Economic Diversification Grant Application Guide January 2018
Table of Contents 1. Purpose and Scope... 3 2. Overview... 3 2.1 About the Economic Diversification Grant... 3 2.2 Submitting an Application... 3 2.3 Contact Information... 3 3. Grant Requirements... 3 3.1 Eligibility Requirements... 4 3.2 Funding Period... 4 3.3 Joint Proposals... 4 3.4 Maximum Available Funding... 4 3.5 Funding Criteria... 4 3.6 Demonstrated Need... 5 3.7 Eligible Expenses... 5 3.8 Ineligible Expenses... 6 3.9 In-Kind Contributions... 7 3.10 Acknowledgement, Oversight and Reporting... 7 4. Proposal Requirements... 8 4.1 Business Case... 8 4.2 Proposal Details... 8 4.3 Performance Measures... 8 4.4 Conditions of Application... 9 5. About the Application Form... 9 5.1 Application Questions... 10 5.2 Budget... 13 5.3 Checklist... 14
1. Purpose and Scope This guide provides information on the Economic Diversification Grant (EDG) Program of the Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF) for applicants and funding recipients. The guide should be used along with the IEDF Handbook. 2. Overview The EDG promotes economic activity in new and emerging economic sectors. 2.1 About the Economic Diversification Grant The EDG promotes the development of plans to assist Indigenous communities in Ontario expand their economic base and identify new areas of economic opportunity. Indigenous communities include First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities. Support is provided for initiatives which provide jobs, training and business opportunities while contributing to economic diversification. Projects are approved through a competitive review process. The objectives of the EDG are: To enhance applicants capacity to diversify their economies and explore opportunities for jobs, training and business opportunities in a variety of sectors, and To improve strategic planning at the local-level. 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 416-326-4740 and 1-866-381-5337, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Information on the IEDF and the EDG is also found at www.ontario.ca/aboriginaleconomy. Technical questions regarding Grants Ontario may be directed to the Grants Ontario Customer Service Line at GrantsOntarioCS@Ontario.ca or by telephone at 416-325-6691 or 1-855-216-3090, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. 3. Grant Requirements General requirements of the IEDF are provided in the IEDF Handbook. The following outlines the specific requirements for the EDG. 3
3.1 Eligibility Requirements You may apply to the EDG if you are a: 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. All First Nation applicants must submit Band Council Resolutions in support of their application. First Nations or organizations applying on the behalf of others must provide a Band Council Resolution/Board Motion in support of the application from each partner. Métis communities must provide a resolution or motion in support of their application. For applicants applying on the behalf of others, a resolution or motion in support of an application must be provided indicating the support of the communities represented in the application. 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 Joint Proposals Applications are permitted from two or more eligible applicants outlined in Section 3.1. 3.4 Maximum Available Funding Maximum funding of $100,000 per year, per project is available for individual applicants. For joint applications a maximum of $250,000 is available per year, per project. Applicants will only be approved for one grant per fiscal year. 3.5 Funding Criteria Projects must be related to the development or implementation of an economic development or diversification plan and contribute to new economic activity. Funds may be used for the development of: Community or regional plans that contribute to economic diversification. 4
Community or regional employment or skills training strategies that focus on accredited training and provincially recognized qualifications that are transferable between sectors or building skills in a variety of sectors. Investment or marketing strategies to attract external investment and/or access to new markets with the aim of diversifying economies. Activities directly related to the implementation of an existing economic development project and /or diversification plan (e.g., feasibility studies, skills training). The development of leakage studies. An assessment of community assets and strengths with a forward-looking assessment of local community opportunities. Community initiatives that promote economic activity, including jobs, training and business opportunities, in a variety of sectors. 3.6 Demonstrated Need 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 will be used to support the project as a part of the application. 3.7 Eligible Expenses Costs that can be funded under the IEDF include: Staff salary and mandatory employer related costs (MERCs) such as CPP, EI and WSIB directly related to the project. Activities aimed at building internal core capacity relating to economic development and planning that promotes economic diversification. Community engagement on an internal community economic development process, plan or strategy that contributes to economic diversification. Activities to build relationships and partnerships that support economic development activities in a variety of sectors. Community outreach for activities such as community meetings, presentations and workshops related to the work plan. 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). Travel and accommodation expenses for activities directly related to the work. Professional fees, consultants and/or technicians for technical expertise relating to the economic development. Please note that it is expected that a community 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. 5
Honoraria, payments to Elders for their attendance at a meeting/event or to individuals for their ceremonial participation at a meeting/event. This includes payments made to Elders for their specialized knowledge (e.g., on cultural sites, traditional knowledge). Administration costs 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. Publicity requirements of the IEDF, including websites, promotional material and signage. 3.8 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 or private funding. Costs not incurred in Ontario, including activities and travel that take place outside of Ontario. Costs outside the scope of the EDG or that 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 expenses. Costs associated with the development of an IEDF proposal and/or application. Debt reduction costs. Litigation or other legal costs. Costs related to the Government of Ontario 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. Applicants are discouraged from incurring any costs for activities to be funded by the IEDF until an application has been approved. Any expenses incurred prior to the agreed effective date or after the agreed end date in the Funding Agreement will be ineligible. 6
3.9 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. 3.10 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. Identify the project management structure/staffing model which has been agreed to and implemented. 7
