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Application Guidelines – Canada History Fund

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Objectives and expected results for the Canada History Fund

The Canada History Fund encourages Canadians to improve their knowledge of Canada’s history, civics and public policy. The Fund supports the production of learning materials, the organization of learning activities and the creation or maintenance of networks.

The Canada History Fund provides Canadians with an opportunity to improve their understanding of Canada and fosters their engagement as informed citizens.

Expected results include:

  • learning materials and activities related to Canada’s history, civics and public policy are developed;
  • formal and informal history, civics and public policy networks are developed;
  • educators and specialists use new knowledge to promote learning opportunities about Canada’s history, civics and public policy;
  • leadership and collaboration in Canada’s history, civics and public policy sectors are encouraged; and
  • knowledge of Canada’s history, civics and public policy is enhanced amongst Canadians.

Application deadline

The application intake is now closed. Please check back for updates about potential future intakes.

Who can apply

To be eligible for funding, your organization must be:

  • an organization that has a mandate with a focus on Canadian history, civics, or public policy, and a demonstrated track record of successfully delivering programming nationally; or
  • a post-secondary educational institution.

All applicants must demonstrate that their activities have a national geographic reach.

Individuals, governments, Indigenous authorities and Canadian organizations that generally deliver regional programming are not eligible.

Eligible projects

Eligible projects may include:

  • learning materials;
  • websites, mobile applications or other new media tools;
  • group activities such as conferences and workshops;
  • establishment of networks and partnerships;
  • large-scale works of reference; and
  • research and publications on current trends and public policy issues about Canada.

Conservation and archive-building projects; and projects designed to fill the curriculum needs of one specific province or one particular course/institution are not eligible.

Eligible expenses

We will only fund eligible project-related expenses, which can be of cash and in-kind value. These may include:

  • up to 75% of costs for the design, development, delivery, promotion, and evaluation of projects.

Administrative expenses are limited to a maximum of 15% of the total amount of funding.

In-kind contributions are considered real contributions to the cost of the proposed project but are not reimbursable. Donated goods and services may be considered in-kind contributions if they:

  • are essential to your project’s success;
  • are eligible and would otherwise have to be purchased or paid for by you;
  • can be measured at fair market value (i.e. in relation to similar goods and services); and
  • are balanced by an equal revenue in your budget (i.e. total in-kind expenses equal total in-kind revenues).

We cannot fund expenses that you incurred before we receive your application. If you incur expenses for your project before receiving written confirmation of your funding approval, you will be doing so at your own risk.

Eligibility criteria

We are responsible for determining the eligibility of each applicant, the project and project-related expenses.

The Canada History Fund is highly competitive. Requests for funding typically exceed available resources. If your organization is eligible, submitting an application is not a guarantee of funding.

Limits of government assistance

To ensure the success of your project, we encourage you to have other funding sources. This may include contributions from your organization, the private sector or other levels of government.

Additional funding cannot come from another Department of Canadian Heritage program. The total financial assistance received from the Canada History Fund and other levels of government (federal, provincial, territorial) and municipal administration cannot exceed 100% of the total eligible project-related costs.

Applying for more than 12 months

You may request funding for a project spanning more than 12 months. You must then show that there is a need for a multi-year commitment and that you have the capacity to complete the project. This is demonstrated with a realistic project timeline and budget projections as well as sound governance and continued financial viability.

How to apply

Read these Application Guidelines in their entirety before completing your application.

Contact the Canada History Fund to request an application package. You must meet all eligibility requirements and submit a complete application package to be considered for funding.

A complete application package includes:

  • a signed and completed General application form;
  • a completed Canada History Fund Questionnaire;
  • a detailed budget that shows all anticipated and confirmed sources of funding (cash or in-kind) for the entire project and provides a detailed breakdown of forecast expenditures;
  • the published mandate of your organization; and
  • proof that the contact person has legal signing authority for the project if the contact person for the project is not the President or the responsible member of the Board of Directors.

If you request $100,000 or more, you must submit a copy of your organization’s most recent financial statements or audited financial statements if available.

If you have not applied for funding from PCH within the past four years, the application must also include:

  • a proof of the legal status of your organization. For example, copies of not-for-profit registration and incorporation papers or proof of pending status;
  • a copy of the by-laws (Constitution); and
  • a copy of the most recent annual report or any other publication that profiles your organization, such as a newsletter or brochure.

Application process

  • Complete, sign and date the General application form; and
  • Attach all the required supporting documents.

Please submit your application in only one of the following formats:

Email submissions

We encourage you to submit your application package electronically to the following email address: fhc-chf@pch.gc.ca.

The embedded “sent” date must be no later than 11:59 p.m. local time on the date of the application deadline for your application to be considered eligible.

Mail or in-person submissions

You can mail, courier or hand-deliver your complete application package to the Department of Canadian Heritage. Prior to submitting an application by mail, applicants must contact the Canada History Fund at: fhc-chf@pch.gc.ca.

Your application must be postmarked or hand-delivered no later than the published deadline to be considered.

How applications are evaluated

We fund projects that are clearly aligned with Canada History Fund’s objectives and have measurable results. Funding decisions are based on the number and quality of applications received. Your application will be reviewed for eligibility and then evaluated based on the evaluation criteria below.

Failure to comply with reporting requirements for a previously funded project will be considered in the evaluation of your new application and could result in the rejection of your new application.

Your application will be evaluated by a review committee. Funding recommendations are based on program’s objective and funding priorities as well as amount of funding available. Successful applications may not receive the full amount of their request.

