Language selection

Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

Search

Expression of interest: Funding guidelines for supporting Francophone minority communities engaging in refugee sponsorship

Stage 1 application deadline: August 8, 2024 at 5:00 pm (EDT)

On this page

Foreword

The Official Languages Action Plan 2023-2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration reaffirms the Government’s commitment to the protection and promotion of Canada’s two official languages, the preservation of French, and the vitality of official language minority communities.

In 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released the new Policy on Francophone Immigration. The Policy promotes the vitality and economic development of Francophone minority communities. It paves the way for tangible, ambitious and innovative actions in the short-, medium- and long- term that will enable process towards restoring and increasing the demographic weight of these communities. The Policy also reinforces the Francophone Integration Pathway, a coordinated and integrated suite of French-Language settlement and resettlement services offered in Francophone minority communities and aimed at facilitating reception, support, economic and socio-cultural integration, as well as the creation of lasting ties between newcomers and Francophone minority communities.

To support IRCC’s commitment to reinforce vitality and economic development of Francophone minority communities, the Department is launching an expression of interest (EOI) to fund small-scale projects that will support Francophone minority communities to engage in the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program (PSR) and the Blended Visa Office-Referred Program (BVOR).

The PSR and BVOR programs are part of the Department’s suite of humanitarian programming that provides protection to refugees in Canada. While the programs have grown and evolved over time, the role and engagement of sponsors remain at their core. In 2023, over 27,000 sponsored refugees resettled in communities across Canada through the PSR and BVOR programs.

Francophone minority communities have expressed interest in further participating in refugee sponsorship, which is why the Department is launching this EOI to support a Francophone-led approach to enable targeted actions to build and expand the refugee sponsor base of Francophone minority communities, as well as reinforce their knowledge and capacity to better engage in the resettlement of sponsored refugees.

Through this EOI, IRCC will fund Francophone organizations to design and deliver project(s) that will support Francophone individuals and organizations in select Francophone minority communities to gain information about and increase their interest in participating in refugee sponsorship. Lessons learned and the best practices generated through these projects can then be shared to support other Francophone minority communities.

Through this EOI process, IRCC will fund project(s) through the Terms and Conditions of the Resettlement Assistance Program.

About the Resettlement Assistance Program

Under the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP), the Government of Canada helps government-assisted refugees (GARs) and other eligible clients when they first arrive in Canada by providing direct financial support, and funding the provision of immediate and essential services. RAP also supports the provision of indirect services that support PSRs and BVORs, including activities to share information and support the training needs of the refugee sponsorship community, to build its capacity to support privately sponsored refugees in Canada.

The RAP is a funding program operating in all provinces and territories outside of Quebec.

Funding periods and instrument

Submission timeline

Submissions for Stage 1 (Letter of interest) must be submitted by August 8, 2024 at 5:00 pm EDT in the Grants and Contributions System (GCS).

If you are successful in Stage 1, IRCC will invite you to submit a full proposal in GCS in September 2024 to proceed to Stage 2.

Process timeline

Projects for this EOI are expected to start in February 2025 with an end date no later than March 31, 2028.

Funding amount

The chosen projects will be funded through the RAP program’s Official Languages Action Plan 2023-2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration funding envelope, with funding administered by IRCC.

While there is no set funding amount per project, total funding available for this process is $1,507,000 over four fiscal years. Here is a breakdown of the funding available per year:

This is a one-time funding opportunity and project extensions will not be considered. All project activities must end by March 31, 2028.

Funding instrument

Funding for projects will be provided through a Contribution Agreement with the leading recipient organization, under the RAP. A contribution is a transfer payment that is subject to the conditions outlined in a funding agreement. Eligible costs will be reimbursed based on the presentation of acceptable claims and progress reports, in accordance with the terms of the Contribution Agreement.

These funding guidelines are a tool to help applicants develop their letter of interest and project proposal. All applicants are responsible for reading the Funding Guidelines in full.

This EOI is seeking letters of interest for projects to provide indirect services that support PSR and BVOR refugees resettling in Canada (for example, provision of information, resources and training to increase capacity of individuals and organizations sponsoring refugees in their communities). The EOI is not intended to support projects involving the direct provision of RAP services, which are funded through a separate process. Applications that include direct services to refugees will not be considered.

For more information on indirect services, refer to the RAP Terms and Conditions and Logic model.

Project details

Overview

IRCC will fund projects that aim to

Projects will seek to expand the refugee sponsor base in Francophone minority communities, including by supporting both new and existing sponsors in these communities.

