Dementia Strategic Fund: Dementia Guidelines and Best Practices Initiative
On this page
- Background
- Objectives
- Principles
- Application process and deadline
- Other application considerations
- Applicant capacity
- Funding details and requirements
- Eligibility
- Eligible expenses
- Ineligible activities and expenses
- Contact us
- Additional resources
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is pleased to invite eligible applicants to submit proposals for projects that support improved access to and use of high-quality dementia guidance.
Background
Budget 2019 announced $50 million over five years to support the implementation of key elements of Canada's first national dementia strategy, A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Aspire. The strategy's national objectives are to:
- prevent dementia
- advance therapies and find a cure
- improve the quality of life of people living with dementia and caregivers
The $40 million dedicated to the Dementia Strategic Fund from Budget 2019 is supporting a variety of activities including:
- a national public education/awareness campaign
- awareness raising projects
- projects that support improved access to and use of high-quality dementia guidance
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a set of symptoms linked to brain function. It is characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities. These abilities can include:
- memory
- awareness of person, place and time
- language
- basic math skills
- judgement
- planning
Dementia can also affect mood and behaviour.
It is estimated that more than 432,000 Canadians over the age of 65 were living with diagnosed dementia in Canada in 2016/17, two-thirds of whom were women. As Canada's population ages, the number of Canadians living with dementia is expected to rise. The risk of being diagnosed with dementia doubles with every 5-year increase in age, between the ages of 65 and 84. Statistics show that 0.8% of Canadians aged 65-69 years are diagnosed with dementia compared to 31.5% of those aged 90 years and older.
Objectives
This funding opportunity contributes to the implementation of Canada's national dementia strategy by supporting projects intended to improve access to and use of high-quality dementia guidance in Canada. Dementia guidance refers to recommendations and advice that include:
- Formal guidelines based on rigorous, systematic evidence
- Best practice statements based on a well-known, large body of indirect, linked or accepted evidence that strongly supports a net benefit.
Applicants are encouraged to propose projects with a focus on populations identified as being likely to be at higher risk and/or facing barriers to equitable dementia care. Applicants must demonstrate precisely whether and how the proposed project responds to the needs of the following populations:
- People living with chronic health conditions
- Ethnic and cultural minority communities
- Indigenous Peoples
- LGBTQ2+ individuals
- Official language minority communities
- People living with developmental and intellectual disabilities
- Rural and remote communities
- Individuals living with young onset dementia
This funding opportunity has two streams and five themes. Please note that some themes are open to applications under one stream only.
Streams
- Stream 1: Address gaps in dementia guidance by developing, adapting or updating high-quality dementia guidance
- Stream 2: Improve access, understanding and implementation of high-quality dementia guidance
Themes
- Theme 1: Dementia prevention (Stream 2 only)
- Theme 2: Reduce stigma and encourage dementia-inclusive communities (Stream 1 only)
- Theme 3: Person-centred support, communication and care (Stream 1 and 2)
- Theme 4: Support in times of emergency (Stream 1 only)
- Theme 5: Indigenous-led (Stream 1 and 2). Note: To ensure that dementia guidance for Indigenous populations is relevant, culturally appropriate and culturally safe, the applicant must demonstrate how a Theme 5 project will be Indigenous-led.
Applicants must clearly indicate how their proposal will result in progress related to at least one theme and the accompanying appropriate stream(s).
Principles
An important consideration during the assessment of an Invitation to Submit a Funding Request (ISFR) proposal is the meaningful inclusion of people living with dementia and dementia caregivers at key stages, as appropriate. As well, the assessment process will include consideration of the project's alignment with the following principles:
Collaboration
Dementia guidance projects are likely to be enhanced through multi-sectoral partnerships that may bring together:
- non-governmental organizations
- academia
- industry
- communities
- individual experts
- others
Projects are also encouraged to benefit from in-kind and/or financial support provided by partners from various sectors.
Health equity
Proposals must demonstrate how equity, including consideration of sex and gender as well as other factors (such as LGBTQ2+, age, education, geography, and income), has been considered in the design, implementation and evaluation of the proposed project.
Human rights
Proposals align with Canada's international and domestic commitments on dementia and human rights, and the principle of "respect human rights" as described in the national dementia strategy, as appropriate.
Evidence-based
For all Stream 1 projects, proposals must detail the methodology that will be used and demonstrate an understanding of recognized methodologies. Guideline projects must incorporate rigorous methodology that follows recognized principles and standards. Best practice and practice points should also follow the most up-to-date principles and methods for development and review.
For all Stream 2 projects, proposals must demonstrate how the guidance they have selected for knowledge translation and mobilization activities is of high-quality and is applicable to the context of the project. In addition, for projects focused on populations identified as being likely to be at higher risk and/or facing barriers to equitable dementia care, applicants must demonstrate that the guidance was developed through meaningful engagement with communities expected to use and benefit from it. If currently available guidance cannot meet these criteria, some flexibility may be applied in assessing Stream 2 proposals in certain cases, recognizing that there may be gaps in some areas such as guidance focused on populations identified as being likely to be at higher risk and/or facing barriers to equitable dementia care. Applicants are encouraged to highlight any considerations related to gaps in existing guidance which should be applied in the assessment of proposals.
Results-based
Projects are designed to track progress and capture lessons learned. Proposals must include robust project evaluation plans to assess the outcomes and impact of planned activities.
Culturally safe and culturally appropriate
Proposals are expected to demonstrate how activities and deliverables will be developed in ways that are relevant, culturally appropriate and culturally safe for the individuals and populations they are intended to benefit.
Application process and deadline
All eligible applicants must submit a completed Funding Request in Microsoft Word, the Excel budget sheet, and letters of support. Additional supporting material will not be accepted or reviewed. Funding Request templates are available by sending an email request to: cgc.solicitations-csc@phac-aspc.gc.ca.
The application deadline is 12 P.M. (EST) January 28, 2022.
All applicants must:
- Provide all details of the proposed project including demonstrating the applicant's ability to complete the proposed work
- Provide a valid email address (all submitted applications will be acknowledged by email)
- The maximum length for Part B of the proposal is 34 pages single-spaced in size 12 font
The submission process is competitive and all submissions are subject to screening and review. All funding is subject to budgetary and project considerations.
Additional application process information is available by sending an email request to: cgc.solicitations-csc@phac-aspc.gc.ca.
Other application considerations
Official language requirements
The Government of Canada is committed to enhancing the vitality of English and French linguistic minority communities in Canada, supporting and assisting their development, and fostering the full recognition and use of both official languages in Canadian society. Projects must be accessible in one or both official languages depending on the reach and audience. For additional information, consult the Official Languages Act.
Gender-based analysis requirements
The Government of Canada is committed to Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+). GBA+ incorporates consideration of gender as well as other identity factors such as age, education, language, geography, culture and income in the development of policies and programs. Applicants are expected to incorporate these considerations into their submission.
Working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities
The impact of colonization on First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada has had a devastating impact on health and wellness. As a result, First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada face specific challenges and have unique experiences with the social determinants of health. Organizations led by First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada, and organizations with strong partnerships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities (including demonstrated collaboration) are encouraged to submit funding request proposals.
Lobbying
Recent amendments to the Lobbying Act have broadened the definition of lobbying. We encourage applicants to review the revised act and regulations to ensure compliance. For more information, refer to the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada website.
Applicant capacity
Applicants are to provide a 1-page cover letter describing their organization. The letter must include the following information:
- Mandate of the organization
- Organizational incorporation/registration number
- A description of how they and/or their collaborators bring the following organizational capacities and expertise to the project:
- Years and nature of experience in the fields of dementia, health promotion, guidance development and/or knowledge translation
- Experience working with people living with dementia
- Past involvement with similar projects
Funding details and requirements
Stream 1: Applicants may request funding of up to $250,000 for fiscal year 2022-23 (beginning in Spring 2022) and up to $250,000 for fiscal year 2023-24 (i.e. maximum of 24 months of funding). The total maximum funding available over the two fiscal years is $500,000.
Stream 2: Applicants may request funding of up to $200,000 for fiscal year 2022-23 (beginning in Spring 2022) and up to $200,000 for fiscal year 2023-24 (i.e. maximum of 24 months of funding). The total maximum funding available over the two fiscal years is $400,000.
Stream 1&2: For applicants whose projects address both Stream 1 and 2, funding may be requested up to $350,000 for the fiscal year 2022-23 (beginning in Spring 2022) and up to $350,000 for the fiscal year 2023-24. The total available over the two fiscal years is $700,000.
Eligibility
The following types of organizations are eligible for funding:
- Not-for-profit voluntary organizations and corporations
- For-profit organizations, provided they partner with a not-for-profit organization
- Unincorporated groups, societies and coalitions
- Provincial, territorial, regional, and municipal governments and agencies
- Organizations and institutions supported by provincial and territorial governments (regional health authorities, post-secondary institutions, etc.)
- Indigenous organizations working with First Nations, Inuit or Métis
Partnerships between organizations with complementary areas of expertise are strongly encouraged, as are projects involving partnerships that span more than one province/territory.
Only Canadian organizations may apply for funding under this solicitation.
Eligible expenses
Eligible costs include expenses such as:
Personnel
- Project staff salaries and wages
- Employer's contribution to extended employee group benefits plans (dental, medical, pension benefits, RRSPs) by virtue of the collective agreement or letter of employment, combined with statutory benefits for each employee.
- Extended benefits must be offered to all part-time employees under the collective agreement or letter of employment, not solely for staff involved in PHAC agreements
- If benefits are higher than 20%, a copy of the collective agreement or letter of employment is required as justification
- Contractor fees (trainers, translation services, etc.)
Travel and accommodation
- Expenses for project activities such as private vehicle mileage, air, train or bus fares, project-related meals, and accommodation costs
Note: Kilometric rates, meals and other travel related expenses must not exceed those allowed under the National Joint Council Travel Directive.
Materials and supplies
- Office supplies
- Printing
- Postage
Equipment
- Office/project equipment such as computers
- Equipment for adults with special needs, etc.
Note: Cost effectiveness should be considered when deciding whether to purchase or rent.
Rent
- Actual rental costs incurred and substantiated by a rental/lease agreement
- Cost incurred to rent space for off-site meetings, conferences, training (if space not available at project location)
Utilities (if not included in the rental agreement)
- Telephone, electricity, heating, etc.
- Property maintenance costs based on the square footage used for the project or other acceptable methods
Performance measurement/evaluation
- Fees for a third-party evaluation, data collection and analysis
Other
- Actual project expenses that do not fit in the previous budget categories
- Bank charges
- Training of staff and volunteers
- Membership fees when directly related to the project
- Other indirect prorated costs portions related to the project:
- auditor fees
- insurance fees
- liability insurance (including for board members)
No project expenses may be incurred prior to the signing of a contribution agreement by all parties.
Ineligible activities and expenses
The following activities and expenses are not eligible for funding:
Personnel
- Statutory and extended benefits exceeding the 20% ceiling not included in employee group benefits plans by virtue of employment/labour agreement or equivalent (dental, medical, pension benefits, RRSPs)
- Performance pay (bonus)
- Severance/separation/termination payments
- Maternity leave (including top up, which is the portion not covered under EI)
- Compensation during extended absence
Travel and accommodation
- Travel and hospitality expenses that exceed the National Joint Council rates
Materials
- Rental charges for use of recipient owned equipment (i.e., computers)
Rent
- Rental costs claimed for property/space owned by or donated to the recipient
Other
- Capital costs such as the purchase of land, buildings, or vehicles
- Direct services which are part of the jurisdiction of other governments, (e.g., medical treatment and services)
- Costs of ongoing activities for the organization (not directly related to the funded project)
- Overhead/administrative fees expressed as a percentage of ongoing operational support of an organization
- Stand-alone activities (a "stand-alone activity" would be considered as such when there is no program intervention with a project audience, etc.), such as:
- audio visual production or website/smartphone application development and maintenance
- conferences, symposia, and workshops as stand-alone projects
- Profit-making activities, including any "fee for service" activities, such as educational events, workshops or applications offered by the recipient that would require a payment from the target population to use, register or participate
- Pure research in any discipline (Pure research is original investigation undertaken to gain new scientific or technical knowledge and understanding, but without specific applications)
Contact us
To obtain additional information about this ISFR, please contact us at cgc.solicitations-csc@phac-aspc.gc.ca.
NOTE: PHAC is under no obligation to enter into a funding agreement as a result of this ISFR.
PHAC also reserves the right to:
- reject any submission received in response to this invitation
- accept any submission in whole or in part
- cancel and/or re-issue this ISFR at any time
Please note that PHAC will not reimburse an applicant for costs incurred in the preparation and/or submission of a funding request proposal in response to this invitation.
Additional resources
For further information on dementia guidance, you may wish to refer to the following publications:
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