National Acadian Day funding

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of highlighting the contribution of the Acadian people to Canada’s cultural fabric. Funding for the August 15 celebrations and the financial support for the organization of the 7th World Acadian Congress demonstrate the government’s commitment to the vitality of Francophone minority communities. Eligible organizations will have the opportunity to respond to the call for proposals, which will be issued in January 2024.

Context

The Acadian people, pioneers and builders of the country, have celebrated National Acadian Day on August 15 since 1881, the year in which the first national Acadian convention was held in Memramcook, New Brunswick. The National Acadian Day Act was assented by the Government of Canada in 2003.

Events during the celebrations of National Acadian Day on August 15 recognize the contribution of Acadians to the Canadian cultural fabric, recognize their historical presence on the land, and recognize their cultural specificity in all its diversity.

Objectives for Celebration and Commemoration Program

The Celebration and Commemoration Program is comprised of two components, Celebrate Canada and Commemorate Canada. The objectives of the Program are to:

• provide access to celebrations across Canada to enable all Canadians to appreciate Canada’s cultural, ethnic, linguistic and geographic diversity
• provide access to commemorations and celebrations of national significance to all Canadians to recognize Canada’s notable people, places, symbols, anniversaries and accomplishments
• create opportunities for all Canadians to participate in national celebrations and commemorations that contribute to building a sense of pride and belonging to Canada

Objectives and expected results – National Acadian Day component

The Program provides funding for community-based activities celebrating and promoting National Acadian Day on August 15.

Expected results:

• provide access to celebrations across Canada to enable all 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

Application deadline

The application intake is now closed. Visit this page in January 2024 to take part in the call for proposals.

Who can apply

The following organizations are eligible for funding:

• Canadian not-for-profit organization, such as a corporation, trust, cooperative, unincorporated association, etc.
• Canadian business corporation where projects are non-commercial in nature
• Canadian educational institution, Canadian municipal government or other municipal, provincial/territorial institution
• an Indigenous Peoples institution or organization (Indigenous Peoples include Inuit, Métis, Status and Non Status people)
• a local band council, local tribal council or other local Indigenous government or organization (First Nations, Inuit or Métis)

The following organizations are not eligible:

• Federal, provincial and territorial governments

Eligibility

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

The component – National Acadian Day is highly competitive. Requests for funding typically exceed our available resources. If your organization or group is eligible, submitting an application is not a guarantee of funding.

Eligible projects

To be eligible for funding for National Acadian Day, your project must:

• be held on August 15 or the weekend before or after
• be free of charge
• be open to the public and promoted as such

The following activities are not eligible:

• any events of a primarily religious, political, or commercial nature
• activities whose primary purpose is fundraising or contests
• conferences, symposiums, round-tables, workshops and other events not intended for the general public
• activities that are (in whole or in part) an extension of regular or permanent programming
• activities held on school grounds during school hours
• events held on an individual’s private property

Eligible expenses

Only project-related expenses are eligible. These may include:

• promotional expenses, communications, entertainment, supplies, equipment rental
• traditional food
• fireworks
• administrative costs (not exceeding 15% of the total contribution), such as salaries and benefits, fees for professional services, bank charges and utilities
• Reasonable travel/ hospital expenses within Canada which must not exceed the rates permitted for travel on government business

The following are ineligible expenses:

• costs related to BBQ, general food and beverages, and liquor permits
• food for planning team and volunteers
• facility rental costs when the organization owns the property or building
• costs related to major infrastructure
• equipment purchase
• lobbying and advocacy activities
• activities or services that take place outside Canada
• prizes such as those associated with contests or competition

If funding is approved, we may fund expenses incurred as of April 1 of the year in which the event takes place. However, if you incur expenses for your project before receiving written confirmation of your funding approval, you will be doing so at your own risk.

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.

The total financial assistance received from National Acadian Day and other levels of government (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal) must not exceed 100 % of your total eligible project-related costs.

The total amount that can be requested from the Program for a National Acadian Day community celebration cannot exceed $5,000.

How to apply

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

You must meet all eligibility requirements and submit a complete application package to be considered for funding. A complete application package includes:

• the Application Form, completed and signed (Part J – Attestation)
• the sub-components of the Application Form:
  • the Direct Deposit Form
  • the Unincorporated Applicant Acceptance of Responsibility Form (only in the case of an unincorporated group)
• proof of legal status, such as letters patent, incorporation documents

Application process

• Complete, sign and date the Application Form
• Attach all the required supporting documents
• Submit your application package electronically, at the following email address: canada5k@pch.gc.ca
• The email must be sent no later than 11:59 p.m. local time on the deadline date to be eligible

How applications are evaluated

We fund projects that have clear objectives and measurable results. Your application will be evaluated based on the evaluation criteria below and in relation to the funds available. When prioritizing the applications, we will consider the following:

• events that meet the objectives of the Program and are held on the designated day
• proposals that seek wider participation and that are inclusive of various community groups such as Indigenous groups, official-language minority communities, ethno cultural groups and youth
• applicants who have obtained financial support from other sources

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

Evaluation criteria

• adherence to Program objectives and designated days
• use of Canadian symbols
• use of partnerships
• scheduling of activities on their designated day
• accessibility of the site
• ability to engage a diverse audience
• expected participation
• completeness of the application (all sections completed with sufficient detail)
• balanced and realistic budget
• geographical location
• other sources of revenue
• number of eligible activities

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 in our office. If you have not received confirmation from the Department within 14 days of submission, please contact the Atlantic regional office: canada5k@pch.gc.ca.

Funding decisions

Please note that decisions regarding eligibility and funding amounts are final.

How funding is provided

We will determine if funding will be disbursed as a grant or as a contribution.

A grant is a payment issued to a recipient for a project. The conditions you agreed to at the time of application will apply. At the end of your project, you must submit a final activity/results report and/or participate in the evaluation of results.

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 your organization and by us 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 and a final report is required if the funding is a contribution.

Additional conditions may apply and, if applicable, will be included in your funding agreement.

In signing the application form, the Recipient declares that they will undertake activities at the location(s) and on the date(s) described in the application. Once the Department has approved financial assistance, no major change can be made to the project without Departmental approval. Funds not used for these purposes must be returned to the Department. When the proposed project undergoes major changes, the Department reserves the right to reduce the grant or contribution at its sole discretion.

When the recipient informs the Department of major changes prior to the events, the Department will inform the Recipient, within 10 working days from the reception date, of any change to the funding amount.

Please note that failure to comply with any funding condition, including acknowledgement of financial assistance, can affect decisions about future funding for your organization and may require a return of funds.

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 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.

Impact Assessment Act

If you receive funding, your project may be subject to the provisions of the Impact Assessment Act. If your activities are to be carried out on federal lands, we will contact you for additional information prior to the start of your project.

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.

If found to have submitted false or unsupported information, the Applicant may be required to repay the full amount of the financial support received and may be declared ineligible for funding from the Department for the next two fiscal years or more.

Contact us

For further information, please contact us:

Department of Canadian Heritage
Celebration and Commemoration Program
Unit 106-1045 Main St, 4th Floor
Moncton NB  E1C 1H1

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