Objectives

Through this EOI, IRCC seeks to fund project(s) to achieve the overall objective of supporting refugee sponsorship in Francophone minority communities outside of Quebec by:

Immediate outcomes

Intermediate outcome

Long term outcomes

Funded project activities

IRCC will be seeking projects for the following activities to support Francophone minority communities engaging in refugee sponsorship:

  1. Design and implement an outreach strategy to increase awareness of the PSR and/or BVOR programs among individuals and/or organizations in Francophone minority communities
    • The Department will consider project proposals that focus on the PSR program and/or the BVOR program.
  2. Design and implement a recruitment strategy to identify and support Francophone individuals and /organizations in Francophone minority communities to become refugee sponsors (for example, Sponsorship Agreement Holders or their Constituent Groups, Community Sponsors, or Groups of Five) under the PSR and/or BVOR program
  3. Support Francophone refugee sponsors to be aware of/access to existing resources and support services based on their capacity, interests and needs
  4. Facilitate and support formal and/or informal connections between experienced, new and/or potential refugee sponsors to enable reflection, and the exchange of knowledge and experience.

Mandatory project requirements

Projects targeting Francophones in Francophone minority communities outside of Quebec

Projects must target Francophone individuals and/or organizations in Francophone minority communities outside of Quebec to encourage and support them to participate in refugee sponsorship under the PSR and/or BVOR programs. Projects must be informed by a clear understanding of the needs of project participants and the delivery mode of project activities is to be adapted to the linguistic minority context.

Project activities must take place in communities outside of Quebec where settlement services relevant to refugees exist and are available. These services include, but are not limited to, those falling under the Francophone Integration Pathway as defined in the Policy on Francophone Immigration.

Letters of interest must indicate in which community(ies) the proposed project will take place.

Projects can take place in more than one community but should remain regional in scope. Under the RAP, IRCC regions are defined as:

National projects (projects taking place in more than one IRCC region) will not be considered under this EOI.

For the purpose of the EOI, projects taking place in Quebec will not be considered.

Projects supporting the principle of By and For Francophones

Projects must be led by a Francophone organization, supporting the principle of “By and For” Francophones, which is the principle of including communities in the decision-making and/or delivery of initiatives. This can be achieved in different ways, but the core is recognizing the participation and engagement of those most impacted by the initiative.

As part of this approach, applicants will need to demonstrate how they meet the following definition of a Francophone organization in their application:

"An organization whose mandate, or part of it, includes serving the interest of the Francophone community in a given region and the organization serves more than 50% of its clients or target groups in French."

Projects leveraging knowledge of refugee sponsorship

The project must also be informed by some baseline knowledge of the PSR and/or BVOR programs. Applications will outline how the project meets this requirement, which can be demonstrated in a number of ways, including:

Funding requirements

Refer to the Grants and Contributions in Support of Resettlement Assistance Program Terms and Conditions for additional details on client and recipient eligibility.

Eligible recipients

Organizations that apply to this EOI must be located in Canada, outside of Quebec.

Under the RAP, eligible funding recipients include:

Assessment criteria and guidance

Assessment process

Under this EOI, project proposals will be assessed twice through two distinct assessment processes:

Stage 1: Letter of interest assessment

Through their letter of interest, applicants will provide an overview of their proposed project. Applicants will be using the Grants and Contributions (GCS) Partner Portal to prepare their letter of interest (detailed instructions provided in Submission process and instructions). Applicants will provide basic information about their proposed project, including a high-level budget (funding request per fiscal year), using drop-down menus or free-text fields. No additional documentation will be required at this stage.

Letters of interest will be screened to assess the eligibility of the applicant and proposed project and ensure that the proposed project meets the mandatory project requirements of this EOI. The following criteria will be used to evaluate letters of interest submitted under the EOI:

Note that a detailed budget is not required at the letter of interest stage.

Stage 2: Full project proposals assessment

Applicants whose letter of interest submissions pass the initial screening stage will be invited to submit a full project proposal that will require applicants to provide more detailed information on proposed projects (further details provided in Submission process and instructions).

Core principles

All full project proposals will be assessed individually against our CORE principles, and against Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) criteria integrated into projects in order to advance Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) outcomes for diverse populations.

Additional information about IRCC’s CORE principles and GBA Plus and EDI criteria are included below, to assist applicants in developing and writing their application(s).

