How much funding can be received?

Contributions of up to $1.5 million for marketing, technology and professional development projects in the book publishing, distribution, marketing, wholesale or retail sectors representing Canadian authors.

grant_single_labels|projects

Yes, the grant supports various eligible projects and activities that offer a broad benefit to the Canadian book publishing industry stakeholders and to readers.

Marketing projects
Technology projects
Professional development projects
Internship projects

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$80,000

Halifax

Internship program for aspiring book publishers

$100,000

Vancouver

Publishing a catalogue of Canadian indigenous authors

$80,000

Calgary

Hosting a training program on digital marketing for book publishers

$100,000

Montreal

Creating a bilingual online bookstore

$250,000

Toronto

Developing an AI-based recommendation system for a book retailer

$70,000

Ottawa

Conducting market research to explore new publishing trends

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The eligibility criteria for this grant require an organization to be Canadian-owned and Canadian-controlled, related to the Canadian book publishing industry, and incorporated under Canadian or provincial laws.

Your organization must be a Canadian-owned and Canadian-controlled organization or professional association, representing or related to the Canadian book publishing industry.
Your organization must be incorporated under the laws of Canada or a province.
Canadian teaching institutions with a specialization in the book industry are eligible for funding of Professional Development projects.
Organizations that represent Canadian libraries may be eligible for projects that meet the objectives of the Canada Book Fund, but should contact the program before applying.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Yes, the Canada Book Fund's Support for Organizations component has specific eligibility criteria for types of companies that can apply for funding. To be eligible, the organization must be Canadian-owned and controlled, representing or related to the Canadian book publishing industry, or a Canadian teaching institution with a specialization in the book industry for certain projects.

Canadian-owned and Canadian-controlled organization or professional association related to the Canadian book publishing industry
Incorporated under the laws of Canada or a province
Canadian teaching institutions with a specialization in the book industry (eligible for Professional Development projects)
Organizations representing Canadian libraries (may be eligible but are advised to contact before applying)

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The grant does not mention any specific types of companies that are not eligible. However, projects must benefit more than a single book publisher or a small affiliated group.

Projects must be collective and provide a broad benefit to the Canadian book industry.
Projects that only benefit a single book publisher or closely affiliated group are not eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant. Only project-related expenses, which can be of cash and in-kind value, are eligible.

Event production costs
Design and distribution of marketing materials such as websites, catalogues, promotional magazines, and brochures on Canadian book publishers, authors, and books
Consultation and professional services, honoraria, and the portion of employees' salaries related to time directly spent on the project
Market research or applied research projects, including expenses for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of information
Acquisition of information technology equipment and software and other related expenses
Developing, organizing, and providing a training program
Intern's salary
Expenses for interns from Indigenous or official-language minority communities, visible minorities, or someone living with a print disability for participation in professional development or book industry events

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The eligible geographic zones for this grant are all areas within Canada. Organizations must be Canadian-owned, Canadian-controlled, and incorporated under the laws of Canada or a province.

Canadian organizations
Canadian professional associations
Canadian teaching institutions specialized in book industry
Organizations representing Canadian libraries

grant_single_labels|criteria

Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. Applications are reviewed for eligibility and then evaluated based on a set of criteria, with priority given to certain types of projects and applicants.

Demonstrated industry need and support for the project, as well as value for money
Demonstrated need for Canada Book Fund support
Measurable results and, for repeat projects, where possible, improved results
Added value from previous projects or activities
A sustainability strategy (i.e. the ability to increase other funding sources)
Impact of the project on the Canadian book industry (i.e. lasting benefit, broad reach to a variety of stakeholders)
Collaboration or partnerships between organizations operating in different sectors of the industry or in both Canada's English and French markets
Demonstrated capacity of the organization to undertake the project
Reporting history with the Support for Organizations component
For marketing projects: Ability to demonstrate strategic use of digital technologies for the promotion of books (website, social media, etc.)

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Read the Application Guidelines in their entirety to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Prepare a complete application package, including the Application Form, a detailed description and budget of your project, and your organization’s latest audited financial statements.
Step 3: Complete, sign, and date the Application Form.
Step 4: Attach all required supporting documents to your application.
Step 5: Submit your application electronically via email to flc-sao-cbf-sfo@pch.gc.ca.
Step 6: Ensure the email is sent no later than 11:59 p.m. local time on the application deadline date.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The grant has provisions covering aspects beyond financial aid, including compliance, workplace well-being, and official languages requirements.

Anti-racism and anti-hate: Organizations must respect values underlying the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Human Rights Act, and Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy.
Workplace well-being: Funded organizations must ensure a workplace free from harassment, abuse, and discrimination.
Public Health Guidance: Compliance with statutes, laws, regulations, and directives related to public health and safety is required.
Official languages requirements: Funded organizations must enhance the vitality of official language minority communities and promote the use of English and French.
Acknowledgement of financial assistance: Funded organizations must publicly acknowledge the financial support from the Government of Canada in both English and French.
Access to information requests: Information submitted in applications may be disclosed according to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.
Disclosure of information: By applying, organizations authorize the government to disclose application information for decision-making, project evaluation, and supporting transparency.
Audits of recipients and evaluation of the Program: The government reserves the right to audit accounts and records, and conduct periodic evaluations, requiring documentation to be kept for five years.

grant_single_labels|contact

flc-sao-cbf-sfo@pch.gc.ca

819-997-0055

Apply to this program

Canada Book Fund - Support for Organizations

The Canada Book Fund's Support for Organizations component is designed to bolster the Canadian book publishing industry by funding collective projects that benefit multiple stakeholders and enhance the visibility and infrastructure of Canadian-authored books. This program provides financial assistance for marketing, technology adaptation, professional development, and internship projects aimed at increasing the reach and efficiency of the industry.