Additional information on reporting, acknowledgement, oversight and project management is outlined in the IEDF Handbook. The Handbook should be reviewed prior to submitting an application for funding. 4. Proposal Requirements The following section outlines additional requirements of the EDG. 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 EDG 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 successfully deliver the proposed project. 4.2 Proposal Details Proposed deliverables must be consistent with and contribute to the objectives of the IEDF and the EDG. Projects must also be consistent with IEDF requirements outlined in the IEDF Handbook. The proposal should show how the proposed project will improve long term planning and/or diversify the local economy, including new skills, businesses and economic activity. The proposal must provide information on the location of the project, anticipated jobs and businesses to be created, and economic sectors that may be supported. It should also outline, where applicable, any links to other government supports or initiatives where IEDF would add value or increase the impact of existing government support. The proposal must demonstrate the applicant has the capacity to implement the proposed project. Where applicable, the proposal should provide information on links to existing economic development plans or strategies and existing or planned economic development projects or opportunities within the local area of the proposed project. Proposals involving skills and training should indicate support from local employers to ensure that training is linked to existing or anticipated employment opportunities. 4.3 Performance Measures Only projects contributing to the objectives of the IEDF and the EDG will be considered for funding. Required performance measures are outlined below. It is understood measures may not apply for all projects. Additional performance measures may also be proposed. 8
Outcome Growth, competitiveness and economic diversification of Aboriginal businesses and Indigenous communities Performance Measures Number of new projects initiated by Aboriginal businesses and Indigenous communities or organizations Number of new start-up businesses, number of jobs created or sustained Number of new or emerging sectors where new economic activity has taken place (include list) Increased economic development capacity including community economic planning and access to skills and employment training to participate in economic opportunities Number of participants in projects that promote economic activity in a variety of sectors (by sector, by activity). Number of economic development-related positions created or sustained Number of Ontario-based First Nation/Metis/Inuit people accessing skills and training programs (including figures on positive employment outcomes, if available) 4.4 Conditions of Application 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 of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation 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-EDG 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. 9
Once an application is submitted electronically through Grants Ontario, an email 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 utilizes 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-EDG 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-EDG 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 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 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-EDG applicant file. This person will also receive the automated application submission confirmation email provided they have entered a valid email address. Section G1 Project Information Provide information about the project, including proposed project outcomes, project beneficiaries, evaluation plan and risk assessment. The project start date (Question 2) or event start date (Question 4) 10
should be no earlier than April 1, 2017. The project end date (Question 3) or event end date (Question 5) should be no later than March 31, 2020. For Question 7 (Project Scope), select local, 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. For Question 11 (Project Description), include project details described in Section 4.2 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 EDG. Consult the IEDF Handbook and Section 4.2 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. The project may complement a similar project, but should not duplicate efforts for the same target audience. You may enter up to 1,000 characters. For Question 14 (Project Beneficiaries), applicants must include details on the target audience for the project. For example, applicants must provide information on who will benefit from the project. 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 EDG, 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. 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. 11
1. Are you a new applicant, yes or no? (i.e., have you ever received IEDF funding in the past?) 2. Have you previously received an IEDF EDG, yes or no? 3. Have you previously received funding through another grant of the IEDF, yes or no? If yes, which program? 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 organization 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 shows 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 task 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: 12
Ministry Provided Performance Metrics for which you enter only the goal (see Section 4.3 of this guide for more information); and Client Provided Performance Metrics 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 provide information on performance measures in reports to the Ministry, as outlined in the Funding Agreement. Information on performance measures is also included 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. Additional details on eligible and ineligible expenses can be found in Section 3 of this guide. 13
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 Economic Diversification Grant Application Guide Complete and submit the Application Form in Grants Ontario Complete and submit the Budget document as an attachment Provide proof of General Liability Insurance Additional Documents and Information (where applicable) Band council resolution(s) in support of an application from each First Nation community represented on the application. Métis community resolution or motion in support of an application for each of community or communities represented in the application. 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 Letters of commitment or approval for match funding demonstrating that all remaining projects costs will be covered by other funders (if available) Copy of letters patent/certificate of incorporation (if applicable) Valid Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number Organizational Chart(s) (if available) All Complete and unabridged audited financial statements from the most recent available fiscal year are required. 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 Completed? 14