Ministry of the Status of Women. Women s Economic Security Program

Ministry of the Status of Women Women s Economic Security Program Program Guidelines and Application Instructions 2017-2018 This guide provides an outline of the new Women s Economic Empowerment Program (WESP) Application Deadline: January 26, 2018, 5:00 pm, EST

Table of Contents 1. Introduction... 4 1.1 Background. 4 1.2 Grants Ontario and Using the System.... 4 2. Program Guidelines and Eligibility... 6 2.1 Application Deadline... 6 2.2 Women s Economic Security Program Funding Streams... 6 2.3 Program Criteria for Trades, IT and General Streams. 8 2.3.1 Demonstrated Labour market Demand 8 2.3.2 Work Placements (Employment Training Streams Only.... 9 2.3.3 Employability Training 10 2.4 Priority Client Profiles... 11 2.5 Who Can Apply?..... 11 2.6 Consortium Proposals... 11 2.7 Mandatory Supports and Services. 12 2.7.1 Specialized Violence Against Women (VAW) Supports 12 2.8 Mandatory Partnerships/Mentorships.. 13 2.9 Eligible Program Participants... 13 3. Performance Measures and Program Outcomes. 14 4. Third Party Project Evaluation. 16 5. Eligible/Ineligible Expenses... 16 6. Project Assessment Criteria... 17 6.1 Project Description. 18 6.2 Organizational Capacity... 18 6.3 Project Rationale... 18 6.4 Training/Placements/Mentorships... 18 6.5 Additional Supports.. 18 6.6 Partnerships 19 2

6.7 Outreach, Marketing and Recruitment 19 6.8 Budget... 19 6.9 Performance Measures and Outcomes.. 19 7. Application Instructions... 19 8. Supplementary Attachments.. 20 8.1 Project Evaluation Questions. 20 8.2 Letters of Support. 20 8.3 Budget and Work Plan. 20 8.4 Audit. 21 8.5 Insurance. 21 8.6 Proof of Eligibility 21 9. Further Information for Applicants... 21 9.1 Accessibility 21 9.2 Diversity... 21 9.3 Gender Lens... 21 9.4 French Language Services... 21 3

1. Introduction 1.1 Background The Ministry of the Status of Women (the Ministry or MSW ) is committed to increasing women s economic security and to ending violence against women. The Women s Economic Security Program (WESP) was established for the purpose of increasing incomes and labour force attachment of low-income women in Ontario. MSW is seeking to achieve this by providing grants to eligible organizations that will provide employment, preapprenticeship and entrepreneurship training specifically for low-income women so that they are equipped with the skills, knowledge and experience to secure employment and increase their income and economic security. The WESP aims to strengthen organisations capacity to deliver on their mandates in innovative ways that encourage partnerships between women-centered community based organisations, educational institutions and businesses. The WESP also supports the Domestic Violence Action Plan (2004) that was implemented to raise awareness of domestic violence, strengthen supports for survivors and improve the justice system response. Other cross government strategies the WESP supports are the It s Never Okay: An Action Plan to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment, Walking Together: Ontario s Long-Term Strategy to End Violence Against Indigenous Women, and Ontario s Strategy to End Human Trafficking. Applicants can use this guide to determine if they are eligible to apply for the WESP and how to apply for project funding. Applicants can apply for funding from $100,000 to a maximum of $400,000 per year over a three year period (2018/19 2020/21). WESP may fund up to 100% of a project s budget. Up to 30% of project funding can be used towards administrative expenses. Five percent of the project s funding can be dedicated to providing wraparound or supplementary services to program participants such as Violence Against Women (VAW) counselling, food, transportation and child-minding support. 1.2 Grants Ontario and Using the System All applicants are required to complete and submit their application through the Grants Ontario system (www.grants.gov.on.ca). Applications in other formats will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances. New applicants to Grants Ontario will set up their ONe Key ID and password at this link [https://www.iaa.gov.on.ca/iaalogin/iaalogin.jsp]. 4