Introduction to the Canada Book Fund - Support for Organizations

The Canada Book Fund (CBF) operates under the auspices of the Department of Canadian Heritage, with the primary goal of ensuring that Canadian-authored books are accessible both nationally and internationally. The Support for Organizations component is a crucial part of this fund, offering financial assistance to projects that provide widespread benefits to the Canadian book publishing industry and its various stakeholders. This program supports initiatives that enhance the marketing, technological infrastructure, professional development, and workforce development through internships, thereby strengthening the overall industry.

Objectives and Expected Results

The CBF's Support for Organizations component has two primary objectives:

Increase Awareness: This involves marketing and promotion activities aimed at increasing the visibility of Canadian-authored books. By adopting collective marketing approaches, this objective aims to reach a broader audience and develop new and existing markets.
Strengthen Infrastructure and Efficiency: This involves enhancing the infrastructure and operational efficiency of the Canadian book industry through technology projects, professional development, and internships. The goal is to make the industry more competitive and adaptable in an ever-changing technological landscape.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for funding under the Support for Organizations component, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Canadian Ownership: The organization must be Canadian-owned and controlled, either as a for-profit or not-for-profit entity.
Industry Representation: The organization must represent or relate to the Canadian book publishing industry.
Incorporation: The organization must be incorporated under Canadian federal or provincial laws.
Special Cases: Canadian teaching institutions with a specialization in the book industry and organizations representing libraries are eligible under certain conditions and must contact the fund before applying.

Eligible Projects

Projects eligible for funding must demonstrate how they provide broad benefits to the Canadian book industry:

Marketing Projects: These projects should adopt a collective commercial approach, primarily promoting Canadian-authored books published by Canadian-owned firms.
Technology Projects: These involve initiatives that improve the industry’s communication, distribution, and informational infrastructure, and develop human and technological resources.
Professional Development Projects: These include formal training, workshops, mentoring, and other initiatives aimed at skill development and the adoption of industry best practices.
Internship Projects: These projects aim to hire interns who are Canadian, providing them with valuable on-the-job training that contributes to the organization's development.

Eligible Expenses

Only project-related expenses are eligible for funding. These include:

Event production costs
Design and distribution of marketing materials
Consultation and professional services
Market and applied research projects
Acquisition of IT equipment and software
Training program development and organization
Expenses related to the intern’s salary and professional development

In-kind contributions, while not reimbursable, are considered real contributions to the project if they meet specific criteria such as being essential to the project's success and measurable at fair market value.

Limits of Government Assistance

The level of funding provided generally covers up to 50% of eligible project expenses, with specific caps depending on the type of organization:

Not-for-Profit Organizations: Up to 100% of eligible expenses or $2,000,000 per fiscal year
Other Organizations: Up to 75% of eligible expenses or $1,500,000 per fiscal year

For internship projects, the fund can cover up to 50% of eligible expenses or up to 75% for interns from under-represented groups.

Application Process

To apply for the Canada Book Fund - Support for Organizations, applicants must follow these steps:

Read Guidelines: Thoroughly read the application guidelines.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out, sign, and date the application form.
Submit Required Documents: Attach all required supporting documents, including a detailed project description, budget, and latest audited financial statements.
Email Submission: Submit the application package electronically by email to flc-sao-cbf-sfo@pch.gc.ca by 11:59 p.m. local time on the deadline date.

Evaluation Criteria

All applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Industry Need and Support: Demonstrated need and support for the project within the industry.
Value for Money: Efficient use of funds and resources.
Measurable Results: Clear objectives and anticipated outcomes.
Sustainability Strategy: Ability to secure other funding sources and ensure the project's long-term impact.
Broad Industry Impact: Potential to benefit a wide range of stakeholders in the Canadian book industry.
Capacity to Undertake the Project: Demonstrated ability of the organization to successfully carry out the project.

Funding Conditions and Reporting

Organizations receiving funding may be required to submit interim and final reports to demonstrate progress and compliance with the terms and conditions of their funding agreement. Additional conditions may apply based on the specific requirements of the project and the amount of funding received.

Conclusion

The Canada Book Fund's Support for Organizations component plays a vital role in fostering a robust and vibrant Canadian book industry. By offering financial assistance for collective marketing, technology, professional development, and internship projects, the fund helps enhance the visibility, efficiency, and sustainability of Canadian-authored books. Through careful adherence to the eligibility criteria and application guidelines, organizations can leverage this funding to drive innovation and growth within the industry.