Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund
Application Guide

Addendum: You have asked us for more information on the topics covered in this addendum. Please consult the addendum if they apply to your application:

  • Limitations on equipment funding
  • Context for funding drones
  • Links to past projects
  • Rates for travel
  • Considerations for salaries in your budget

Table of Contents

About this call for proposals

Canada’s search and rescue (SAR) system

Canada’s SAR system is more than the sum of individual mandates and resources of the organizations involved; it is a system that is connected, comprehensive, and strives to ensure all parts are interoperable, efficient and effective.

The vision of Canada’s SAR system is: A Canada where the critical importance of search and rescue is reflected in a multi-jurisdictional approach to promoting individual, collective and organizational behaviors that minimize the risk of injury or loss of life while maintaining timely and effective response services.

Achievement of this vision rests on two primary objectives of prevention and response:

1. Prevention:

2. Response:

The Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund (SAR NIF)

The SAR NIF contributes financially towards projects that improve and enhance the objectives of Canada’s SAR system.

To achieve this, SAR NIF funding is provided for projects that:

The SAR NIF has an annual allotment of $7.6 million available to provincial, territorial and local governments, Indigenous governments and organizations, profit and not-for-profit Canadian organizations and volunteer associations and academia entities with an interest in SAR.

Given that the SAR NIF may fund multi-year projects, funding available for new projects will vary year to year.

Annual Program Priorities

The SAR NIF priorities are established annually in consultation with the Interdepartmental Committee on Search and Rescue (ICSAR) and advice from the Ground Search and Rescue Council of Canada (GSARCC). Funding applications must clearly address one of the Annual Priority Initiatives as listed in the SAR NIF Call for Proposals.

The Annual Priority Initiatives are available online on the SAR NIF Call for Proposals webpage, in the Application for Funding form and further in this Application Guide.

Eligibility

Eligibility – Who can apply, who is eligible?

Contributions may be provided to the following classes of recipients in support of the objectives of the SAR NIF:

Individuals, federal departments and agencies and International organizations are not eligible for funding under the SAR NIF.

General Eligibility Requirements

Those applying for SAR NIF funding must meet the following requirements in order for their application to be considered for funding:

Applicants must submit their application and all related documentation by the deadline specified in the current year SAR NIF Call for Proposals.

Project Partners

Joint Proposal

Applicants may collectively submit a proposal that is of mutual benefit. The proposal must address an annual SAR NIF priority initiative and clearly articulate the common expected outcomes and results as identified by participating jurisdictions. The project benefits should correspond as much as possible with the scope of the identified collective need. Examples of joint proposals may include, but are not limited to, the following types of activities:

In submitting a joint proposal, partners must designate a lead partner, who will act as the applicant and, if successful, the recipient of SAR NIF funding.

SAR NIF Partners

SAR NIF partners are federal departments/agencies, provincial/territorial government departments/agencies having responsibility for SAR, and recognized national, provincial/territorial SAR volunteer associations.

Eligible applicants wishing to submit applications for funding under the SAR NIF are highly encouraged to:

SAR NIF partners provide guidance and advice to applicants in the course of developing their project and application. As a result of these consultations, the SAR NIF partner may provide a letter of support which should be submitted with the funding application. Letters of support must provide an indication that a given project is aligned with a SAR NIF partner’s mandate and priorities and will be taken under consideration as part of the merit process.

Determining the appropriate SAR NIF partner is an important step in the SAR NIF application process. Applicants should review the mandate and jurisdictional responsibilities of all SAR NIF partners to ensure that they reach out to and consult with the appropriate one.

List of SAR NIF Partners

Applicants are encouraged to discuss their application with one of the following:

1. If the project supports federal SAR responsibilities (for example, SAR response on oceans, Great Lakes and/or national parks) then contact a Federal SAR Partner.

These partners include:

2. If the project supports provincial and territorial SAR responsibilities (for example: ground and inland water SAR) then contact a Provincial/Territorial Government. These are coordinated by emergency management organizations and police services of jurisdiction.

3. If the project supports volunteer activities then contact a Recognized National, Provincial or Territorial SAR Volunteer Association.

For the purposes of the SAR NIF, these associations are:

See the SAR NIF Partners Contact List for contact information.

In the event that the above SAR Partners do not fit with your project, you may contact the National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS) at sarsecretariat-secretariatrs@ps-sp.gc.ca to discuss your project.

