What is the Canada Fund?

In the spirit of the partnership between Canada and the island states of the Pacific, the Canada Fund provides financial support for small-scale local initiatives within Canada's six priority areas for overseas development.  These are:

• to meet basic human needs by supporting policies and services in areas such as improved water supply, sanitation, health care, and education;
• to promote the participation of women in development, especially in decision-making roles;
• to improve infrastructure services that will strengthen NGOs and other institutional mechanisms for service provision;
• to protect and promote human rights and good governance, and to broaden citizen participation in decision-making;
• to support small business development within the private sector; and
• to protect the environment and promote environmental awareness initiatives.

Within these broad guidelines, the Canada Fund is designed to be flexible, allowing it to work in partnership with local initiatives that provide people with the means to help themselves.  The mandate of the Canada Fund is to provide direct funding to community groups.

Projects in twelve Pacific Island nations are eligible for Canada Fund assistance through Canada's High Commissions in Wellington, New Zealand, and Canberra, Australia.  The countries eligible are: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, Tuvalu, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Palau, Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia.  Funding for regional projects that cover two or more of these countries is also available.

Canada Fund coordinators are based in Australia and New Zealand and spend much of their time traveling in the region. During their visits, the coordinators meet with local people to help them identify projects, to assist with funding applications, and to monitor the progress of projects once funds have been disbursed.

What types of projects does the Canada Fund support?

Particular emphasis is placed on helping people to help themselves.  Local contribution and participation -- in cash or kind -- will greatly increase the potential for Canada Fund support.

Within Canada's six priority areas of assistance, preference is given to projects that meet the following criteria:

• are well-planned and technically feasible;
• do not duplicate existing resources;
• aim to alleviate the effects of poverty by improving access to health, family planning, nutrition, education, and employment;
• fit into overall policies and priorities of the countries, and have the support of the communities they serve;
• generate sustainable income for communities;
• create job opportunities in small businesses;
• support institutional capacity building for Pacific Island non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• show significant cash or in kind contributions from the community group.

What types of projects is the Canada Fund unlikely to support?

Projects that are unlikely to be supported or will receive low priority by the Canada Fund include:

• Those that are poorly planned or are not likely to achieve the intended results;
• those that will have an impact on too few people for too great a cost;
• those where implementation procedures are weak or unclear;
• those requested by groups that have performed poorly in the past;
• those that create a dependency on external funding sources following the completion of the Canada Fund grant.  (It is important to demonstrate that the project has the means to provide for ongoing maintenance and operating costs.)
• those for business development, which have not completed a thorough feasibility study or developed a marketing strategy;
• those business development projects that are eligible for commercial loans;
• training workshops where objectives are too broad or where particular skill development is not clearly defined.  (Requests to fund workshops are not likely to be considered unless the need for, and effectiveness of the training can be clearly justified.)
• those that duplicate plans by other international agencies, NGOs, or governments.  (Where there are funding plans or initiatives already in place, the Canada Fund will only consider supporting complementary projects.)
• those that are solely for religious purposes;
• those that show no cash or in kind contributions from the community group;
• those that are detrimental to the environment;
• those that have detrimental effects on women.

Please note: Scholarships, attendance at conferences and recurring administrative expenses will not normally be considered for funding.

How much will the Canada Fund provide for projects?

Typically, a project might range from anywhere between $1,000 Cdn to $20,000 Cdn with a maximum limit of $50,000 Cdn.  Projects must be completed within two years.  Funds are generally provided on a one-time, non-recurring basis.   Financial and narrative reports are essential upon completion of the projects.   All projects will be closely monitored to ensure they are being implemented in conformity with the signed contract and the Canada Fund guidelines.

How to apply for funding?

The Canada Fund coordinator responsible for your country can be called upon for guidance in preparing project requests if needed.  The coordinator can also help you determine if your project is likely to be considered for funding.   Detailed requirements and application guidelines are available from the coordinators.

All applications for funding must be made in writing and should provide the following information:

• a detailed description of the project, including specific objectives and expected outcomes;
• information on who will benefit and the project's impact on women and children;
• the project's contribution to a sustainable environment;
• comprehensive background information about the implementing group or organization (i.e. membership, past experience with project implementation and financial accountability, etc.);
• a detailed budget including all local contributions in cash or in kind (e.g. labour, construction materials, land);
• a workplan that includes starting and completion dates;
• the name, address, and other contact information of the person or group responsible for the project;
• letters of support from technical advisors and/or relevant government agencies;
• details of other organizations to which you have also applied for assistance.

When applications are submitted, it is important that the amount requested from the Canada Fund is clearly identified in the local currency.