From there, you can navigate to the Women s Economic Security Program (WESP), either by searching for it alphabetically; by sector (women); or by Ministry (Status of Women). Download the full application form from Grants Ontario, complete and upload onto your Grants Ontario file. As part of this application, you will be required to complete separate stream-based Project Evaluation Questions along with Budget and Work Plan documents for each Stream you are applying for. Please download these attached documents, complete them and upload them into your Grants Ontario file. If your organization has previously applied to Grants Ontario, your organizational information should automatically populate when you download the full application form. Please review the Application Guidelines and Application Instructions carefully before completing and submitting your application form. Using the system Once an applicant has begun their online application form in Grants Ontario, the application may be saved at any point and the applicant can return to it at any time until the submission close date. As soon as a completed application is submitted online through Grants Ontario, an e-mail will be sent to the applicant s contact person, confirming receipt of the application. If this email does not arrive within twenty-four hours, please contact Grants Ontario Customer Service. Grants Ontario Contact For solutions to technical issues, applicants may consult the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Grants Ontario website (www.grants.gov.on.ca). Applicants may also contact Grants Ontario Customer Service (available Monday to Friday during normal business hours): Phone: In Toronto: (416) 325-6691 Toll Free: 1-855-216-3090 E-mail: GrantsOntarioCS@Ontario.ca MSW Contact If you are an organization that cannot access Grants Ontario, or you have questions related to eligibility or the application, please consult the Application FAQs or contact MSW at mswcontact@ontario.ca. Staff will assist you. 5

2. Program Guidelines and Eligibility 2.1 Application Deadline All Applications must be completed and submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time) on January 26, 2018. 2.2 WESP Funding Streams The WESP was designed to provide training, programs and services to low-income women based on community-identified needs and to address labour market gaps in sectors where women have historically been underrepresented. The WESP has four streams under which organizations may apply. The WESP also includes mandatory program supports and services that must be included in each program delivered by the organization. The WESP s four streams are: 1. Women in Trades Stream 2. Women in Information Technology Stream 3. Women s General Employment Training Stream 4. Entrepreneurship for Women s Self-Employment Stream Your organization may apply for program funding under more than one stream. However you are required to submit a separate budget, work plan, insurance and partner support letters for each project as well as respond to a set of stream-specific questions attached to this application. The following specific program criteria and requirements must be met under each of the streams. Stream 1: Women in Trades Stream Training Organizations The organization or training delivery agency must be registered with the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development (MAESD) and hold a Registered Training Agreement with the same Ministry for the trade in which they are providing the pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship training. Trades Training Funded organizations must ensure that training includes the following: Focus on one principal trade and one or more related secondary trades; 6

Completion of Level 1 Apprenticeship In-School Curriculum Standards for the principal trade delivered by a provincially approved training delivery agent for the trade; Work placement at a minimum of 8 weeks to a maximum of 12 weeks according to the MAESD Apprenticeship Training Standard or Schedule of Training; Multiple trade exposure through work placement(s) and/or other methods (e.g. job shadowing, mentoring, etc.); Training must not exceed 52 weeks (260 days in duration); and Include relevant safety training for the trade, (e.g. Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, Workplace Health and Safety, First Aid, etc.) All safety training must take place prior to the work placement. Stream 2: Women in Information Technology (IT) Stream Training Organizations The training organization must be a training delivery agency registered with the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development (MAESD) and hold a Registered Training Agreement with the same Ministry for the IT training they are providing. Information Technology Training Programs must include training and certification towards an industryrecognized certificate for IT related jobs. Participants must take part in exam preparation and take industry-recognized certification exams before completion of the program. Programs must include a work placement at a minimum of 8 weeks to a maximum of 12 weeks where participants are provided with relevant and applicable work experience for a minimum of 8 weeks in the IT area in which they received training. Program graduates should be able to secure entry-level or higher-level employment in the IT sector, enroll in further training and certification, or become an apprentice in one of the IT trades recognized by the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT). Stream 3: General Women s Employment Training Stream Funded organizations will provide employment training in sectors and fields that are a maximum of 12 months in length. Organizations should review the Funding Priorities (pg. 12) as a guideline in the development of their project. Programs must include a work placement at a minimum of 8 weeks to a maximum of 12 weeks where participants are provided with relevant and 7