How to develop your application

Public Safety Canada is currently accepting applications for funding under the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund (SAR NIF). Specific instructions for completing the application form as well as information about the assessment process are provided below.

Before starting an application, we recommend you take the free online course: Introduction to Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus).

GBA+ is an analytical process used to assess how diverse groups of women, men and non-binary people may experience policies, programs and initiatives. The “plus” in GBA+ acknowledges that GBA goes beyond biological (sex) and sociocultural (gender) differences. We all have multiple identity factors that intersect to make us who we are. GBA+ also considers many other identity factors, like race, ethnicity, religion, age, and mental or physical disability.

Application for Funding Form

All sections of the SAR NIF Application for Funding form, including the project budget and work plan, must be completed and submitted by the applicant. Incomplete applications and applications lacking sufficient detail will not be considered for funding.

The entire application package, including the letter of support from the SAR NIF partner (if applicable), and the letters of commitment for in-kind and/or cash contributions, must be received by Public Safety Canada no later than 12:00 p.m. noon (PT) on January 24, 2024.

Application Templates

Please see Application for Funding and Required Templates.

Cost-Sharing

Prior to applying for SAR NIF funds, applicants must secure funding from sources other than Public Safety Canada to contribute to the total cost of the project. The in-kind and/or cash contribution from other sources must represent a minimum of 5% of the total project cost.

Applicants must provide letters of commitment confirming all other sources of funding (in-kind and/or cash). Each letter must contain the following:

An in-kind contribution is a non-cash donation of labour, facilities, or equipment towards the project to which a cash value can be attributed.

A cash contribution is any monetary contribution from sources other than Public Safety Canada.

The total SAR NIF funding will not exceed ninety-five (95) percent of the project cost.

Application Form Walkthrough

Section 1 of 9: Privacy Statement

Information provided by applicants is subject to the Access to Information Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. A-1) and the Privacy Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. P-21). Information provided is collected by Public Safety Canada via Snap Surveys under the authority of the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Act (S.C. 2005, c. 10) for the purpose of supporting the implementation of projects. The information collected in this application will be used, and may be disclosed, for the purposes of assessing the eligibility/merits of your application's evaluation. Information that you provide may be shared with external consultants, review committee members, officials in other Departments, Federal, Provincial and/or Territorial Governments or Members of Parliament. It may also be used and/or disclosed for policy analysis, research and/or evaluation purposes in order to conduct these activities.

For more information about the collection, use and retention of your personal information, refer to the following Personal Information Bank: National Search and Rescue (SAR), Bank number PS EMPB 18, PS Info Source.

Please note, these additional uses and/or disclosures of information will not impact your project. You have the right to the protection of, access to and correction of your personal information. Instructions for obtaining this information are outlined on the Public Safety Canada Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) website.

In addition, for privacy reasons, please do not enter personal information when responding to open-ended questions.

Any questions, comments, concerns or complaints you may have regarding Public Safety's handling of your personal information may be directed to our Access to Information and Privacy team by emailing atip-aiprp@ps-sp.gc.ca. If you are not satisfied with Public Safety's response to your privacy concern, you have the right to file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada regarding the institution’s handling of your personal information.

1.1 Having received and understood the information provided above, do you confirm that:

You have the consent of any persons mentioned in this application to share their personal information contained therein; and

Your personal information and the personal information from any other individuals can be collected and used for the purpose stated above?

Indicate yes or no. By selecting “No”, your organization is ineligible for funding.

1.2 Are you willing to report on your project to the Government of Canada?

Indicate yes or no to the above question.

Should you be awarded funding, you will be required to report project data in a template provided by Public Safety Canada.

Note: You must be willing to report on the project to the Government of Canada in order to be awarded funding.

By selecting “No”, your organization is not eligible for funding. 

Section 2 of 9: Organization Identification

2.1 Organization's legal name

State the legal name of your organization. You can find it on your certificate of incorporation or registration or on a document from the Canada Revenue Agency. If it is an acronym, give the full legal name.

If there is no legal name, state the operating name of your organization. If it is an acronym, state the operating name in full.

2.2 Organization's operating name:

State the operating or common name of your organization if it is different from the legal name. The operating name is the most used name of your organization. If it is an acronym, state the operating name in full.

