. Program Details FINANCIAL 4.1 A financial contribution from a source other than the Fund is required. For non-profit organizations, a minimum of 25% of the total costs of the project should come from sources other than the Fund. For public institutions, a minimum of 50% of the total costs of the project should come from sources other than the Fund. 4.2 Multi-year funding may be considered based on project scope and requirements. 4.3 When goods and services are donated or provided in-kind, organizations may claim the value of the donation as part of their budget. 4.4 Operational costs that are directly related to the project may be included in the budget as a contribution from the organization. Do not list these as in-kind. 4.5 In some cases, lottery funds from other sources cannot be combined with a grant from the Fund. Please check with a grant consultant prior to including those revenues in your budget. 4.6 Volunteer time is encouraged but should not be included in the project budget. INELIGIBLE PROJECT COSTS 4.7 The Fund does not contribute to the following costs of a project: a. Deficit funding or project costs that have been incurred before the grant was approved b. Construction, construction materials or the purchase of capital equipment c. Food and beverage costs INELIGIBLE PROJECT WORK 4.8 This grant program does not support projects that: a. Involve ongoing costs of programs b. Are fundraising activities c. Are stand-alone events. If the event is part of a change initiative, the process, outcome or resulting action may be considered for funding EXPRESSION OF INTEREST REQUIREMENTS 4.9 Applicants must provide a complete Expression of Interest package that includes: a. Project proposal b. Project budget including both revenues and expenses. c. Organization s information The Expression of Intent form asking for a proposal, budget and organization s information is available at: https://albertahumanrights.ab.ca/grants/financia l_assistance/pages/human_rights_project_grants.aspx 4
5. Assessment PROJECT ASSESSMENT Expressions of Interest applications 5.1 Expression of Interests that appear to have the best opportunity for success and that meet the Fund s objectives will be invited to submit a full application. A grant consultant will discuss with the applicant ways to enhance and strengthen the applicant s project. Grant applications 5.2 The Human Rights Project grant program considers only those projects that meet the purpose, eligibility criteria and program details outlined in Sections 3 and 4 of this guideline. 5.3 Four key categories are used when assessing a grant application: a. Need: What issues will be addressed? Is there high need in a geographic region or within an emerging community? b. Scope: What is the ability of this grant to leverage action? How useful will it be for others besides the applicant? Is there community involvement by those affected by the issue? How many people, communities and organizations are affected? 5.4 When assessing the grant application, the maximum amount of a grant recommended will be determined by evaluating the project and budget based on key factors such as need, viability and the merit of the project (see 5.3 for details) The Fund may limit the number of grants or the amount approved at any deadline based on availability of funds or funding priorities. Please contact a grant consultant if you have any questions about the assessment process: Call toll-free in Alberta, dial 310-0000 and then 780-427-4001 or email HREMF@gov.ab.ca. c. Impact/Outcome: What is the potential and probability for change? If an educational resource is being developed, is there need for this tool? Is there an expectation that following the evaluation other action will be taken? d. Feasibility: Is the project culturally relevant and sensitive? Is there organizational capacity? Is there financial viability of the organization and project? Is there solid planning, appropriate and realistic timeframes, implementation processes and methodology? What is the likelihood that the change of the project will be sustained? 5
Section 6 applies to only successful grant recipients. 6. Accountability Human Rights Project Grant Program 6.1 Grant funds must be used for the purpose described in the application and approved by the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General. 6.2 Written permission must be received from the Director of Education and Engagement, Alberta Human Rights Commission to vary the purpose of the grant or the completion date of the project. 6.3 If a grant is used for any other purpose or if a grant recipient does not meet stated special conditions, the recipient may be required to return the grant funds. 6.4 Grant recipients must return unused portions of the grant to the Fund. 6.5 An authorized representative of the Fund, may examine a grant recipient s financial and other records to ensure that the grant is being, or was, used for its intended purpose. 6.6 The grant recipient may be asked at any time to submit a report in writing, provide proof of expenditures made or provide a financial statement of how the grant is being spent. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 6.7 Grant recipients must submit a project evaluation report within three months of the stated completion date of the project. 6.8 This report shows that grant funds were spent on activities described in the application and as approved by the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General. 6.9 The project evaluation report must include: a. A financial statement listing project expenses and revenues b. A project evaluation report (a template will be supplied), describing the results of the project c. Electronic files or two hard copies of any resources or promotional items developed with the grant funds. 6.10 Unsatisfactory reports can affect future applications for financial assistance to the Fund. RECOGNITION REQUIREMENTS 6.11 Use of the Fund s logo is required on any materials and resources developed as a result of the project grant. The grant recipient is responsible for providing evidence of compliance with the recognition requirement of the Fund. The Human Rights Education and Multiculturalism Fund provides electronic versions of its logo to use in meeting recognition requirements. They are available at: http://www.albertahumanrights.ab.ca/fund/log os.asp 6
7. Expression of Interest Submission 7.1 Before submitting an Expression of Interest, feel free to call a grant consultant toll free at 310-0000 then 780-427-4001 to discuss project ideas. 7.2 Submit your Expression of Interest online to HREMFgrants@gov.ab.ca or mail a print version to: Carolyn Ormsbee Alberta Human Rights Commission Suite 200, JJ Bowlen Building 620 7 Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P 0Y8 7.3 The Expression of Interest deadlines are 4:30pm on May 1 and October 1. If the deadline falls on a weekend, the deadline will be extended until the following weekday. 7