Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can I find information about the National Projects Fund (NPF)?
2. What type of projects does the NPF support?
3. What tools and resources have been developed through the NPF?
4. What are the criteria to be eligible for funding?
5. What projects and activities may not be funded?
6. How are projects selected for funding?
7. How are the funds administered?
8. When is the next funding cycle?
9. What amount of funding is available per project?
10. What other funding sources are available?

1.  Where can I find information about the National Projects Fund (NPF)?

General information about the program is posted on the NPF website

For information on how the fund serves community-based projects please consult the publication Translating Knowledge into Public Health Action

Potential Applicants may request a copy of our Invitation to Submit Applications (ISA) Guide for Applicants [this document replaces the Request for Proposals (RFP)] and is only available during a solicitation period).
To request a copy contact us at: DCA.public.inquiries@phac-aspc.gc.ca

2.  What type of projects does the NPF support?

The Community Action Program for Children (CAPC) and the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) National Projects Fund supports projects that are a maximum in length of 1 to 2 years, are national in scope and support both CAPC and CPNP program objectives.

The purpose of the NPF is to respond to common and emerging issues identified by CAPC and CPNP sites, Joint Management Committees (JMCs), Non Government Organizations (NGOs) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

The long-term aim of the funding provided under the NPF is to improve health through increased capacity of CAPC and CPNP projects and their partners to respond to public health issues affecting children 0 to 6 years of age, pregnant women and their infants, and families experiencing health disparities/inequalities in communities across Canada.

3. What tools and resources have been developed through NPF funding?

A list of tools and resources are available  through the CAPC/CPNP NPF projects directory

4.  What are the criteria to be eligible for funding?

To be eligible for funding organizations must:

• be Canadian, voluntary not-for-profit or educational institutions;
• demonstrate their ability to work collaboratively and in partnership with CAPC and CPNP sites and partners;
• demonstrate their ability to carry out the activities of the project and deliver final products and services in both official languages; and
• be capable of working with a National Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from CAPC and CPNP sites and their partners across Canada.

To be eligible for funding projects must:

• be national in scope to serve the needs of CAPC and CPNP sites across Canada;
• reflect the objectives, principles and current priorities of the Fund;
• address at least one or more of the funding priorities identified in the Program’s Invitation to Submit Application; and
• must be sensitive to the cultural and linguistic realities/needs of CAPC and CPNP sites and the clients they serve.

5. What projects and activities may not be funded?

The following are examples of projects and activities not eligible for funding under the Program:

• direct provision of services that would be provided by the community, CAPC and CPNP projects or other levels of government;
• resources, conferences, training which would serve the needs of local projects or groups only;
• creation and or the maintenance of websites as a sole activity;
• profit-making activities;
• duplication of existing resources, models;
• pure research in any discipline;
• support for meetings of non-government organizations or subsidies for travel to these types of meetings; and
• capital costs (e.g., land, building, vehicles).

6.  How are projects selected for funding?

All applications received by the application deadline go through the following four-stage review and approval process. Note this process can take up to six months. Both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be contacted after every stage.

1. Administrative review by program staff to confirm eligibility (note that projects considered not-eligible will be notified at this stage);
2. Evaluation by internal and external reviewers;
3. Recommendations of a final list of successful applicants by the NPF National Working Group; and
4. Ministerial approval.

Note that this process can take up to 6 months.

7.  How are the funds administered?

The Public Health Agency of Canada‘s (PHAC), National Office is responsible for the management, coordination and delivery of the fund.

NPF work is guided by a National Working Group (NWG) comprised of program representatives from all seven PHAC regional offices as well as a Regional Children’s Manager.

The NWG members work collaboratively to provide guidance and recommendations to PHAC’s National Office.

8.  When is the next funding cycle?

Please refer to the NPF Solicitation Process web page.

9.  What amount of funding is available per project?

Funding is available up to a maximum of $300,000 per project, per fiscal year. Eligible funding varies according to the size and scope of the project.

10.  What other funding sources are available?

• Innovative Health Strategy (Population Health Fund)
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Component of the Community Based Program (FASD)
• Aboriginal Head Start
• Hepatitis C Prevention, Support and Research Program (Hep C)
• Canadian Strategy on HIV/AIDS (External link)
• Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada: National Funding
• Integrated Strategy on Healthy Living and Chronic Disease
• Integrated Cancer Funding
• Healthy Living Fund
• National Collaborating Centres (NCCs) for Public Health (External link)
• The National Lung Health Framework (External link)
• Canadian Institute for Health Research (External link)

For more information please contact:

CAPC/CPNP National Projects Fund
Public Health Agency of Canada
Jeanne Mance Building, 9th Floor
Tunney's Pasture, AL: 1909C2  Ottawa ON K1A 0K9
Email: DCA.public.inquiries@phac-aspc.gc.ca
Tel: 613-952-1220
Fax: 613-952-1556