Compendium of Funding Sources Available to Harbour Authorities - 2014
Prepared by Small Craft Harbours
Department of Fisheries and Oceans
Disclaimer: This Compendium is intended to be a practical guide for use by Harbour Authorities in seeking financial assistance for their Harbour Authority business. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in the Compendium is accurate and current. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) cannot and will not assume liability for any information or advice that is contained in this document.
This compendium was prepared to assist Harbour Authorities (HAs) in finding possible sources of funding, other than those that are most commonly used by HAs, such as berthage charges, leases/ licences, user fees, etc. These other sources, which may be offered under federal, provincial or municipal government programs, may provide additional financial support for their organizations to help with the management and upkeep of their harbours.
There are a number of reasons why HAs may be interested in obtaining additional financial assistance, such as: for a construction project; for improvements to a harbour; to purchase equipment; to help organize an event at the harbour; or to hire a student for the summer.
The material that follows is to help HAs identify possible sources of funding that best match their needs in relation to specific, proposed projects. For example, HAs may wish to consider potential heritage and cultural aspects as well as the tourism and economic possibilities of such projects. At the same time, HAs are responsible for generating sufficient revenues to cover their operating expenses and minor maintenance work at their harbour.
Funding from sources other than the SCH Program is often available to complement an existing funding source or to support a project on a cost-shared basis. It is recommended that HA representatives work closely with SCH Program staff during the early stages of project planning to clearly establish the different parts of a project and to have a complete picture of what is involved in successfully carrying it out.
In addition to a number of programs sponsored by the federal and provincial governments that provide funding to not-for-profit organizations, there are other initiatives to assist with community-based projects in support of local economies. The information that follows sets out some sources of funding for which HAs may be eligible. SCH would like to encourage HA representatives to investigate whether there are other programs or initiatives that are not mentioned below, for which HAs may be eligible.
Key information to note:
Who: the government department or source of funding;
What: the purpose of and type of funding;
Where: how and where to apply;
When: the deadline for making an application; and
How: what must be done to take up these funding opportunities.
The material that follows is presented in the form of a checklist. In going through it, representatives of HAs may wish to check off information relevant to their organization.
Please note that the material provided about websites is accurate as of August 2014.
There are several resources to assist HAs with planning, including a Business Planning Guide produced by SCH. Representatives of HAs may also wish to consult the Governance and Finance sections of the Harbour Authority Manual. The Guide and Manual are available on the SCH website.
Section 1 - Federal Funding Sources
Canada Summer Jobs (Government Department: Service Canada)
Canada Summer Jobs is a government initiative that provides funding to help employers create summer job opportunities for students.
Purpose: It is designed to focus on local priorities while achieving tangible results for both students and their communities.
Eligibility criteria: Canadian not-for-profit organizations may apply.
The criteria to assess the proposals focus on:
- service to local communities;
- jobs that support local priorities;
- jobs that provide career-related experience or early work experience;
- jobs with a salary that contributes to the student's income;
- employers who provide supervision and mentoring;
- project activities that are directed toward members of, and support the vitality of, an Official Language Minority Community;
- employers who intend to hire priority students (students with disabilities, Aboriginal students and students who are members of visible minority groups).
Not-for-profit employers are eligible for up to 100 percent of the provincial/territorial minimum hourly wage and Mandatory Employment-Related Costs.
Deadline: From February 1 to the last day of February.
Application:
- Employers may apply online, print the application from the website or visit a Service Canada Centre.
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-summer-jobs.html - Call 1-800-935-5555
Career Focus (Government Department: Service Canada)
This program provides funding for employers and organizations to create career-related work experiences for post-secondary graduates.
Purpose: To help post-secondary graduates gain advancement employability skills and facilitate their transition into the labour market.
Eligibility criteria:
- Not-for-profit organizations.
- Must provide career-related work experiences.
- A career-related work experience is an activity through which Career Focus participants can gain employment experience and skills related to their field of studies or career goals.
Deadline: Applications for funding are generally accepted on an ongoing basis.
Application:
- The application package may be found online –
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/epb/yi/yep/newprog/career.shtml - Call 1-800-935-5555
- Consult frequently asked questions.
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/epb/yi/yep/newprog/cf_faq.shtml
Skills Link Program (Government Department: Service Canada)
The Skills Link Program helps youth facing barriers to employment to learn and develop the broad range of skills and work experience they need to participate in the job market.