Evaluation criteria

Your application will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • the project’s significance in the history/civics sector;
  • the project is aligned with the objectives of the Canada History Fund;
  • the project’s capacity to reach a wide audience in both of Canada’s official languages;
  • the budget is reasonable and balanced (no surplus or deficit); and
  • the organization has the capacity to carry out the project.

Priority for funding recommendations will be given to projects that:

  • integrate themes of inclusion and diversity;
  • address the history of Official Language Minority Communities;
  • address the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada;
  • build on our commitment to engage young Canadians;
  • have a pan-Canadian focus or importance;
  • demonstrate a wide potential reach and are aimed at the general public;
  • provide interactive learning experiences;
  • explore innovative uses of technology; and
  • include diversified funding sources.

It is expected that all activities undertaken as part of funded projects will take into consideration the needs of diverse Canadians, including Canadians of various faiths, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Application processing time

For application processing time, please refer to the Service standards for Canadian Heritage funding programs or contact the program.

We will acknowledge receipt of your application within two weeks of receiving your application.

Funding decisions

We reserve the right to target our funding to specific projects. Please note that decisions regarding eligibility and funding amounts are final.

How funding is provided

Funding will be disbursed as a contribution.

A contribution is a conditional payment issued to your organization for a specific purpose, as outlined in a funding agreement. The agreement is signed by us and your organization and specifies the terms and conditions to receive payment. At the end of your project, you must submit a final report.

Funding conditions

You may be required to submit interim reports during your project. If you receive $250,000 or more as a contribution, you are required to submit an audited financial report. Additional conditions may apply and will be included in your funding agreement.

Anti-racism and anti-hate

Canadian Heritage is committed to address systemic racism, promote diversity, and create environments where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered. We strive to challenge discriminatory beliefs and practices, cultivate understanding and empathy, and champion policies and programs that advance equality for all.

Organizations receiving funding, including any representatives whether employees, consultants, or other persons directly affiliated with the organization, must take steps to ensure they respect the values underlying the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Human Rights Act, and Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy.

Workplace well-being

The Government of Canada is strongly committed to promoting healthy workplaces where harassment, abuse and discrimination are not tolerated. Organizations that receive funding from Canadian Heritage must take measures to create a workplace free from harassment, abuse and discrimination.

Official languages requirements

We are committed to taking positive measures to enhance the vitality of official language minority communities and to promote the use of English and French in Canadian society. If you receive funding, you agree to comply with the official languages requirements set out in your application and/or in your funding agreement.

Acknowledgement of financial assistance

If you receive funding, you must publicly acknowledge – in English and in French – the financial support received from the Government of Canada in all communications materials and promotional activities. Additional requirements may be included in your funding agreement.

For additional information, please refer to our Guide on the public acknowledgement of financial support.

Access to information requests

We are subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. The information you submit in your application may be disclosed in accordance with these Acts.

Disclosure of information

By submitting your funding application, you authorize us to disclose any information submitted with this application within the Government of Canada or to outside entities for the following purposes:

  • to reach a decision;
  • to evaluate the results of the project; and
  • to support transparency, accountability and citizen engagement.

Audits of recipients and evaluation of the Program

We reserve the right to audit your accounts and records to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of your funding agreement. We also conduct periodic Program evaluations, during which you may be required to present documentation.

You must keep any records, documents, or other information that may be required to perform the audit or the evaluation for five years. Demonstrated failure to maintain such records may result in the repayment of amounts previously received.

Contact us

For further information, please contact us:

Department of Canadian Heritage
Canada History Fund
15 Eddy Street 8th floor, 15-8-C
Gatineau, Quebec
J8X 4B3

Email

fhc-chf@pch.gc.ca

Telephone

819-997-0055
1-866-811-0055 (toll-free)

TTY

1-888-997-3123 (toll-free)

Our agents are available to answer your questions Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (EST).

Glossary

Administrative expenses
Includes expenses such as office supplies, telephone, fax, Internet, utilities, postage, courier, photocopying/printing and rent for office space. Only administrative costs directly related to the funded event are eligible.
Audited financial report
An audited financial report includes a statement of operations for the given period with regard to the Project and is prepared by a certified accountant who is not part of your organization.
Audited financial statements
A complete set of financial statements including a statement of financial position; a statement of operations; and a statement of changes in financial position. Audited financial statements are completed by a certified accountant who is not part of your organization. The certified accountant performs auditing activities in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Cash flow
A presentation of all anticipated revenues and planned expenses that will occur over the length of your project. At the beginning of your project, your cash flow will have only forecasted revenues and expenses. Over time, your cash flow will be updated to reflect the actual revenues and expenses.
Civics
Study of the rights and duties of citizenship; of the government and political system.
Final report
A final report is submitted at the end of your project based on the requirements in the funding agreement. Your final report needs to provide the results of the activities you have undertaken for the duration of your project and include a final report of actual revenues and expenses. Reporting templates will be provided by the Program.
Indigenous communities
Indigenous communities include First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.
Interim reports
Interim reports are submitted during your project based on the requirements in the funding agreement. Your interim reports will indicate the results of the activities undertaken for a specific period. In addition, they include a status report on the work to be accomplished and updated revenue and expense reports.
National geographic reach
Demonstrated capacity of the organization to deliver programming to a pan-Canadian audience.
Public policy
Includes the development and implementation of laws, regulatory measures, courses of action and funding priorities undertaken by various levels of government or its representatives to achieve specific outcomes for citizens.

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