Digital Literacy Exchange Program
Highlights
The Digital Literacy Exchange Program is a fantastic opportunity for your organization to expand its reach and impact. By participating, you can access non-repayable funding ranging from $50,000 to $2 million. This funding can help you deliver essential digital literacy training to underrepresented groups, enhancing their ability to participate in the digital economy.
What You Get:
- Non-repayable contributions for eligible project costs
- Funding for program design, communication, outreach, and space rental
- Support for instructors' training and professional development
- Resources for technological equipment like computers and tablets
Benefits:
- Expand your programs to reach more participants
- Enhance your organization's capacity to deliver impactful training
- No cost to participants, making it accessible to those who need it most
Applying for this program is straightforward, and your organization likely meets the criteria. This is a unique chance to make a significant difference in your community while receiving substantial support from the government.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Non-repayable Contribution Program
Eligible Expenses:
- Costs directly related to the approved project.
- Program design, communication, and outreach.
- Rental of space for training sessions.
- Administration/overhead costs (up to 10% of eligible costs funded by ISED).
- Domestic travel in accordance with the National Joint Council Directive.
- Fees for instructors.
- Instructors' training and professional development expenses (up to 15% of eligible costs funded by ISED).
- Purchase, rental, or repair of technological equipment/materials (e.g., computers, tablets) required for the delivery of learning opportunities (up to 20% of eligible costs funded by ISED).
- Incremental administration and accounting expenses.
Ineligible Expenses:
- Costs not directly related to the approved project.
- Expenses incurred outside the project timeframe.
- Any costs not outlined in the contribution agreement.
Fees:
- No application or renewal fees.
- No additional fees associated with the program.
Qualifications
- Must be a not-for-profit organization incorporated in Canada.
- Must have 3 years of experience in delivering digital literacy initiatives with a proven track record of success.
- Proposed initiative must target underrepresented groups in the digital economy.
- Proposed initiative must be delivered at no cost to participants.
- Must demonstrate resource capacity and expertise to deliver the proposed initiative within the program timeframe.
Must provide a detailed project costs plan (Budget) for the proposed initiative.
Disqualifications:
- Post-secondary institutions, schools, school boards, and school districts are not eligible to apply as the main applicant.
Description
The Digital Literacy Exchange Program offers up to $17.6 million in funding to help your business teach digital literacy skills. This program is designed to help Canadians who face barriers to using digital technology.
Your business can receive between $50,000 and $2 million. This money can be used to cover costs such as program design, communication, outreach, space rental, and instructor fees. You can also use it for buying or renting technological equipment like computers and tablets.
The funding is non-repayable, meaning you do not have to pay it back. This is a great opportunity to expand your services and help more people gain essential digital skills. By participating, your business can make a significant impact in your community while also growing your reach and capabilities.
Program Steps
Prepare Documentation: Gather the necessary documents to support your application. These include:
- Proof of your organization’s not-for-profit status.
- Documentation of your organization’s three years of experience in delivering digital literacy initiatives.
- A detailed project plan outlining your proposed initiative, including target groups, locations, and delivery methods.
- A detailed budget plan for the proposed initiative.
- Financial statements and forecasted financials for the project period.
- Information about your organization’s governance, including directors, memberships, and key individuals involved in the project.
Develop a Project Proposal: Create a comprehensive proposal that clearly demonstrates:
- How your initiative will target underrepresented groups in the digital economy.
- That the initiative will be delivered at no cost to participants.
- Your organization’s capacity and expertise to deliver the initiative within the program timeframe.
- How you will measure and report on the success of the initiative.
Submit the Application: Complete the application form provided by the Digital Literacy Exchange Program. Ensure all required information and documentation are included.
Review and Submit: Double-check your application for completeness and accuracy. Submit your application to the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) by the specified deadline.
Await Review: The ISED will review your application against the program criteria. Be prepared to provide additional information if requested.
Negotiate Contribution Agreement: If your application is selected, negotiate a contribution agreement with ISED. This agreement will outline the terms and conditions of the funding.
Implement the Project: Once the agreement is in place, begin implementing your project as outlined in your proposal. Ensure you follow the project plan and budget closely.
Monitor and Report: Regularly monitor the progress of your project and submit required reports to ISED as specified in the contribution agreement. This may include data, schedules, financial information, and progress reports.
Complete the Project: Ensure all activities are completed by the project end date. Submit final reports and any required documentation to ISED.
Claim Reimbursement: Submit claims for reimbursement of eligible costs as outlined in the contribution agreement. Ensure all claims are supported by appropriate documentation.