Purpose: Through Skills Link, youth benefit from a client-centred approach and ongoing support, which helps them to complete work tasks successfully and, ultimately, find and keep a job. In turn, employers may receive financial assistance to cover the costs associated with providing employment services and individualized, integrated support to youth.
Eligibility criteria: Organizations, including not-for-profit.
Deadline: Ongoing.
Application:
- Program information:
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/epb/yi/yep/newprog/skillslink.shtml - Interested employers should contact their local Service Canada Centre and consult the Youth Employment Strategy Guide for Applicants.
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/cgi-bin/sc-srch.cgi?app=hme&ln=eng
Environmental Damages Fund (Government department: Environment Canada)
The Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) follows the Polluter Pays Principle to help ensure that those who cause environmental damage or harm to wildlife take responsibility for their actions.
Purpose: The EDF is a specified purpose account, administered by Environment Canada, to provide a mechanism for directing funds received as a result of fines, court orders, and voluntary payments to priority projects that will benefit our natural environment.
Eligibility criteria: Both large and small groups are eligible to apply for funding through the EDF program.
Eligible groups include:
- Non-governmental organizations;
- Universities and academic institutions;
- Aboriginal groups; or
- Provincial, territorial and municipal governments.
Deadline: Before beginning the application process click on the links to provinces and territories listed in the table below to confirm:
- that funds are available in your area;
- whether there are any use restrictions; and
- the application deadlines for those funds.
Application: The Applicant's Guide provides details on program criteria and how to apply for funding.
- Read or download the Applicant's Guide and Application Form
- Submit a draft project proposal for feedback.
- Submit a completed Application Form to your Environment Canada regional office before the posted application deadline.
EcoAction Community Funding Program (Government Department: Environment Canada)
Environment Canada's EcoAction Community Funding Program has provided financial support to community-based, not-for-profit organizations for projects that have measurable, positive impacts on the environment.
Purpose: The Program encourages action-focused projects that will protect, rehabilitate or enhance the natural environment, and build the capacity of communities to sustain these activities into the future.
Eligibility criteria: Not-for-profit groups and organizations.
Deadline: November 1. However, if you wish to receive feedback, please submit your draft application at least one month in advance of the deadline.
Application:
- Program information
http://www.ec.gc.ca/ecoaction/ - Applicant's Guide
http://www.ec.gc.ca/ecoaction/default.asp?lang=En&n=141750CF-1
Community Economic Development Program (CEDP)
(Government Department: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC))
Provides core financial support for First Nations and Inuit communities for public services in economic development.
Purpose: The financial support is intended for community economic development planning and capacity development initiatives, the development of proposals and leveraging financial resources, and for carrying out economic development activities. It includes community economic development activities such as: employment of community members; community-owned and community-member business development; community land and resource development; access to opportunities from land and resources beyond community control; investment promotion in the community; and research and advocacy.
Eligibility criteria:
- First Nation Councils;
- Governments of self-governing First Nations and Inuit communities; and
- Representative organizations of Inuit communities and other organizations mandated by the foregoing to carry out ongoing activities and projects on their behalf may apply.
Deadline: Funding is determined annually through AANDC's regional offices.
Application:
- Program guidelines and regional office contact information may be found at:
http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100033423
Celebrate Canada (Federal Department: Heritage Canada)
Canadian Heritage provides financial support for activities organized during the Celebrate Canada period, from June 21 to July 1. These activities celebrate National Aboriginal Day on June 21, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day on June 24, Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27 and Canada Day on July 1.
Purpose: Funding for Celebrate Canada celebrations will:
- Enable Canadians to appreciate Canada's cultural, ethnic, linguistic and geographic diversity;
- Create opportunities for Canadians to participate in celebrations that create a sense of pride and belonging to Canada.
Eligibility criteria: Canadian not-for-profit organizations.
Deadline:: Usually around mid-January of every year.
Application:
- General information:
http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1290623024175 - Application process and regional office information:
http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1290623024175#h10
Building Communities through Arts and Heritage
(Federal Department: Canadian Heritage)
The Building Communities through Arts and Heritage Program was created to help you celebrate your community, its past and its present. The Program aims to increase opportunities, through festivals and other events and projects, for local artists and artisans to be involved in their communities and for local groups to commemorate their local history and heritage.