2.3 Organization address/location:

Indicate the street address of your organization.

If the project is selected for funding, note that organizations based in Québec may need to provide information prior to signing the funding agreement to ensure compliance with the requirements of Act M30 – Refer to the Act respecting the Ministère du Conseil exécutif found on the Secréteriat aux affaires intergouvernementales Canadiennes site.

The Québec National Assembly adopted the Act respecting the Ministère du Conseil exécutif (M-30). It sets out conditions for organizations that want to sign an agreement with the federal government. Organizations must comply with the Act respecting the Ministère du Conseil exécutif (M-30).

If your organization is in Québec and meets one of the following criteria, it is subject to the Act:

Organizations subject to the Act must get authorization from the Government of Québec. Only then can they sign an agreement with the Department. If your project is selected, we will provide you with more information.

2.4 Primary contact (please ensure at least one contact has signing authority):

The organizational contact person is who the Department may contact about this application. As such, this person must know the details of the proposed project.

Indicate the name, position title, telephone number, and email of the primary contact person.

All correspondence will be sent to the primary contact person’s email address.

One contact must have legal signing authority within the organization.

Does the primary contact have signing authority on behalf of the organization?

Indicate if your primary contact has legal signing authority. Signing authority is the power granted to an individual to sign official documents, contracts, agreements, or other legal instruments on behalf of the organization.

2.5 Additional contact (please ensure at least one contact has signing authority):

The additional contact is who the Department may contact about this application in the absence of the organizational contact person. As such, this person must also know the details of the proposed project.

Indicate the name, position title, telephone number, and email of the secondary contact person.

One contact must have legal signing authority within the organization.

Does the additional contact have signing authority on behalf of the organization?

Indicate if your secondary contact has legal signing authority. Signing authority is the power granted to an individual to sign official documents, contracts, agreements, or other legal instruments on behalf of the organization.

2.6 Please identify your type of organization (select one):

Select your organization’s type. If your organization does not fit into one of these types, it is not eligible for funding.

2.7 Select your specific organization type: (select one):

Only applicable if your organization is a governmental organization. Please indicate which subtype your organization belongs to.

Note that federal governmental organizations are not eligible.

2.8 Please indicate how your organization is legally constituted:

Indicate how your organization is legally constituted.

If your organization was created under an Act, indicate which one (for example, Indian Act, University Act). Some organizations are created under an Act but also have a certificate of incorporation or registration. If this applies to your organization, you must provide your organization’s certificate.

If your organization is incorporated, you must provide your organization’s certificate of incorporation. It displays your organization’s incorporation number.

If your organization is registered, you must provide your organization’s certificate of registration (“certificat d’attestation” in Québec). It is issued from the provincial or territorial registrar. It displays your organization’s registration number.

2.9 Please provide your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number, GST/HST number, Federal and Provincial tax rebate percentage:

Please include all numbers pertaining to CRA, GST/HST, and Federal and Provincial tax rebate percentage.Please enter "NA" or "0" if not applicable.

2.10 Has your organization received funding from the Government of Canada (grants or contributions) within the past 5 years?

Indicate if your organization has received funds from any Government of Canada Department or agency, including Public Safety Canada, within the past 5 years. Include:

2.11 Does your organization owe any monies to the Government of Canada?

Indicate if your organization owes any amount to the Government of Canada.

If your organization owes an amount, add the name of the Department or agency, the amount owing, the nature of the debt, and if a payment plan is in place.

Please note that owing an amount to another government Department or agency will not impact the assessment of your application.

Section 3 of 9: Project Overview

3.1 Project Title

Indicate a brief and descriptive project title. (maximum of 15 words)

3.2 Project Location(s) including city and address (if known)

Indicate the location(s) in which project activities will take place.

3.3 Anticipated start date

Indicate the anticipated start date of the project. Projects should be proposed to start no earlier than August 1, 2024.

PS will not reimburse costs incurred before approval and before a contribution agreement is fully signed.

3.4 Anticipated end date

Indicate the anticipated end date of the project.

Projects must not exceed thirty-six months in duration.

3.5 Duration (Months)

Please indicate the duration of the project in months. The maximum duration is 36 months. Enter only the number, e.g., 10, 22 or 34.

3.6 Which SAR NIF Annual Priority initiative will your project support

Please select only one of the options listed.

