Theme 2: Systemic change focussed initiatives (changes to policies, practices, processes and institutions)

On this page:

• Objectives of the funding
• Who can apply for this funding?
• Selection criteria and mandatory elements
• Available funding for each project
• Length of project
• Additional information
• Information session on the call for proposals
• How to apply

Objectives of the funding

The objective of this theme is to fund targeted projects that will support Indigenous-led community, regional and national efforts to change policies, practices, processes, and structures to address systemic barriers and discrimination of Indigenous people in the mainstream criminal justice system.

Who can apply for this funding?

• Inuit, Métis, First Nations bands, Tribal Councils, local, regional and national Indigenous organizations

Selection criteria and mandatory elements

Applicants are expected to identify the area of focus for their project and why they believe work is needed in this area. However, applicants do not need to provide details on the specific intervention or “change” they would like to implement; they only need to provide details on how they will work with partners and community members to develop and deliver the project.

Projects should include the following key activities:

a) Partnerships

• Engage and establish working partnerships with, for example: other community organizations working in the field of criminal justice or related social services (e.g., addictions, employment, housing, mental health), community leaders, elders, matriarchs, knowledge keepers, justice system professionals, and potential allies.

b) Examine context and conduct needs assessment

• To inform the planning and development of the project, an assessment of the current situation must be conducted to identify opportunities as well as needs and barriers of the target population.
• As part of this assessment, projects will:
  • consult community partners, and stakeholders to identify barriers, priorities and opportunities.
  • consult with Indigenous people who have been impacted by the justice system (including accused, offenders and victims) to identify the barriers they have faced, their needs, priorities, viewpoints and potential strategies.
  • identify supports as well as gaps in existing policies, programs, services and decision-making processes.
  • work with a Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) lens and in particular consider the needs of Indigenous women accused/offenders. (For more information on GBA+, please visit Women and Gender Equality Canada’s GBA+ webpage.)

c) Determine and choose an option

• Through a collaborative process with partners/stakeholders, choose an option for implementation. For example:
  • working with local courts to have dedicated Gladue hearings for Indigenous accused/offenders;
  • working with court officials to develop bail conditions that are appropriate for Indigenous accused, including those with complex needs such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD);
  • bringing together service providers and justice system actors to develop protocols on how to reduce administration of justice offences; and,
  • addressing transportation barriers by increasing the use of technology for remote appearances.

d) Implementation

• Collaboratively implement the chosen option in the community.

e) Knowledge sharing

• Ensure that knowledge gained throughout the project is shared, as appropriate.

Important considerations

Projects proposing the following types of activities will not be considered under this call for proposals:

• Developing new services or programs with ongoing costs
• Developing plans or strategies without implementation during the project
• Training and awareness raising activities, except if required at the onset of the project to support implementation
• Conferences or symposiums
• Research
• Projects focused only on revitalization of Indigenous Legal Traditions

Proposals must contribute to the following planned outcomes:

• Immediate outcome: Stakeholders and other partners have increased understanding of systemic barriers.
• Intermediate outcome: Indigenous organizations, communities, stakeholders and partners collaborate to implement effective solutions.
• Ultimate outcome: Contribute to a decrease in the rate of rate of incarceration among Indigenous people.

Project deliverables (after approval)

Month 4: Detailed work plan, performance measurement plan, and list of project partners, including a description of their contributions.

Month 12: Needs assessment report (at 12 months).

Note: Performance and financial reporting requirements and timelines will be determined after the proposed project has been approved.

Available funding for each project

The level of funding will vary from project to project based on the nature and scope of the proposed activities.

National: Up to $500,000 is available per project for up to 36 months.

Provincial, territorial or regional: Up to $300,000 is available per project for up to 36 months.

Community: Up to $250,000 is available per project for up to 36 months.

Funds are limited and there is a need to ensure a regional distribution of the limited funds. Unfortunately, it may not be possible to fund all eligible projects.

Length of project

Multi-year projects (up to 36 months)

Additional information

If you have questions while completing the application, staff would be happy to help you and are available by email at: ijp-pja@justice.gc.ca.

Information session on the call for proposals

It is highly recommended that applicants watch a pre-recorded information session on how to apply for this call for proposals.

To receive a copy of the pre-recorded information session, please send an email to the following address: ijp-pja@justice.gc.ca.

How to apply

This call for proposals closed on August 19, 2021. We are no longer accepting funding applications.