Commemorate Canada Program

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for funding, your organization must be a:- Canadian not-for-profit organization: corporation, trust, cooperative, or unincorporated association;- Canadian for-profit organization (partnerships, trusts, joint ventures, etc.) whose proposed projects are non-commercial in nature;- Canadian public education establishment; or- Canadian provincial/territorial, municipal government and their institutions.Organizations may apply individually or as partners in a joint project. In the case of partnerships between eligible applicants, one of the applicants must assume the role and responsibility for the overall management and coordination of the project.The following are not eligible:- private individuals, and political parties; and- federal departments, their institutions and other portfolio agencies of the federal government (with the exception of the Canada Place Corporation for Canada Day celebrations, as per the amendment to the Canada Marine Act).

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and organizations due to their status or main activity. The restrictions ensure funds are directed towards entities capable of fulfilling the grant's commemorative objectives.

• Private individuals and political parties.
• Federal departments, their institutions, and other portfolio agencies of the federal government, with an exception for the Canada Place Corporation for Canada Day celebrations.
• Organizations that do not meet the eligibility criteria set out in the guidelines.
• Organizations whose projects are designed for fundraising purposes or intended to generate commercial advantage or profit.

Eligible expenses

Eligible expenses for the grant are those project-related expenses which can be either cash or in-kind and are crucial to the execution of the project.

• Expenses related to education and outreach: educational materials, documentation, research, website development, travel, online exhibits, forums, conferences, plaques, and monuments (up to $10,000).
• Promotional, marketing, and communication expenses, including translation.
• Consultant and professional fees related to the project, including management, project coordination, and implementation services.
• Expenses related to events and venues, including production costs, site and equipment rentals, artists’ and performers’ fees.
• Ongoing administrative costs related to the project, not exceeding 15% of the total contribution, including salaries, benefits, administrative fees, bank and utilities charges.
• Travel expenses within Canada, constrained by government business travel rates.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant program supports national commemorations and seeks to make them accessible to Canadians across the country. It requires projects to be conceived and take place within the geographical boundaries of Canada.

• All provinces of Canada.
• All territories of Canada.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• You may be required to maintain records, documents, or other information for audits or evaluations for up to five years.
• If a project receives $250,000 or more, an audited financial report is mandatory.
• Failure to comply with funding agreement terms may result in repayment of funds.
• Funding recipients must publicly acknowledge the financial support from the Government of Canada in both official languages.
• The program supports the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in project evaluation.
• If activities occur on federal lands, the Impact Assessment Act provisions may apply.
• Information submitted may be disclosed under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.
• Organizations must ensure the project's alignment with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy.
• Recipients are required to take steps to create a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.