Priority 1 – Strengthen the Governance of Search and Rescue

Responsibility for SAR activities in Canada is spread across multiple accountability centres; therefore, a well-coordinated mechanism for maintaining coherence and ensuring the seamless delivery of SAR services is required.

Priority 2 – Sustaining the SAR Volunteer Community

SAR activities in Canada depend heavily on the assistance of SAR volunteers. Organizations supporting SAR, including CASARA, CCG Auxiliary and SARVAC all rely on limited and often overlapping volunteer resources. The Canada SAR system should coordinateefforts to sustain and grow this volunteer base, to stimulate interest among future volunteers and to appropriately support those who may be injured in assisting SAR operations.

Priority 3 – Enhancing SAR Cooperation with Indigenous Partners

The Canada SAR system should strive to acknowledge and respect the unique relationship between Indigenous communities and their natural environments. SAR prevention and response activities should respond to the needs and resources of communities and integrate traditional knowledge.

Priority 4 – Supporting Search and Rescue in Remote Areas

Canada must be prepared to respond to increases in incidents arising from growing opportunities for inexperienced people to access further remote locations, as well as increased maritime traffic in Canada’s north.

Priority 5 – Adapting to Changes in Technology that Impact Search and Rescue

Rapidly evolving technology has the potential to impact the number of SAR incidents as well as the ability to respond. Canada’s SAR system needs to understand these impacts to drive coherent change.

Priority 6 – Improving Search and Rescue Prevention Efforts

Changes in attitudes, perceptions, media consumption and culture have the potential to reduce the effectiveness of SAR prevention programs over time. Coordinated effort in updating prevention programs is essential to reducing the number of SAR incidents.

Priority 7 – Supporting Decisions through Improved Data Sharing and Technology

Current information management practices do not support horizontal SAR efforts or performance measurement, monitoring or reporting on SAR activities. Improvement is needed in data collection, analysis and information sharing within Canada’s SAR community.

Priority 8 – International Search and Rescue

Canada is a signatory to multiple international agreements regarding SAR. Active participation and leadership in the governance bodies overseeing implementation of existing agreements and pursuit of new agreements where needed are important to ensuring the global availability of SAR services for Canadians.

Note: project funding is only available for eligible Canadian organizations and travel is only eligible within Canada.

3.7 Which Project Objective does your project primarily support (select one):

Please select one of the options listed, Prevention or Response. Indicate which aligns with your project objectives.

Prevention:
To educate individuals and organizations on the assessment of risks and the importance of acquiring and using knowledge, skills and equipment needed to minimize injury and/or loss of life.
Response:
To ensure an effective and capable search and rescue (SAR) response in all areas of Canada.

3.8 Overall Description of the Project

We will use your project description as a summary of your proposed project. (maximum of 200 words)

The Description should include:

3.9 Describe how the project meets the requirements of the selected SAR NIF annual priority initiative above and how the project addresses a need

The application must demonstrate how the project will address the annual priority initiative selected in question 3.6.

Describe the nature and extent of the priority issue to be addressed by the project, using the best available evidence, to establish a clear need for the project. Sources of evidence must be included.

3.10 Describe your project objectives and how they align with either the Prevention or Response objective of the SAR NIF program

Project objectives describe what the organization will do and how it will track progress. They should be clear, practical, and describe measurable goals.

Indicate the project objectives (maximum of 400 words):

3.11 Describe the expected outcomes (short-term, medium-term and long-term results) of your project

The proposed outcomes describe what the project is expected to achieve. These are the changes that occur as a result of the project activities. This will be a way of measuring project success and understanding the overall goals.

Write a brief description of the expected outcome at each time period.

See question 3.7 to review the overall program objectives.

3.12 The intent of the SAR NIF program is to fund new initiatives. Is this request for funding to undertake a new initiative(s) or is this the next phase of a previous project?

Indicate if this is a new project or if this is the next phase of a previously funded project.

3.13 If your project is a continuation or the next phase of a previous project, please explain how this next phase is a new initiative.

Only applicable if this is the next phase of a previously funded project. Please provide a brief description and any links associated with the previous project.

3.14 Describe any potential risks and mitigation strategies (i.e., potential challenges in delivering projects and proposes solutions to overcome):

Identify any potential project risks. Analyze their potential impact, and identify the strategies that will be implemented to mitigate the risk. If no risks are identified, provide a rationale to demonstrate how the project has no potential risks.

