Table of Contents

Grants Program

The subject of space stimulates the minds of young and old alike. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has a mandate to use space to:

• improve science and technology literacy among students and educators
• encourage students to pursue studies and careers in science, engineering and mathematics
• enhance Canadians' awareness of the importance of space, and their interest in it
• consolidate Canada's expertise in leading space niches by building a qualified workforce
• instill a sense of national pride

The Space Awareness and Learning Grants Program subsidizes the participation of youth and educators in events that will increase awareness of and participation in the Canadian Space Program.

The CSA supports proposals from institutions and individuals for learning opportunities that:

• Increase awareness of the Canadian Space Program among youth across the nation through access in every province and territory to formal and informal opportunities for learning about Canadian space science and technology
• Encourage youth participation in science and technology activities while learning about the Canadian Space Program

1. Eligibility

Eligible applicants to the Space Awareness and Learning Grants Program are:

• Canadian students enrolled in elementary, secondary and post-secondary institutions.
• Educators teaching in elementary, secondary and post-secondary institutions operating in Canada.

Eligible event proposals under the program must meet the following mandatory criteria:

• Events that directly or indirectly increase awareness of Canadian space science and technology among youth, such as educator workshops, science/space conferences for youth , intra- and extracurricular activities, and contests.
• Special events organized to increase awareness of Canadian space science and technology content among youth.

2. Application Procedures

Proposals are submitted to CSA throughout the year using the application form
(PDF format, 69 KB). Applicants must declare other government assistance requested or received, as well as disclose the involvement of former public servants who are under Conflict of Interest and Post-employment Guidelines. Applications must be sent to the following address, with all accompanying documents:

Space Awareness and Learning Program
Grants and Contributions
6767 Route de l'Aéroport
Saint-Hubert, Quebec  J3Y 8Y9

3. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated and rated in accordance with the following criteria:

• The extent to which the proposed event meets program objectives.
• The quality of the event in terms of the depth of Canadian space science and/or technology content it brings to youth/educator.
• The transferability of the knowledge acquired by participating in the event to other students and educators or institutions providing youth with formal or informal learning opportunities.
• The extent to which the financing is sufficient to ensure student participation in a space science and technology related learning opportunity.
• The means of obtaining feedback from the participants about the quality and outcomes of the learning opportunity.

4. Eligible Costs

Eligible costs are precisely determined for each application to cover the expenses incurred for participating in an event for:

• transportation costs to the event location
• accommodation costs for the duration of the participation in the event
• meal allowance (as per government norms) for the duration of the participation in the event
• registration fees and any expenses associated with the acquisition and/or the development of materials for participation in the event.

5. Grant Value

The maximum grant payable to a recipient must not exceed 100% of total eligible costs, up to a maximum of $5,000.

The maximum level (stacking limit) of Total Government Assistance (federal, provincial and municipal assistance for the same eligible expenditures) for an event will not exceed 100% of total eligible costs. If actual Total Government Assistance to a recipient should exceed the stacking limit, the CSA will adjust the level of assistance and seek reimbursement, if necessary. Recipients will be required to disclose all sources of funding for an event before participation and at its end.

The value of any grant awarded will be determined by the evaluation committee based on the costs of attending and the Treasury Board of Canada amounts guidelines for allowable travel and accommodations.

6. Grant Agreement

An agreement with the grant recipient sets the terms and conditions, the method of payment, the deliverables, and the reporting obligations (for example, progress reports).

7. Basis and Timing of Payments

The grant will be based on cash-flow requirements for participating in the approved event and it will be paid to the recipient, prior to the event.