Stream 4. Entrepreneurship for Women s Self-Employment applicable work experience in the training they received. Funded organizations must ensure training includes, but is not limited to, the following components: Small or micro-business plan development; Financial literacy/budgeting/accounting; Product/service development Customer acquisition; and Tax, legal, government regulations and insurance guidance. Mentorship Funded organizations must ensure that participants are partnered with a mentor with experience in starting or expanding a small business or a micro-enterprise. Mentors should be able to share their knowledge and experiences in areas including: General sector information; Networking; Trouble-shooting; and Goal setting. Access to Loans and Grants Funded organizations must provide participants with support to access loans or grants. Loan or grant funding may be available through commercial or alternative lenders or other municipal, provincial or federal granting programs. 2.3 Program Criteria for Trades, Information Technology and Employment Training Streams 2.3.1 Demonstrated Labour Market Demand Provide evidence of ongoing labour market demand for the occupation/sector this project serves. The evidence should be from within the past five years. The following are examples of credible sources of evidence: Government Statistics; Think Tanks Educational Institutions; Professional Associations/Industry and Regulatory Bodies; 8

Published Reports from Business Associations (e.g., from Chambers of Commerce, Boards of Trade); Documentation from employers (e.g. job ads/postings) Please provide appropriate references to statistical studies and reports cited. 2.3.2 Work Placements (Women in Skilled Trades, Women in Information Technology, Women s General Employment Training Streams) Work placements are a mandatory component of the project for the employment training streams. They must provide participants with hands-on, practical skills and experience required to gain employment. The applicant is responsible for monitoring work placements to ensure high-quality training experience. Priority consideration will be provided to projects with paid work placements. Work placements are expected to: Be 8 to 12 weeks in length, based on employer needs and local market conditions; Comply with the appropriate legislation or regulations; and Include participant evaluations of the work placements. a) Workplace Insurance Coverage Employers must provide workplace insurance coverage for the participant while on the work placement. This includes all placements, paid or unpaid, subsidized or unsubsidized. Employers who are not required to register with WSIB and have not voluntarily registered for WSIB coverage must have workplace insurance coverage through private insurance carriers or through the training provider. Mandatory Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage extends to the majority of employers. Training providers can contact WSIB at 1-800-387-8638 or in Toronto at 416-344-1013 to confirm which employers/businesses do require mandatory registration and which employers/businesses do not require mandatory registration. b) Third Party Liability The employers must have Third Party Liability insurance to cover the costs of damages caused by participants while on the job. Training providers must place participants only with employers who have adequate Third Party Liability and WSIB or other workplace safety coverage. c) Wage Subsidies Placements may be either paid or unpaid. Projects may submit a request for a wage subsidy as part of the budget template provided. Wage subsidies will only be provided where the employer is paying the participant during his/her work placement. 9

Wage subsidies may not exceed $162.50/week per participant and may only be used to subsidize the participant s wages during the paid work placement. Wage subsidies may not exceed $1,950.00 per participant. Wage subsidies may be entered as an eligible expense under Project Expenses in the budget template. d) Employers Employers providing work placements are required to provide the project with a training plan. This plan must be approved by the project and shared with the participant before the placement begins. Employers offering work placements must: Be licensed to operate in Ontario; Demonstrate the ability to provide the trainee with adequate supervision and the training described in their training plan approved by the project; Comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Employment Standards Act, Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and its regulations; Maintain appropriate WSIB or alternate workplace safety insurance coverage; Have adequate third party general liability insurance; Comply with all applicable federal and provincial human rights legislation, regulations, and any other relevant standards; and Comply with freedom of information and protection of privacy legislation. 2.3.3 Employability Training In addition to training, funded organizations must provide employability training that incorporates employability and workplace preparation (e.g. job search and interview skills, resume writing, employment standards, human rights and workplace health and safety training and workplace sensitivity/diversity and inclusion training). Funded organizations must develop and implement a referral protocol with their local Employment Ontario service providers to ensure program participants access to job search and work placement support post-program. Employment Ontario Contact Centre can be contacted for a list of local organizations at 1-800- 387-5656 or by email at contact EO@ontario.ca. 2.3.4 Advisory Committee Funded organizations must establish an Advisory Committee comprised of industry and employer advisors. The training partners will work with the committee to ensure the training provided is relevant to local labour market needs. 10