3.15 Please explain how outcomes/deliverables of the project will be sustained following the end of the project.

Describe how the project will be maintained and have a long-lasting impact once SAR NIF funding support has ended.

3.16 Explain the communication strategy that will be used to share the results and best practices of the project.

Indicate how the project’s progress and result will be communicated to the SAR community and identify the mechanism that will be used to accomplish this.

3.17 Describe the strategies and measures that will be implemented to ensure cost effectiveness.

Identify measures that will be implemented to ensure best value for money (cost effectiveness is the relationship between monetary inputs and the desired outcomes).

3.18 Please identify the key project deliverables

Referencing the project work plan document, as well as evidence from the demonstrated need provided in question 3.9 above, describe the key deliverables that will indicate project success.

3.19 Total Project Cost (CAD$)

Please indicate the total project cost. This amount must include costs outside of the amount requested by Public Safety Canada. The maximum cost-sharing shall not exceed 95% of eligible expenditures; therefore, a minimum of 5% of total project costs must be obtained from other sources.

To verify, please consult your completed budget template and add the amounts in cell I40 ‘Total Funding’ from each tab.

Note: the format only accepts numerals. Do not include $, commas or spaces.

I.e., enter 100000, not $100000, or 100 000 or 100,000

3.20 Total amount requested from Public Safety Canada (CAD$)

Please indicate total amount being requested from Public Safety Canada.

Please consult the budget template section of this Application Guide to learn more about eligible expenses.

To verify, please consult your completed budget template and add the amounts in cell I8 ‘Public Safety Canada’ from each tab.

Note format only accepts numerals. Do not include $, commas or spaces.

Section 4 of 9: Project Target Population

Target Group: This section seeks information on the target population for the proposal. A target group is a specified group of individuals who are intended to access, receive or benefit from the services and/or products identified in the project proposal. Examples of a target group can include individuals from specific demographic groups, educational institutions, industry sectors, geographical areas, etc.

What is the primary target group for this application for funding? In particular, this proposal is primarily designed to provide ultimate benefits to:

4.1 Specific regions

Please select all that apply in regards to specific regions that your project will target:

4.2 A particular demographic group (please identify up to four (4) demographic categories).

Please select up to four (4) demographic categories of your priority population that your project will target.

If your project brings forward initiatives aimed at helping women specifically and/or advancing gender equality more broadly please select Women* on the list.

Note: If your proposal does not target a specific demographic group, please use the explanatory text to provide further details using 1-2 sentences/250 words.

Section 5 of 9: Organization Information with Respect to the Proposed Project

5.1 Please describe the mandate, mission, and objectives of your organization:

Indicate your organization’s mandate, mission and objectives as it appears in the organization’s governing documents or website. (maximum of 400 words)

5.2 Describe the expertise, resources, skills, experience and knowledge that qualify your organization to deliver this project:

Please describe the above and explain how your organization’s abilities are linked to the priority initiative selected in question 3.6. Include how your organization has the capacity to successfully deliver the project.

5.3 Is funding being sought to increase the organizational capacity to deliver this project?

Please indicate yes or no. Answering yes will not disqualify your application for funding.

If yes, please explain how your organizational capacity will be increased. Only complete the text box if answering yes to the question 5.3.

If no, please move to question 5.4.

5.4 Have you sought the endorsement and/or support of a SAR NIF Partner?

Please indicate yes or no.

If yes, attach a signed pdf Letter of Support that shows that the SAR NIF Partner endorses your project and it aligns with their mandate and priorities.

If no, please move to question 5.5.

5.5 Will your organization be working with a partner(s) to implement the project?

Please indicate yes or no.

If yes, please identify all partners that will be engaged in the implementation of the project. At section 6 you can attach signed pdf Letter(s) of Commitment detailing if they will provide In-kind and/or Cash contributions, the specific amount and in which year(s). Note each file is limited to 50MB.

If no, proceed to question 5.8. Since you are not working with any partners, at section 6 you can attach a signed pdf Letter of Commitment detailing if you will provide In-kind and/or Cash contributions, the specific amount and in which year.

5.6 Have you already engaged partners with respect to potentially working on this project?

Please indicate yes or no.

If you answered yes, please proceed to question 5.7.