Purpose: The Building Communities through Arts and Heritage Program deliver its funding through three separate components: Local Festivals, Community Anniversaries and The Legacy Fund.
Eligibility criteria: Local not-for-profit groups, either incorporated or unincorporated; or a local band council, a local tribal council or other local Aboriginal government (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) or equivalent authority.
Application: Program information:
http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1267799042836
Section 2 - Provincial Funding
Western Provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba)
Western Economic Diversification Canada (Community Economic Development)
The Western Diversification Program (WDP) is the main program through which Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) makes strategic investments in initiatives that enhance and strengthen the economy of Western Canada. Increasingly, the WDP is used to collaborate with others and is designed to respond to economic priorities.
Purpose: The underlying objective of the WDP is to create a stronger West and a stronger Canada. Several guiding principles are used to help assess how initiatives contribute to this objective:
- Increased economic activity that improves the viability, prosperity, and quality of life for individuals and communities across Western Canada;
- Funding under the WDP may support the following activities:
- strengthen community innovation and capacity building by bringing people, communities, ideas and resources together;
- enhance the participation of specific population groups in the economy; and
- improve understanding of Western Canada's economic challenges and opportunities.
Eligibility criteria: Funding is normally only provided to not-for-profit organizations.
Application: Before submitting a proposal, or for additional information on the Western Diversification Program, please contact the WD office nearest you, or call 1-888-338-WEST (9378). https://www.wd-deo.gc.ca/eng/16.asp
You will be required to submit a signed Funding Request Summary form along with your basic proposal and, after review, a more detailed proposal may be required.
For general information: https://www.wd-deo.gc.ca/eng/301.asp
Community Futures
Community Futures (CFs) corporations take a grassroots approach to community and economic development and are primarily focused on creating jobs outside major urban centres. There are 90 CFs across Western Canada. They are not-for-profit corporations run by volunteer boards of directors, supported by salaried staff.
Purpose: The mandate of the corporations is community and business development. Each Community Futures corporation delivers a variety of services ranging from strategic economic planning; technical and advisory services to businesses; loans to small and medium-size businesses; self-employment assistance programs; and services targeted to youth and entrepreneurs with disabilities.
Application: The Community Futures Network of Canada website is your gateway to nearly 300 Community Economic Development Centres across Canada. This network works together to foster entrepreneurship and community economic development in rural areas of western Canada.
The Western Canada Business Service Network database can help you find the Community Futures office closest to you. The CF addresses are listed by province; BC, AB, SK and MB.
https://www.wd-deo.gc.ca/eng/254.asp
ONLY APPLICABLE IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET)
The Island Coastal Economic Trust's primary objective is to be a catalyst to build a diverse and sustainable Island Coastal Economy. The Island Coastal Economic Trust was created by the Government of British Columbia to help grow and diversify the economy of central and northern Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast area by leveraging new investment and partnerships for economic opportunities. The Trust provides funding to create new and sustainable regional economic growth through strategic investments in targeted “sectors” within the economy of the central and northern Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast region.
Purpose: Invest in the following defined “sectors” in the Trust area:
- Forestry
- Transportation
- Tourism
- Mining
- Olympic Opportunities
- Small Business
- Economic Development
- Energy
- Agriculture (including Aquaculture)
Eligibility criteria: Eligible applicants include: local and regional governments, non-profit societies, industry associations, educational institutions, First Nations, joint public-private ventures or partnerships, improvement districts, special and local authorities and commissions etc.
Further information on Eligibility may be found in a “Proposal Applications Guidelines – An online program guide” on the ICET website located at: http://www.islandcoastaltrust.ca/guidelines
Deadline: Please visit the ICET website for information on application deadlines: http://www.islandcoastaltrust.ca/application-form
Application: All applications should be completed electronically as a Microsoft WORD document or submitted as a PDF document to the Trust office. Financial tables and spreadsheets should be submitted in Microsoft Excel format. Any supporting information will also need to be submitted electronically.Further information can be found on the ICET website at the following link: http://www.islandcoastaltrust.ca/application-form
Atlantic Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI and Newfoundland and Labrador)
The Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) – The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) works with, and provides funding to, 52 Regional Economic Development Organizations (REDOs) located throughout Atlantic Canada.
The Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) invests in strategic projects that build the economies of Atlantic Canada's communities.