2.4 Priority Client Profiles for all Streams MSW supports projects that provide opportunities for low-income women in priority populations including: Indigenous; Newcomers and immigrants; Refugees; Racialized; Persons with disabilities; Francophone; LGBTT2SIQQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, 2-spirited, intersex, queer and questioning); Women who wish to leave sex work; and victims of Human Trafficking; Women who have experienced or at-risk of Domestic Violence, Gender Based Violence, Sexual Violence/Harassment. 2.5 Who Can Apply? Organizations eligible to apply to this program include broader public sector organizations, publicly-funded post-secondary institutions, not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous organizations based in Ontario. Organizations must be legal entities and meet the following criteria: Have been incorporated in Ontario for at least two (2) years; Have an elected governing Board of Directors or equivalent; Have bylaws that outline procedures for reporting and accounting to their membership or the public for the organization s operations and performance; Satisfy the Ministry that it has adequate governance structures and accountability processes to properly administer and manage public funds and to carry out the project consistent with the terms of the Transfer Payment Agreement (TPA); Satisfy the Ministry that it has relevant, accurate, and timely financial reporting and audited financial statements; Provide a valid Commercial General Liability Insurance; and Operate in compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. 2.6 Consortium Proposals MSW welcomes consortium proposals that include partner organizations offering relevant and complementary skills. One agency in each consortium will apply for funding as project lead. 11

The project lead must meet this Call for Proposal s eligibility criteria. If the project is approved for funding, the lead agency will execute a Transfer Payment Agreement with the Ministry of the Status of Women and will be responsible for the project reporting and accountability. The lead agency may transfer funds to partner agencies for their portion of work on the project. How each consortium manages the project relationship will be individual to each project. Some consortia may choose to have an additional Memorandum of Understanding between them, which will confirm an understanding of responsibilities and deliverables. 2.7 Mandatory Supports and Services All streams are required to help remove barriers for low-income women s participation in the training programs. The following supports may be provided and outlined in the project s budget. Funds allocated for these wraparound supports must be no more than 5% of the project s overall budget. Transportation to and from the training program; Food on-site during the training; Assistance with childcare; and Referral to services and supports to address needs including legal, counselling, housing, etc. 2.7.1 Specialized Violence Against Women (VAW) Supports All streams have the option of offering Specialized VAW Supports to their participants, in addition to Mandatory Supports and Services. The Specialized VAW Supports must provide participants with supports that may include but are not limited to: Culturally appropriate Individual counselling*, risk assessments and safety planning; Specialized VAW module included in the training program; Moderated weekly support group; Information, advocacy and support / systems navigation; and Workshops provided by professionals or trained specialist in working with women who have experienced violence. Organizations must develop partnerships with appropriate project partners (e.g. women s centres, shelters, sexual assault centres, etc.) to help deliver this project component. *Counselling services are to be provided in-kind through an appropriate project partner with the expertise and mandate to deliver this service in their community. Funding requests for counselling services to be paid through this grant will be considered on a case-by-case basis considering individual circumstances (e.g. waiting lists, location, and barrier removal for program participants). Referral processes must incorporate standards for informed consent. 12

2.8 Mandatory Partnerships/Mentorships In order to maximize employment and/or self-employment opportunities upon client completion of training, partnerships and mentorships are a mandatory component of all program streams. Applicants to the Women in Trades, IT and General Employment Training Streams must provide proof of partnerships in the application form, including support letters outlining how they will contribute to or participate in the training program. For those applying to the Entrepreneurship for Women s Self Employment Stream, describe formalised mentorship structure and objectives in the Project Description in the Project Evaluation Questions. The table below outlines the types of partnership criteria related to each stream Stream Women in Trades Women in IT Women s General Employment Training Entrepreneurship for Women s Self- Employment Partnership Type Partnership with a minimum of two employers to maximize employment opportunities. Partnerships that will provide mentorship opportunities for participants and; Partnerships that will enable participants to access grants and loans. 2.9 Eligible Program Participants All program participants must: Be at least 16 years old; Be a resident of and able to work in Ontario; Have a family income that does not exceed the following maximums by determined through a review of the previous year s income tax Notice of Assessment (see following table) INCOME ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Low-income Programs (LICOS 2017) Size of family Maximum gross family income in year prior to enrolment ($) 1 person (single student) 24,600 2 persons (student and spouse OR student plus child) 30,625 3 persons (student, spouse and child OR student and 2 children) 37,650 13