If you answered no, please describe how you plan to engage with these project partners in project activities. This may include a partnership engagement strategy.

5.7 Please describe the state of readiness of your proposed partners to support your project as well as their roles and responsibilities:

Please indicate if your partners are ready to support this project and if so, to what degree. Include their roles and responsibilities within project activities.

5.8 Will your project include target population(s)?

Please indicate yes or no.

If no, proceed to question 6.1. 

If yes, how will you (and partners, if applicable) work together to engage and/or select target population(s)? 

Describe how your organization and you partners will work together to engage and involve the target population(s).

Engagement refers to dialogue so that those affected by the issue can influence decisions. They may want to take part in the project in different ways. They may want to provide advice, to help design the project, or work in some activities.

5.9 How will you (and partners, if applicable) work together to provide services that are responsive to the needs of the target population(s)?

Describe how your organization and partners will address the needs of the target population(s).

Section 6 of 9: Budget, Workplan and Other Attachments

Instructions: Incomplete submissions will not be considered. The completed application must include the documents listed below. To attach a document, select the arrow icon and follow the prompts. If you select the wrong file by mistake, select the "clear" button and try again. Please go through the upload process slowly to ensure your documents are properly attached. Note each file is limited to 50MB. 

6.1 Budget (attachment)

Please complete the budget template

The information provided in this section will be used to assess the total cost of the project. Costs must align with the activities described in the work plan.

Write clear and detailed descriptions of the costs. Eligible costs are those that are necessary to support the purpose of the project.

All budget costs must be rounded to the nearest dollar.

Compare your budget and work plan to ensure that it includes all costs required for each activity. Costs that are not clearly linked to activities may be removed from the proposed budget.

The eligible expenditure categories are:

* If Salaries are included, they must be incremental to the project, e.g., a new hire or if using current personnel for project work then their previous work would need to be backfilled. The expense must also be cost-efficient, i.e., less expensive than using a contractor to do the work.

Consider if your project will require Translation costs and make sure these costs are included in your Budget.

6.2 Work plan (attachment)

Please complete the work plan template. Note that activities may start no earlier than August 1, 2024.

The work plan provides information on the key activities and timelines. Organizations often rely on detailed work plans to manage projects. For this proposal, only include the key activities and sub-activities with a direct impact on the project objectives. If the project is approved, you will need to report on all activities to the Department.

The key activities you propose need to:

Compare the work plan to your budget to ensure you have the resources required to carry out the activities.

6.3 List of Equipment, Materials and Supplies, if applicable (attachment)

Please complete list of equipment, materials and supplies template, if they are required on your project. Provide sufficient detail: Item, reason for the expense, # of pieces * cost and input the estimated cost. Ensure you have researched to find the most efficient rate.

6.4 Signed Letter(s) of Commitment for In-kind and/or Cash contributions, including if there are contributions from your organization

Cost-Sharing

Prior to applying for SAR NIF funds, applicants must secure funding from sources other than Public Safety Canada to contribute to the total cost of the project. The in-kind and/or cash contribution from other sources must represent a minimum of 5% of the total project cost.

Applicants must provide letters of commitment confirming all other sources of funding (in-kind and/or cash). Each letter must contain the following:

An in-kind contribution is a non-cash donation of labour, facilities, or equipment towards the project to which a cash value can be attributed.

A cash contribution is any monetary contribution from sources other than Public Safety Canada.

The total SAR NIF funding will not exceed ninety-five (95) percent of the total project cost.

Section 7 of 9: Official Languages and Discosure

7.1 Will the project have an impact on Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs)?

Indicate yes or no.

Describe how the needs of the official language group will be addressed. If there are none to be considered, provide a rationale as to why.

Official language minority communities (OLMCs) are groups of people whose maternal or chosen official language is not the majority language in their province or territory – in other words, Anglophones in Québec and Francophones outside of Québec. OLMC individuals, groups and organizations are those who self-identify as belonging to one of these groups.

Public Safety Canada is committed to enhancing the vitality of the official language minority communities by supporting and assisting their development, and promoting the full recognition and use of both English and French in Canadian society.

For additional information, see the Official Languages Act.

7.2 Does the project offer an opportunity to foster the full recognition and use of English and French in Canadian Society?

Indicate yes or no. Please provide a rationale.

