Supporting the Canadian Red Cross' Urgent Relief Efforts Related to COVID-19, Floods and Wildfires

• The total maximum contribution available under the program is $415,000,000 for urgent relief efforts related to COVID-19, floods, and wildfires.
• A 12% administrative flat fee is eligible and can be applied against actual eligible expenditures for indirect costs.
• The maximum level (stacking limit) of total government assistance for the same purpose and eligible expenses must not exceed 100% of eligible expenditures.
• Minor capital acquisitions, program supplies, and materials are eligible only up to $10,000 per acquisition.

• The only eligible beneficiary for this grant is the Canadian Red Cross.
• The projects must directly aim to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19, flooding, or wildfires on Canadians.
• The projects must fall under at least one of the following areas: public health support and emergency management, virtual relief services, or advanced health and emergency management services.

Who is eligible?

• The sole eligible recipient for this program is the Canadian Red Cross Society.

Who is not eligible

• All companies, organizations, and industries other than the Canadian Red Cross are not eligible for this grant.
• Projects that have already been funded by another level of government, or that have received funding approval from another department or agency of the Government of Canada at any time, are not eligible.

Eligible expenses

• Salaries, benefits, and overtime for administrative and operational staff engaged in eligible relief activities.
• Purchase of emergency equipment and supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), medical supplies, cots, tents, and similar items.
• Procurement of medical equipment.
• Costs related to movement, shipping, and transportation of equipment and materials.
• Transportation services to support relief efforts.
• Expenses for supporting deployed personnel and volunteers.
• Operational supplies for essential needs including emergency lodging, food, and clothing for affected individuals and families.
• Contracted services directly linked to eligible activities.
• Minor capital acquisitions and program supplies (up to $10,000 per acquisition).
• Travel and living expenses necessary for project delivery.
• Equipment and facility rentals for emergency response operations.
• Expenses for computer services, research activities, and statistical analysis.
• Costs for translation, interpretation, printing, and distribution directly related to relief efforts.
• Payments of financial assistance to Canadians, small businesses, and non-government organizations under designated support streams.
• Expenses involved in restoring infrastructure or decontaminating properties to a higher resilience standard after disasters (subject to limitations).
• Repairs to non-primary dwellings and related building materials (subject to limitations).
• Hospitality expenses in Indigenous contexts for gatherings, feasts, ceremonies, and circles (excluding alcohol).
• A 12% administrative flat fee for indirect costs, including overhead.

Eligible geographic areas

• No specific geographical areas are mentioned; eligibility is based on the Canadian Red Cross Society's activities across Canada.

• Demonstrated need for the proposed project.
• Alignment with federal government funding priorities.
• Avoidance of duplication with existing programs or funding sources.
• Timeliness and feasibility of the proposed activities.
• Effectiveness and efficiency of the project in achieving expected results, including demographic and geographic reach, especially for vulnerable populations.

• The program is set to expire on March 31, 2027.
• Intellectual property developed through funded projects generally remains with the Canadian Red Cross or its subcontractors, but the Minister retains certain usage rights.
• All communications and services must be delivered in both official languages (English and French).
• All personal information must be managed in accordance with applicable privacy laws and the Canadian Red Cross’s privacy policy.