CMF — Innovation & Experimentation Program

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements as outlined in the grant guidelines.

• The applicant must meet the criteria set forth in section 3.1 of the MNI - Module principal.

Who is eligible?

This grant targets projects in the interactive digital media sector that are innovative, have strong teams, and demonstrate community engagement while promoting sustainability.

• Team (17 points): Evaluation of the team's background, track record, expertise, collaboration experience, and ability to complete the project successfully. Includes considerations for gender parity and diversity within the team.
• Community and Sustainability (4 points): Assessment of the project's community engagement plan and commitment to sustainable environmental practices.
• Innovation, Creativity, and Advancement (60 points): Originality, quality, and sophistication in content, technology integration, user experience, and potential industry impact.
• Financial Viability (9 points): Appropriateness of the budget, financial stability of the applicant, and risk related to project completion.
• Strategic Positioning and Marketing (10 points): Market analysis, audience understanding, marketing strategy, distribution methods, promotional activities, and interest from third-party publishers or distributors.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.

• Research and content preparation.
• Salaries, social benefits, and contracts for project teams (project management, business development, coding, design, system infrastructure, content development).
• Technological infrastructure (hardware and software).
• Travel and accommodation.
• Project audit fees.
• Other technical and administrative expenses.
• Localization activities.
• Marketing and promotion.
• Reasonable costs for activities and practices aimed at promoting environmental sustainability or hiring personnel for these activities and practices.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant focuses on Canadian digital media projects, but the eligible geographic locations are not specifically mentioned. Applicants should align their eligibility based on the overarching guidelines relevant to Canadian funding bodies.

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.

• Team - Includes backgrounds and achievements in the interactive digital media sector, experience among team members, and the team's capacity to deliver the project. [13 points]
• Parity - The project qualifies as achieving parity with 40% of key positions occupied by individuals identifying as women. [2 points]
• Diversity - The project incorporates diversity with 40% of key positions filled by members of diverse communities. [2 points]
• Community and sustainability - Includes commitment to responsible content creation, community engagement, and environmental sustainability measures. [4 points]
• Innovation, creativity, and advancement - Assesses originality, relevance, and innovative use of technology; impact on industry and market is also considered. [60 points]
• Financial viability - Evaluates budget accuracy, financial stability of the applicant, and project risk. [9 points]
• Strategic positioning and marketing - Includes market analysis, audience study, marketing plan quality, distribution methods, and market interest. [10 points]