Describe how the needs of the official language group will be addressed. A statement on how the initiative will target both linguistic communities must be included in the application. Please also provide specific details in your project summary and work plan, and account for related costs (e.g., translation) in your project budget.

If there are none to be considered, provide a rationale as to why. Public Safety Canada officials may want to validate and/or discuss this information with the applicant in order to determine if linguistic commitments should be included.

Canada’s official languages are English and French.

7.3 Will this project include the services of a former public servant either as an employee or as a member of the Board of Directors who left the Federal Government in the last twelve months? If yes, please provide assurance that the public servant (or former public servant) is in compliance with the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector, and the Conflict of Interest Act (S.C. 2006, c.9) or the Parliament of Canada Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. P-1.01)?

Indicate if this project will include a former public servant who left the Federal Government in the last twelve months.

If no, proceed to question 7.4.

If yes, please provide assurance that the public servant (or former public servant) is in compliance with the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector, and the Conflict of Interest Act (S.C. 2006, c.9) or the Parliament of Canada Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. P-1.01).

7.4 Will this project include the services of a lobbyist? If yes, please provide assurance that, where lobbyists are used, they are registered in accordance with the Lobbying Act (R.S.C., 1985, c.44 (4th supp.)) and that no commissions or contingency fees have or will be paid directly or indirectly to any person for negotiating or securing this request for funding?

Indicate if this project will include the services of a lobbyist.

If no, proceed to question 7.5.

If yes, please provide assurance that, where lobbyists are used, they are registered in accordance with the Lobbying Act (R.S.C., 1985, c.44 (4th supp.)) and that no commissions or contingency fees have or will be paid directly or indirectly to any person for negotiating or securing this request for funding.

7.5 Will a federal official participate on an advisory committee or board?

Indicate if a federal official will participate on an advisory committee or board.

If no, proceed to section 8.

If yes, please describe the role of the federal official as it pertains to this project.

Section 8 of 9: Declaration and Signature

As a representative of the organization named below, I declare that:

And understand that:

Declaration:

Select the ‘I agree’ or ‘I do not agree’ line. If you do not agree with the statements, your application will not be considered for funding.

A person with signing authority for the organization must sign the application electronically. The application will be considered signed electronically when the name and position of the signatory is filled out and the application submitted by the official representative(s) of the organization. By signing the application, the representative confirms that they have

Section 9 of 9: Feedback

9.1 Would you like to provide any feedback with regards to this application tool (e.g., technology, questions, length, etc.)? Feedback is optional and will not impact the assessment of your application.

Please indicate if you would like to provide feedback in regards to the application. Feedback is helpful to assist Public Safety Canada in improving its products for future use.

If no, proceed to question 9.2.

If yes, thank you for assisting Public Safety Canada in improving its products. Please provide feedback regarding this on-line application for funding tool (technology, questions, length, etc.).

9.2 Is there anything else you would like to share / special consideration we should take into account with respect to the application process?

Please provide any feedback regarding the application process.

9.3 Would you like to sign up for the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund (SAR NIF) mailing list in order for you to receive future information and notification regarding theProgram?

Please indicate yes or no.

If no, proceed to the final section ‘Checklist and Submission of Application’.

If yes, please provide the email address to which you would like to receive notifications.

Checklist and Submission of Application

Applicants are encouraged to use this Checklist to ensure that their application package is complete. Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding.

Application for Funding

Budget

Work plan

Before submitting, we highly encourage you to print a copy of your application to retain for your own records. Once you submit, you will not be able to access it or print it and it will not be emailed to you.

Once you are ready to submit your application, press the submit button .

After you apply

Once you have submitted your application, you will be redirected to Public Safety Canada's webpage.

As a reminder, upon completion of this application the organization contact will receive an e-mail confirming that the application has been received. If the organization contact's e-mail information was misspelled, they will not receive a confirmation e-mail. If you do not receive a confirmation email regarding your submission within 24 hours, please contact us.

Reminder to monitor your inbox for communications from us throughout the process, including your junk/spam folders. Thank you for your interest.

SAR NIF Merit Process

The SAR NIF merit process is an annual activity undertaken to review and evaluate applications for funding received following a call for proposals. The merit process results in a list of projects selected for funding.

Once the SAR NIF merit process has ended and the projects have been approved by Public Safety, the SAR NIF applicants and partners will be advised of the results.

SAR NIF Merit Board

Applications for funding are reviewed and assessed by the SAR NIF Merit Board comprised of federal, provincial/territorial, and volunteer SAR partner representatives. Applications are assessed on the general eligibility requirements, as well as their demonstrated ability to:

The SAR NIF Merit Board will assess all aspects of the proposed project including the management capacity of the applicant and the financial risks.

The SAR NIF Merit Board will also weigh if consultation(s) took place with a SAR partner and if that SAR partner gave their support and endorsement.

Approved Projects

Applicants who are successful will be contacted to enter into a funding agreement articulating the terms and conditions of the funding and project start date.

Once the contribution agreement is signed, recipients must ensure that they understand and meet the terms and conditions of the contribution agreement throughout the entire funding period. This includes filing final reports and sharing information as outlined in the project’s communication strategy.

Definitions

For the purpose of the SAR NIF, the following definitions apply:

Activities
Tasks performed within the framework of a project to accomplish the stated objectives;
Applicant
A person, organization or association that submits a proposal for funding consideration;
Canada’s SAR system
Canada’s SAR system refers to the collective activities of government and non-governmental organizations in Canada having a primary or supporting role in the delivery of search and rescue response or prevention;
Cash Contribution
A monetary donation towards the project and obtained from sources other than the SAR NIF;
Contribution Agreement
An agreement signed between Public Safety Canada and a recipient that allows for the funding of an approved SAR NIF project. This is a legal document and contains all of the terms and conditions for funding;
In-kind Contribution
A non-cash donation of labour, facilities, or equipment towards the project that can be given a cash value and that is obtained from sources other than the SAR NIF;
Interdepartmental Committee on Search and Rescue (ICSAR)

A committee providing advice on SAR matters, chaired by Public Safety Canada - the Assistant Deputy Minister, Emergency Management and Programs Branch - and composed of representatives from federal departments and agencies having a responsibility in SAR:

  • Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Canadian Coast Guard);
  • Department of National Defence (Canadian Forces);
  • Royal Canadian Mounted Police;
  • Environment and Climate Change Canada (Meteorological Service of Canada);
  • Parks Canada;
  • Transport Canada;
  • Canadian Space Agency;
  • Global Affairs Canada;
  • Indigenous Services Canada; and,
  • Industry, Science, and Economic Development Canada.
Recipient
A group, organization or association whose project has been approved for SAR NIF funding, and with whom an agreement has been established and signed;
Recognized National, Provincial or Territorial SAR Volunteer Association
A national, provincial or territorial association/organization comprised of volunteers whose purpose is to provide search and rescue services. Associations are required to provide a letter of commitment from the SAR NIF partner of the jurisdiction that is impacted by the proposed initiative;
SAR NIF Merit Board
Chaired by the Director, EM Programs, Public Safety Canada, and composed of representatives, or delegates of ICSAR, a representative for the provinces and territories and a representative for the national volunteer associations. The Board evaluates and recommends proposals for SAR NIF funding;
SAR NIF Merit Process
Refers to the process of review and assessment that takes place for all applications received in response to the annual SAR NIF Call for Proposals;
SAR NIF Partner
Refers to a federal department/agency, a provincial/territorial government organization with SAR responsibilities, or a recognized national or provincial SAR volunteer association.

Virtual information sessions

All potential applicants are encouraged to attend a virtual information session. The purpose of these sessions is to review the Priority Initiatives and to provide tips in completing the Application Form and required templates. Sessions will also include a question and answer period.

To register, please click on the button below.

The schedule below is in Eastern Time. Please verify the time difference if you are outside of the Eastern Time Zone.

Virtual information sessions schedule
Date Language
Wednesday, November 22, 2023, 1:30 pm Eastern English
Tuesday, December 5, 2023, 1:30 pm Eastern English
Tuesday, December 5, 2023, 11:00 am Eastern French

Thursday, December 14, 2023, 1:30 pm Eastern (for Indigenous organizations)

 English
Thursday, January 11, 2024, 11:00 am Eastern French
Thursday, January 11, 2024, 1:30 pm Eastern English

Register for a virtual information session by providing your name, email address and confirm which session you would like to attend in the email.

Contact us for help

Email for questions on the call for proposals

If you have questions after reading this information, please contact the SAR NIF Team.

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