4 persons (student, spouse and 2 children OR student and 3 children) 45,712 5 persons (student, spouse and 3 children OR student and 4 children) 51,846 6 persons (student, spouse and 4 children OR student and 5 children) 58,473 7 persons (student, spouse and 5 children OR student and 6 children) 65,101 Training organizations must also explore all funding options with each participant, such as employment training funds available through Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, Employment Insurance and Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). MSW shall not be responsible for funding of an eligible participant in the event that the participant leaves the project within the first ten (10) working days of the commencement of the classroom training component. 3. Performance Measures and Program Outcomes Performance measures are an essential management tool for the Government of Ontario. Performance information helps to determine which programs and services are effective, providing value and making a measureable difference to Ontario s economy and society. Key performance targets to be met are set for each of the program categories. These are: Completion Rate: The percentage of participants who successfully complete training. Successful completion of the program includes completion of the training program and the work placement. Post-completion Outcomes: Graduates from the program who obtain employment, become self-employed or go on to further education and training (see below for information on types of training that qualify under further education and training for reporting outcomes). 14

Participant Satisfaction: Qualitative, narrative-based feedback from participants that relates their experience and level of satisfaction in the program. Further Education and Training The goal of the program is to help women get suitable employment or self-employment posttraining. If a graduate cannot secure a job or become self-employed, the funded organization may provide assistance to identify and pursue further education and training. The following types of training would qualify as further education and training for the purpose of reporting successful outcomes under the General, Information Technology and Entrepreneurship for Women s Self-Employment categories: post-secondary education (e.g. college diploma and certificate programs, university degree) occupational skills training/certification pre-apprenticeship programs information technology training training for core competencies (e.g. communications, customer service and team building) internship programs academic upgrading The following types of training would qualify as related post-secondary training for the purpose of reporting successful outcomes under the Skilled Trades category: post-secondary education that enhances the Skilled Trade qualification skilled trade related skills training/certification pre-apprenticeship programs 4. Third Party Project Evaluation All projects receiving funding will be required to include an overview of an evaluation plan for their proposed projects. Applicants should consider the cost of an evaluation as part of their application and specify those costs in their project budgets. An evaluation is to be completed in the final year of the funding cycle by an independent (third party) evaluator unrelated to the proposed project. The evaluation plan would describe the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data pertaining to the delivery of the proposed project, how data would be collected, when, and strategies to make adjustments based on the results. 15

5. Eligible/Ineligible Expenses MSW funding is intended for costs directly related to project delivery and evaluation with a minimum of $100,000 up to a maximum amount of $400,000 per year. The lists of eligible expenses below is not a substitute for the terms of the Transfer Payment Agreement. Please contact MSW if the eligibility of an expense is unclear. Eligible Expenses Eligible costs are budget items directly related to the project. Costs should be reasonable and necessary for the project s successful implementation. Eligible expenses include: Project administration and overhead (should not exceed 30% of the total budget); Project staff including consultants/sub-contractors as well as the employer s share of supplementary benefits paid under their terms of employment; Career exploration prior to program commencement in the Trades/IT Streams as part of recruitment process (this may include recruitment workshops or sector career shadowing placements); Third party evaluation; Training Materials (e.g. equipment, protective clothing, etc.); Marketing and outreach (e.g. costs related to promotion, recruitment, holding meetings/networking or outreach events directly related to the project); The proportional cost of rentals paid for premises and for equipment used specifically for training programs; The cost of light, heat, power, water, cleaning supplies, building maintenance and telephone service incurred in the operation of the program; Evaluation; Costs for wraparound supports for food, transportation and assistance with childcare (should not exceed 5% of the total budget); not including staff wages for additional counselling and follow up or program completion support; Wage Subsidies (Employment training programs only) only provided where the employer is paying the participant during the work placement and may not exceed $1,950 per participant. Wage subsidies may only be used to subsidize the participant s wages during the paid work placement. Employers who receive a wage subsidy through Job Connect for the workplace component of this program will not be eligible for wage subsidies through this program and vice versa; Costs related to accommodating women with disabilities to participate in the training program based on demonstrated need and subject to approval by the Ministry of the Status of Women; Audit costs related to the project; Travel, meals and hospitality expenses directly related to program delivery. These costs must be less than or equal to those outlined in Ontario s Travel, Meals and Hospitality Expense Directive. 16

