Application Guidelines

The RCNBF Community Support Program provides monies to RCNBF partner organizations to supplement the programs and financial assistance they provide to naval veterans, serving members of the RCN, and their respective families.

RCNBF Community Support Program Priorities

Projects must service one or more of the following types of support:

• Support for former or current members of the RCN or their family members who are experiencing financial difficulties related to basic needs (ex. shelter, food, other living expenses such as clothing, utilities, transportation, repairs, moving, medical expenses)
• Support families of RCN members, especially if the serving member is deployed (ex. community welcome, children’s programs, food hampers, fees for children’s sports or summer camp)
• Programs, workshops, and training that relate to the wellbeing of, and community building in, our naval family

Who can apply?

• Nonprofit organizations that are registered charities in Canada
• Organizations (charities) that serve veterans, serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and their families (must be able to demonstrate that funds will be used specifically for veterans and serving members of the RCN, and their families)
• Organizations (charities) that can implement their projects and use the funds before March 31, 2024
• Organizations (charities) that are national or provincial in scope. Organizations that serve more restricted regions may be approved on a case-by-case basis
• Individuals cannot apply

What can be funded?

• Projects or existing programs that target any of the following audiences:
  • Former members of the RCN
  • Current members of the RCN
  • Family members of #1 and #2 above (includes spouses, common law partners, and children under the age of 18)
• Projects that align with one or more of the RCNBF Community Support Program priorities
• Projects that have a financial shortfall
• Eligible expenses include:
  • Professional fees (ex. workshop facilitator, training professional)
  • Fees for individuals to attend a program (ex. summer camp fees for children of naval families in need)
  • Project costs (ex. materials, supplies, communication)
  • Supports for basic needs (ex. food vouchers, transportation, medical devices, etc.)
  • Improvements (ex. accessibility)
  • Other expenses may be approved on a case-by-case basis
• Ineligible expenses include:
  • Administrative costs (ex. salaries, overhead, etc.)
  • Capital Costs
  • Costs already covered by another source of funding

Can funds be stacked?

Organizations may apply for the RCNBF Community Support Program to supplement funding acquired from other sources to cover a single project (stacking) but are required to declare all other funding received. Total funding may not exceed the total costs associated with the project.

When to apply

The RCNBF will accept applications on an ongoing basis as of November 1, 2022.

How to apply

• Apply using the online form, which includes the following components
  • Completed organizational details
  • Completed proposal details
  • The program or project budget using the template provided
  • Proof of approval by a signing authority within the applicant’s organization

Reporting

Applicants must agree to submit a report to the RCNBF, using the report template provided.  Successful applicants will be required to collect the following data:

• Results of the program or proposal and how they aligned with the expected outcomes
• Number of people served and connection with the RCN (veteran, serving, family)
• Financial report

Communications/visibility

Funded projects and their results will be listed on the RCNBF website and reported in the RCNBF Annual Report.

Successful applicants will be asked to post the RCNBF’s participation (and logo) on their website and in their annual report.

How will applications be assessed?

The RCNBF Program Planning and Review Committee will assess applications based on the following criteria:

• Fully completed application
• Eligibility of the organization (Not-for-profit charity, scope)
• Target audiences
• Program objectives and expected results
• Reasonable budget
• Demonstrated experience in delivering programs or services that targets naval veterans, serving members, and/or their families

When will funds be distributed?

Successful applicants will be notified within approximately four (4) weeks (or sooner) of receipt of their application. Monies will be distributed once all conditions are met and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is signed.

Funding application checklist

Organization Details

• Legal name
• Address
• Designated contact details
• Charitable number
• Description of the organization’s mission and primary activities

Organization Experience

• New, first-time project
• Experience with similar or previous projects
• Specific experience in providing programs and services to naval veterans, serving members, and/or their families.

Project or Program

• Name or tile and description of the program or project
• Program or project objectives, the needs being addressed
• Target audience
• Program or project activities
• Expected outcomes
• Timelines
• Oversight arrangements

Budget

• Program or project budget using the template provided.

Questions

Questions may be directed to info@rcnbf.ca or 613-519-7741