Funding decisions will be based on the assessment score and departmental considerations. Below are the CORE detailed criteria that will be used to assess all project proposals in Stage 2:

  1. Client-centred (25%)
    • Applicants demonstrate that they have the capacity, experience, contextual knowledge and appropriate partners to carry out the project.
    • The strategy proposed to engage target project participants is sufficient and appropriate.
    • Project activities are designed to meet the needs and capacities of project participants.
  2. Outcomes-driven (40%)
    • The proposal clearly demonstrates how the organization will achieve the project.
    • Project activities are clear and are relevant to the outcomes of the project.
    • The project timelines are clearly defined, reasonable and achievable.
    • Each project outcome is measurable and the organization has a plan in place to ensure that they achieve these outcome(s).
    • Project outcomes align with the expected outcomes identified under the EOI.
  3. Responsive to need (15%)
    • The need for the project is clear.
    • Project has processes in place to identify emerging needs and circumstances and adapt as appropriate.
    • Projects include appropriate partners in the design, development and implementation of the project to be responsive to needs.
  4. Effective use of resources (20%)
    • Proposed budget is balanced. All costs and revenues related to the project have been itemized and explained.
    • Project costs are in line with average costs for similar activities.
    • The applicant demonstrates capacity to exercise the proper and responsible use of funds related to both administration and project delivery.
    • Project demonstrates value for money.

IRCC reserves the right to request any additional information relevant to assessing a project proposal.

In addition to the CORE principles project score, all proposals will receive a separate Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) score for how the design of the project incorporates GBA Plus. Applicants will be guided through questions in GCS to indicate if and how their project incorporates GBA Plus in its design and/or delivery. More details will be provided to successful applicants for Stage 2.

Both the CORE and EDI scores will be used to arrive at funding decisions. Additionally, IRCC will collect EDI organizational capacity data as part of Stage 2. Applicants will provide data through a series of self-declaration questions directly in GCS. This data will not be scored. IRCC will use collected data to create an information baseline of the resettlement sector’s diverse representation and EDI capacity, to contribute toward fostering continuous improvement of IRCC programs and services and help advance equity priorities across the sector.

Considerations

IRCC is under no obligation to fund any application submitted through this EOI or to fund the entire scope or duration of a proposed project. If a project is selected for possible funding, IRCC will notify the applicant in writing that the application has been approved in principle. Applicants must not assume that their application has been approved in principle, until notified by IRCC.

Proposed project budgets should be based on a realistic evaluation of expenses required to deliver proposed activities. All applicants should refer to IRCC’s Budget submission guidance for detailed information on eligible and ineligible items. The amount of funding and scope of activities that will be supported by IRCC will be contingent on the satisfactory negotiation of a Contribution Agreement.

Any costs incurred prior to the signing of the Contribution Agreement by IRCC or prior to IRCC’s approved project start date, or any costs related to the preparation of an application, will not be reimbursed.

Submission process and instructions

What is an expression of interest (EOI) process?

This EOI process is being used to address emerging program priorities and/or needs as outlined in the Funding Guidelines, using a specific source of funds. The EOI process is intended to minimize the time and effort required by applicants to submit an application by requesting preliminary project information via a letter of interest.

Only applicants whose submissions pass an initial screening stage (Stage 1: Letter of interest) will be invited to submit a full project proposal in Stage 2. The Stage 2 full project proposal will describe in detail the proposed activities, timelines, detailed costs, project feasibility, partnerships, evaluation methods and how the project respond to communities’ needs to engage in community sponsorship.

Instructions on submitting a letter of interest for Stage 1

To assist you as you write your letter of interest application, you should first review the following reference materials:

General

Technical

Program-specific (RAP)

Once you have read through the material and understood these funding guidelines, you are ready to submit your LOI. The application process involves using the Grants and Contributions (GCS) Partner Portal.

To submit a letter of interest

  1. Create a GCS Account and obtain your GCS Organization ID

A Grants and Contributions System (GCS) Organization ID (for example, 1-12A345) is required for the LOI to be considered completed.

If you do not yet have a GCS Organization ID, click on the “Create a new account” option in the GCS Partner Portal.

  1. Attend a Stage 1 applicant webinar

IRCC will be hosting information webinars in both official languages with potential applicants to answer questions related to this EOI process and the associated funding guidelines.

Register for the webinar you want to attend:

  1. Complete your letter of interest (LOI)

To submit your LOI:

Upon submission you will no longer be able to resubmit or modify your LOI for this process. IRCC will send you an automatic notification that your letter of interest has been received.

Once your LOI is submitted, you have completed Stage 1 of the EOI process.

The GCS system will be accepting Stage 1 submissions as of 10:00 am EDT June 27, 2024 until 5:00 pm EDT on August 8, 2024.

Instructions on submitting a full proposal for Stage 2

If you are successful in Stage 1, you will be invited to submit a full proposal for funding in Stage 2 of this EOI process in August 2024. You will also be invited to a Stage 2 EOI Applicant Webinar.