Ineligible Expenses Costs covered by other government funding; Costs not specifically related to the project; Contingency or unexplained miscellaneous costs; Feasibility studies, infrastructure or capital expenses including construction or renovation of permanent spaces, furniture or equipment; Portion of HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) costs that are refundable; Infrastructure or large capital expenses including the renovation, construction or transformation of permanent spaces, parks or grounds; furniture, fixtures or other nonportable equipment; Costs associated with the preparation of a proposal in response to this CFP; Clothing allowances (projects may wish to partner with organizations that provide professional/business clothing or offer a clothing bank on site); Portion of Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) costs that are refundable. In-kind Contributions In-kind contributions are the total value of donated goods, commodities or services such as volunteer hours, marketing services, equipment and/or office space that are provided to the organization. Volunteer hours are calculated at the General Minimum Wage for Ontario unless acting in their professional capacity which is calculated at a fair market value. Examples of in-kind contributions include: A consultant donates time to the program; Taxi company donates the use of its taxis at no cost; Advertising space (online, on a billboard, newspaper, etc.) that is donated; Volunteers perform the outreach and publicity. Cash Any financial donation, sponsorship, grant or loan related to the project must be included. Note: all cash and in-kind contributions from other organizations must be confirmed in writing and be included as an attachment. 6. Project Assessment Criteria Your project will be evaluated on the following assessment criteria Criteria Weight Project Description 5% Organizational Capacity 5% 17

Project Rationale 10% Training/Placements/Mentorship 20% Additional Supports 10% Partnerships 20% Outreach, Marketing, Recruitment 5% Budget 15% Performance Measures and Project Outcomes 10% Total 100% 6.1 Project Description Brief description of project, outlining the key outcomes of the project. Project objectives should reflect Stream requirements in the Application Guidelines. Outline of the number of intakes the program will carry out per year. 6.2 Organizational Capacity Thorough evidence of robust governance structure, financial management and accountability procedures and human resource management systems. Experience delivering effective projects with comparable scope using sound project management techniques. Demonstrated effective delivery of programs within budget. Demonstrated feedback mechanism to identify and respond to community and individual client needs in a way that ensures continuity and improvement in the delivery of programs. Proven subject matter expertise and experience providing training and supports for lowincome women. 6.3 Project Rationale Demonstrated need for the project; evidence the proposed approach will be effective. Project activities leverage and do not duplicate existing services. Approach integrates accessibility, diversity and gender-based analysis, as appropriate to the funding program s objectives. 6.4 Training/Placements/Mentorships Description of the training modules aligns with the objectives of the Women s Economic Security Program. Training meets industry and professional association standards as outlined in the Program Guidelines (Section 2.3.1). Training meets the job placement/mentorship requirements outlined in the Program Guidelines (Section 2.8). 6.5 Additional Supports Program offers additional wraparound supports to low-income women to help reduce barriers to accessing training, employment or employment training. 18