Working in partnership with Atlantic communities and stakeholders, ICF builds on the strengths of communities and provides the tools needed to identify opportunities available for their sustainable economic growth. ICF focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity-building in rural communities. Urban initiatives that stimulate the competitiveness and vitality of rural communities may be considered on a selective basis.
Purpose: The purpose of ICF is to diversify and enhance the economies of Atlantic communities. ICF capitalizes on the opportunities and strengths that exist in these communities to:
- develop competitive, productive, strategic industry sectors;
- strengthen community infrastructure in rural communities; and
- invest in projects that enhance a community's capacity to overcome economic development challenges and take advantage of their strengths, assets and opportunities presented.
Eligibility criteria:
Non-commercial/not-for-profit organizations such as local development associations, municipalities and their agencies, business or technology institutes, industry/sector associations, economic development associations, local co-operatives, universities and educational institutions.
To be considered for ICF funding, projects should:
- be compatible with the overall objectives of the program, and clearly demonstrate linkages and partnerships within the community;
- be beneficial to the economic development of a community;
- be consistent with economic development plans/objectives that address challenges and opportunities of a community;
- lead to sustainable and viable economic activity;
- be incremental in nature;
- be of a fixed duration; and
- demonstrate adequate managerial, financial and technical capability to conduct the proposed activity.
Financial Assistance Available: The program is funded with $175 million over five years. Assistance is non-repayable. The amount provided to each individual project will be determined by an assessment of the level of funding necessary to allow the project to proceed.
Application:
For more information on ICF funding and the application process or other ACOA programs, contact the ACOA office nearest you:
New Brunswick: 1-800-561-4030
Prince Edward Island: 1-800-871-2596
Newfoundland and Labrador: 1-800-668-1010
Nova Scotia: 1-800-565-1228
Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation: 1-800-705-3926
ACOA Head Office: 1-800-561-7862
Or by visiting their website at: http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/eng/ImLookingFor/ProgramInformation/Pages/ProgramDetails.aspx?ProgramID=6
ONLY APPLICABLE IN NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program (Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DFA), Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)
The primary objective of the program is to provide support for harvesting, processing, and marketing initiatives in order to diversify these activities and increase the overall viability of the Newfoundland and Labrador seafood industry. This program is intended to aid the provincial fishing industry become more innovative and competitive, while building a safer and more stable foundation. These initiatives will help ensure the Newfoundland and Labrador seafood industry continues to be a major economic contributor to the provincial economy.
Purpose: The focus of the program is research and environmentally sustainable fisheries development work in the harvesting and processing sectors with emphasis on more efficient utilization of traditional species, better use of under-utilized species and enhanced value-realization of all fisheries resources. Emphasis will also be placed on recovery of raw material wastage and reduced discarding of fishery by-products as well as research on ways to improve quality and reduce operating expenditures, such as increasing fuel efficiency, in order to increase returns to the industry. Market research, development and promotion will be undertaken in support of the various initiatives as well as safety initiatives. The key components of the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program Overview are resource assessments, harvesting technology and innovation, processing technology and innovation, product development and market development.
Eligibility criteria: The following are the eligibility requirements for project assistance under the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program:
- Licensed Newfoundland and Labrador fishers or licensed fish-processing establishments.
- Research and development institutions, fisheries organizations, community groups, development associations, and corporate entities involved in the harvesting, processing or marketing of fish products in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Research and development enterprises, consultants, engineering companies, naval architects, fishing vessel designers, and fabricators.
- Enterprises involved in harvesting technology, as well as processing machinery fabrication and design.
To find more information on projects that are eligible and not eligible, please refer to a brochure on this program that may be found at the following website:
Application:
In order to be considered for funding, an application form and detailed project proposal must be submitted to the Program Coordinator. Further information on this process may be found in the Program Brochure mentioned above.
ONLY APPLICABLE IN NOVA SCOTIA
Divert NS
Divert NS is a non-profit corporation working in partnership with Nova Scotians to improve the province's environment, economy and quality of life by reducing, reusing, recycling and recovering resources. Recognized globally as an innovator in waste diversion solutions, Divert NS manages a network of 83 independently owned ENVIRO-DEPOT™ locations throughout the province.
Purpose: Divert NS is proud to offer financial assistance to non-profit organizations in support of community events, initiatives, projects and research that focus on waste reduction.