Full proposals must be submitted via the Grants and Contributions System (GCS) Partner Portal. Hard copy or emailed applications are not accepted. Only applicants that have successfully passed Stage 1 will have access to the application form in GCS for Stage 2.

Applicant type

You must attach certain mandatory documents to your application. Different mandatory documents are required based on your applicant type.

Applicant type: Public institutions (such as a school board) and any non-federal governments

Applicant type: Other organizations (including non-profits)

Applicant type: Individuals

How to submit a full proposal in Stage 2

  1. Review the application form in GCS

In your Stage 2 invitation you will be directed to return to the GCS Partner Portal. Log into your GCS account, and follow instructions for creating a full application under the Supporting Francophone Minority Communities to Engage in Refugee Sponsorship EOI process. Review the application form in advance of the upcoming webinar.

  1. Attend a Stage 2 applicant webinar

IRCC will be hosting webinars in both official languages with successful Stage 1 applicants to answer questions about the funding process. The time and date of the webinars will be communicated in the Stage 2 invitation.

  1. Submit full funding application

To submit your full application:

Communication with IRCC

Should you have questions or require further clarification about this funding process, contact IRCC at Intake-Reception@cic.gc.ca. The inbox cannot provide guidance on proposal content.

For questions relating to GCS, contact GCS-SSC@cic.gc.ca.

Annex A: IRCC CORE principles

All of IRCC programming funded under the Resettlement Assistance Program follow the CORE principles. CORE refers to client-centered, outcomes-driven, responsive to need and effective use of resources. Applicants for funding are expected to incorporate these principles in the design, implementation and evaluation of their proposed project(s), and to articulate how they have done so in their application.

Text version: CORE principles

Client-centered

Programming that is tailored to meet specific client`s profiles. This includes ensuring Francophone services for those who want to live and work in French, and a focus on clients who are vulnerable, marginalized or face barriers.

Outcomes-driven

Programming that is driven by evidence, ensuring the best outcomes, both short and long term, for the client.

Responsive to need

Programming that meets the needs of not only the client, but of society itself, to best integrate newcomers and achieve the shared vision for Settlement and Integration.

Effective use of resources

Programming that is effective and efficient, utilizing partnerships, leveraging shared resources, and developing untapped community assets such as volunteers and local businesses.

Client-centered

Client-centered programming meets client needs by asking and listening to newcomers, to understand: their circumstances; their needs; their assets; what services are the most useful to them; and, how, when and in what language these services should be provided. Where feasible, services should be accessible at the time and location most effective for the client, including services delivered remotely. Programming should address barriers that might affect access to services, which can vary by client group. Service provision should also take into account the government-wide commitment to supporting the vitality of Francophone minority communities and official languages. This should include providing services in the official language of the clients’ choice wherever possible, ensuring full awareness of, and referrals to, Francophone organizations.

Outcomes driven

Outcomes-driven programming is based on evidence and data. It is designed to provide the best outcomes for clients from the beginning to the end of their resettlement or settlement journey. It means being able to track both project outputs and measure client outcomes to recognize success.

Outputs vs. outcomes

Outputs are the result of activities you are proposing to undertake (for example, number of community connections services rendered, number of clients served).

Outcomes are what changed as a result of the delivered outputs (for the client, the community, employers, etc.) (for example, percentage of community connections clients who indicate that they increased their social networks as a result of participation in IRCC-funded services).

For additional information refer to the Outcomes Guidance.

Responsive to need

Resettlement programming seeks to meet the needs of as many eligible clients in a community as possible. It also helps host communities strengthen their capacity to welcome and retain newcomers. This includes addressing systemic barriers that hinder the integration of newcomers (including their opportunity to become Canadian citizens), and increasing involvement of specific sectors of the community to support multi-sector involvement in newcomer integration strategies for your geographic area.

It also encourages programming that creates meaningful dialogues and connections between newcomers and Canadian citizens, including Indigenous peoples, recognizing that cross-community interactions are an important part of the settlement and integration process for newcomers and their receiving communities. This includes addressing common barriers to citizenship or experiences of exclusion affecting different minority groups, and to identify what members of each community might do to support each other’s inclusion.

There should be a clear need for the project, supported by evidence and data. Project goals should be feasible, with clear links to one or more Settlement services, the Resettlement Assistance Program, or the other important streams under this funding process. Programming should be adaptable to changing needs and circumstances of newcomers and their host community.

Effective use of resources

There are finite resources, and an ever-growing need for Settlement and Resettlement Assistance Program services. This means that programming must be as effective and efficient as possible.

Page details

Date modified: