Overview
The Francophone Engagement Fund provides financial support to the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences’ (“the Federation”) member associations to support French-language and bilingual initiatives.
This Fund is supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
- Value: Up to $1,500 per project
- Duration: For initiatives requiring up to 12 months to complete
- Intake: Two annual intakes (fall and spring)
- Matching contribution: Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to provide a minimum of $500 cash matching contribution toward project costs. In-kind contributions from small associations may also be considered.
- Application limit: One per application period
- Funding schedule: Reimbursement
Purpose
The Fund addresses a gap in the national research ecosystem by providing targeted support to scholarly associations to strengthen research conducted in French and by francophone scholars. It aims to build French-language research capacity, increase the visibility of francophone scholarship, and support participation in national research exchange.
Description
The Fund supports initiatives that develop, expand, or enhance French-language and bilingual programming, resources, and knowledge mobilization activities within Federation member associations.
An eligible initiative or project is one submitted by an eligible association and confirmed for support by the Federation through a funding agreement. Only activities and costs described in the approved application, or later approved in writing by the Federation, are eligible for reimbursement.
Eligible expenses include:
- Translation, interpretation, and other language services.
- Development or adaptation of French-language and bilingual resources.
- French-language and bilingual programming, facilitation, and professional services.
- Accessibility supports that enable participation in French-language or bilingual activities.
- Technical services and digital platforms that support French-language or bilingual programming and knowledge mobilization.
- Communications and dissemination activities that increase the visibility and reach of French-language scholarship.
- Other direct costs that support the development, delivery, or expansion of French-language and bilingual initiatives.
Funding supports eligible expenses directly related to approved project activities. Expenses incurred before the funding agreement date, or costs unrelated to the approved project, including indirect or administrative overhead, are not eligible.
Eligibility
To be eligible, an association must:
- Be a Federation member association in good standing (a member who has paid their membership fees and whose certificate of registration is not suspended);
- Submit a complete application demonstrating alignment with the Fund’s purpose; and
- Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to provide a minimum of $500 cash matching contribution toward project costs. In-kind contributions from small associations may also be considered.
Associations may apply whether they are establishing new French-language or bilingual capacity or building on existing French-language or bilingual activities.
Evaluation
Applications are assessed based on:
- Alignment with the purpose of the Fund;
- Feasibility of the proposed activities, timeline, budget, and association capacity to deliver project;
- Impact of the proposed initiative on the visibility of francophone scholarship and participation in French-language or bilingual activities; and
- Potential to inform future programming or approaches that could be adapted by the applicant or other associations.
Priority considerations given to first-time applicants. Applicants are notified of funding decisions by email. Funding decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
Funding and payments
Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis to the association for approved eligible projects. To receive funds, recipients must submit:
- Documentation supporting eligible expenses (receipts);
- Evidence of any association or partner cash and/or in-kind contributions identified in the approved project budget (where applicable); and
- A final report outlining project activities, use of funds, outcomes achieved or anticipated.
Changes to an approved project, including changes to activities, timelines, external partners, or budget, require prior approval from the Federation.
Funding not used for approved eligible expenses must be returned to the Federation. The Federation may withdraw or recover funding if project activities are not completed within the approved project period, unless an extension has been approved.
Recipients must acknowledge the Federation's support and SSHRC's contribution in public communications and project materials using the acknowledgement language provided by the Federation.
Financial information collected for payment and tax-reporting purposes is used solely for those purposes and handled in accordance with the Federation's privacy policy.
Administration
The Francophone Fund is administered by the Federation. Eligible activities, application period, funding limits, and any additional requirements are communicated through the relevant call for applications and program materials. The Federation may modify program guidelines, timelines, or eligibility requirements as needed to support equitable and effective program delivery.
Questions regarding the fund, accessibility requests or application process are directed to the Federation’s Membership team at membership@federationhss.ca.