General information: https://www.novascotia.ca/nse/waste/rrfbns.asp
Quebec
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Region
Through its business offices across the province, the Economic Development Agency of Canada for Quebec Regions provides assistance to businesses and communities as well as to the organizations that support them.
Purpose: To provide tools to develop a business and the economic potential in a region.
Eligibility criteria: Not-for-profit organizations.
Additional information: Contact a regional business office
or
Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
Dominion Square Building
1255 Peel St., Suite 900
Montréal, Quebec H3B 2T9
Tel.: 514-283-6412 1-866-385-6412 (toll-free)
Fax: 514-283-3302
Services Quebec
General information on provincial government programs and services
Business hours
Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Québec calling area: 418 644-4545
Montréal calling area: 514 644-4545
Elsewhere in Québec: 1 877 644-4545 (toll free)
Persons with a hearing or speech impairment (TTY): 1 800 361-9596 (toll free)
http://www.gouv.qc.ca/portail/quebec/servicesquebec/?lang=en
Ontario
Employment Ontario Summer Jobs Service Program
Not-for-profit and other community organizations may apply to receive a $2-per-hour-per student hiring incentive. This fund is administered by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
Purpose: Ontario Summer Jobs help young people earn money for school, gain new experiences, and contribute to Ontario's overall future.
Eligibility criteria: Private, not-for-profit or broader public sector employers operating and offering a summer job in Ontario to students age 15 to 30 who are returning to school in the fall.
Deadline: The incentive subsidizes an employer from April 1 to September 30.
Application: Find your local Employment Ontario (Summer Jobs Service) office online, or by calling Employment Ontario toll-free at 1-800-387-5656.
Information:
http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/brochure/employers.html
Rural Economic Development (RED) Ontario
Assists with the costs of projects that benefit rural Ontario. In today's economic climate, it is difficult to rely on traditional strengths and advantages to stay competitive in the global market. Communities that succeed in the new economy are those that can attract and retain creative individuals--innovators in technological, cultural and social enterprises. The province shares a common goal: to create and retain jobs, to revitalize communities, train and develop the skills of the workforce.
Purpose: The Rural Economic Development Program is a key part of the Ontario Rural Plan, a vision for building stronger rural communities. The Rural Plan provides a co-ordinated framework across government for delivering the policies and programs that rural communities need most.
Additional information:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/rural-and-north
Infrastructure and Community Development Program
Purpose: Modern and reliable infrastructure is a cornerstone of building thriving, prosperous communities everywhere. The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund (NOHFC) Infrastructure and Community Development Program helps northern communities make the investments necessary to improve critical infrastructure and develop partnerships that find effective ways to create jobs and improve economic prospects in the North.
Eligibility criteria: Municipalities, First Nations, not-for-profit corporations and educational institutions may apply individually.
Eligible infrastructure projects include, but are not limited to: industrial parks, winter roads projects, waterfront development, and community facilities for economic development purposes.
Application:
Send completed application forms to:
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation
70 Foster Drive, Suite 200
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
P6A 6V8
fax: 1-705-945-6701
email: nohfc.ndm@ontario.ca
For more information call our toll free line 1-800-461-8329.
Additional information:
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation
Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) (Government of Canada)
The Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF) can provide up to $1 million in non-repayable contribution funding, on a cost-shared basis, for repairs and improvements to community infrastructure. Movable equipment (vehicles) is not eligible.
Purpose: Part of strategic investments in northern development.
Eligibility criteria:
Projects need to:
- fall under an eligible category and be proposed by an eligible recipient;
- be for the rehabilitation or improvement, including expansion, of existing community infrastructure assets;
- be directed to assets which are accessible to the public (rather than being limited to a private membership), and are not used primarily for commercial activities;
- have at least 50 % funding from sources other than the federal government
Category:
- Docks
- a not-for-profit entity (which will be a particular focus for CanNor in terms of ensuring it has an opportunity to submit proposals)
Application: For more information on the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF), including the categories of costs
eligible for funding, or to submit an application, please contact one of CanNor's regional offices:
- In Nunavut, please call: 867-975-3734 or email ecdevnunavut@cannor.gc.ca.
- In the Northwest Territories, please call: 867-766-8327 or email EcDevNWT@cannor.gc.ca.
- In Yukon, please call: 867-667-3263 or email Ytinfo@cannor.gc.ca.
Report a problem or mistake on this page
- Date modified: