2012-2013 Atlantic Region Call Letter

Federal Species at Risk Funding Programs

Applications are now being accepted for the federal Species at Risk (SAR) stewardship funding programs for work to be undertaken in 2012-2013.

Canadians who want to get involved in the protection and recovery of species at risk can apply to the two federal funding programs that are tools to support the implementation of Canada’s Species at Risk Act:

● Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk (HSP); and

● Aboriginal Funds for Species at Risk (AFSAR).

Proposals must be developed according to the guidelines provided by the respective programs and submitted directly to the appropriate funding program.   Guidelines can be found in the attached HSP Application Guide and AFSAR Application Guide.  Additional information on these funding programs can be found at the following web sites:

Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP)

www.ec.gc.ca/hsp-pih

Aboriginal Funds for Species at Risk (AFSAR)

www.sararegistry.gc.ca/involved/funding/asrp_e.cfm

Expressions of Interest may be submitted between September 20 and October 14, 2011.

Full project proposals must be submitted by November 18, 2011.

Successful applicants will be notified in April 2012.  During the period between the proposal submission deadline and notification date, applicants should not expect communication regarding the status of their application.  Funding provided to successful proponents is to be spent before March 31^st, 2013.  Applicants cannot receive funding from both of these federal programs for similar activities.  Eligible proponents may submit proposals to both programs, but must clearly show how the activities proposed differ between proposals and how they address the eligibility criteria an d priorities of each program. 

Proposals for multi-year projects (up to 3 years) will also be accepted.  Please note that multi-year proposals require a clear rationale for multi-year funding in the context of the recovery of the species at risk in question, and must outline the capacity of the applicant organization to successfully deliver a multi-year project.  Multi-year proposals must include a distinct work plan, matching funds and budget for each proposed funding year. 

At a minimum, proposed projects must target species at risk that have been assessed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (www.COSEWIC.gc.ca).  Priority however will be given to proposals that target Endangered and Threatened species listed under Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA). 

Additional priority will be given to projects that address the regional priority species, areas, and/or threats outlined in the attached Atlantic Canada SAR Funding Program Priorities Statement.

Application Process

The application process to submit a proposal for funding consideration consists of two parts:

1) Submission of an Expression of Interest – September 20-October 14, 2011.

2) Submission of a full proposal – no later than November 18, 2011.

Part 1 – Expression of Interest (EOI)

Expression of Interest Forms for HSP and AFSAR are attached.  These forms can be submitted as early as September 20, 2011 and must be submitted no later than midnight (Atlantic) October 14, 2011. 

Although not mandatory, submission of an Expression of Interest is strongly recommended.  It is in the proponent’s best interest to complete an Expression of Interest as it provides an opportunity to receive feedback on the proposed project and ensure it is aligned with national and regional priorities.  Applicants are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest as soon as possible, in order to have the maximum amount of time for feedback on the development of a full proposal. 

Completed Expression of Interest Forms should be e-mailed to Steve.Ridlington@ec.gc.ca.  Upon submission, proponents will be sent information on how to access the on-line application system, as well a s comments on their proposed project, and contact information for a resource person who can provide advice regarding development of the full proposal. 

Part 2 – Proposals

Full proposals must be completed on-line not later than midnight (Atlantic) November 18, 2011.  Those who choose not to submit an Expression of Interest should email a request for access to the online system to Steve.Ridlington@ec.gc.ca. 

For additional information on the development and submission of full proposals please refer to the attached application guidelines.

Attachments:

Atlantic Region SAR Funding Program Priorities Statement

National AFSAR Application Guidelines

AFSAR Expression of Interest Form

National HSP Application Guidelines

HSP Expression of Interest Form

For any additional information, please contact:

Steve Ridlington
Grants & Contributions Officer
Canadian Wildlife Service, Atlantic Region
Environment Canada
17 Waterfowl Lane
Sackville, NB E4L 1G6

steve.ridlington@ec.gc.ca

Telephone 506-364-5040

Facsimile 506-364-5062