These supports may include VAW (Violence Against Women) in the form of counselling, coaching or workshops. 6.6 Partnerships/Mentorships Community, industry, workplace or training partners make a tangible contribution to the planning and/or delivery of the program. List of partners/mentors is provided. Partner/mentor letters of support clearly outline their roles and responsibilities in the delivery of the program. 6.7 Outreach, Marketing and Recruitment Outreach, marketing and recruitment strategies align with target populations listed in the Program Guidelines. Alternative approaches and options are offered to those women who do not initially meet all recruitment criteria. Through these options they may have the opportunity to enhance their applications or gain entry to the program once outstanding criteria are met. 6.8 Budget The proposed project is cost-effective and demonstrates value for money. The proposed budget is well substantiated and budget items align with the project description and deliverables. Proposed expenses are reasonable and explained. 6.9 Performance Measures and Project Outcomes Funded organizations will be required to report on standardized qualitative and quantitative data to measure the success of proposed projects in relation to key targets outlined in Section 3 of the Application Guidelines (i.e. completion rates, postcompletion outcomes and participant satisfaction). Proposed performance targets are clear and detailed. Proposed performance targets are reasonable and achievable. 7. Application Instructions If you have a submitted a previous application to Grants Ontario, this section will be automatically populated. Please update or add any missing organizational information at this time. For this application you fill out only the following five sections in Grants Ontario: Section A: Organization Information Section B Organization Address Information Section C: Organization Contact Information 19

Section E: Grant Payment Information Section F: Application Contact Information 8. Supplementary Attachments Please download and submit the following documents. Your application will not be considered complete unless all of the required supplementary documents are submitted. 8.1 Project Evaluation Questions Please download and answer project evaluation questions form related to your project Stream. If you are applying with projects under more than one Steam, please fill out additional questions for each of those Streams. Your application will be evaluated largely on these Project Evaluation Questions. Women in Trades Stream complete Project Evaluation Questions: 1 Women in Trades Stream. Women in Information Technology Stream complete Project Evaluation Question 2: Women in Information Technology Stream. Women s General Employment Training Stream complete Project Evaluation Question 3: Women s General Employment Training Stream. Entrepreneurship for Women s Self-Employment Stream - complete Project Evaluation Question 4: Entrepreneurship for Women s Self Employment Stream. 8.2 Letters of Support Please provide letters of support from partner organizations that have committed to providing employment, training, mentorship, counselling, or significant industry expertise to participants in your program. 8.3 Budget and Work Plan Three years of funding (2018-19 to 2020-21) are available through this Invitation for Applications. Include a budget for each fiscal year the project will run. Please review the following instructions carefully before completing this section. If you are applying with projects under more than one Stream, please submit a completed budget and work plan for each project. For each project, please list all project expense items in the first column. In the other columns, identify how each of these expense items will be paid or offset, for example, by Requested funding from MSW and/or through the Cash and In- Kind contributions of your organization and/or its partners. When disclosing cash and in-kind contributions, please list all the dollar amounts that will make up these contributions, (e.g. from your organization, from other organizations such as partners, or from non-provincial sources). Also include funds from other government agencies or ministries. 20

Note that all cash and in-kind contributions from other organizations must be confirmed in writing and included as an attachment. Itemize all expenditures and contributions required to carry out your project, both eligible and ineligible, to provide a holistic picture of the total project value. Be sure to document details of each item (e.g. for staffing positions, include a description of role, number of hours per week, and wage and benefits as they relate to the project). For purchased items, include the cost per unit and number of items needed. (See lists of eligible and non-eligible costs outlined in Section 5 of the Guidelines) 8.4 Audit Please upload a financial audit of your organization for 2016/17 fiscal year. 8.5 Insurance Please provide proof of Commercial General Liability Insurance as well as Partner third-party insurance for participants on non-paid work, internship placements. 8.6 Proof of Eligibility (Please provide proof of registration, approvals, certifications related to the eligibility criteria in Section 2.2) 9. Further Information for Applicants 9.1 Accessibility Funded organizations are responsible for ensuring that their facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities, and that they are in compliance with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal statues and codes. For information on the government s commitment to accessibility, please visit: www.ontario.ca/accesson. 9.2 French Language Services Through this program, MSW will be funding separate English and French Language projects. Applicants must comply with the French Language Services Act (1990). For more information about the French Language Services Act in designated areas, see http://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90f32 Please Note: Funding cannot be guaranteed to all applicants, nor can the ministry ensure that the total amount requested by successful applicants will be granted. The recommendation to fund all or part of an applicant s request will depend on its alignment with WESP Program funding priorities, evaluation criteria and the overall demand for funds in the program. Also, 21

please note that funding will also be allocated to ensure appropriate geographical distribution of the fund across Ontario and that a percentage of the fund will be allocated to Indigenous projects. 22