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Is the $100M new dollars or dollars redirected
to this program?
The $100m is new money that was allocated
by the Government of Alberta and does not involve redirecting
funds from any existing or former programs. The funds are
administered by Rural Alberta’s Development Fund which
is an arm’s
length company formed under Part 9 the Companies Act.
How will the funds be administered?
Rural Alberta’s Development Fund’s
objective is to have the $100 million fully committed by the
spring of 2010, and the funding fully disbursed by the fall of
2011.
What are the funding limitations?
The Fund will not provide loans or loan
guarantees. It will not take equity or royalties or own intellectual
property. It will not provide funding to for profit businesses
even though they may be partners in a project. The funding would
be directed to a partner that is an eligible applicant.
Is there a limit to how much one project
can request for funding?
The minimum contribution to a project is
$50,000. Fund staff may refer smaller projects to existing government
programs. The maximum Fund contribution to any individual project
is $5.0 million.
Applicants must provide 25% or more to the overall cost of the
project.
How long will it take to get my project approved?
Approximately four to six months from the day the application is submitted.
What about costs that were incurred before
the funds were approved?
Retroactive costs are not reimbursed.
What is defined as rural?
For purposes of the funding criteria and
guidelines, rural really means the 1,000,000 Albertans who live
outside the Calgary and Edmonton. It does include the mid-sized
cities.
The pillars that outline the funding areas
are very broad and could encompass just about anything, how will
funding decisions be made?
These areas were chosen as they reflect
what Albertans have indicated are important for rural
development. They are broad to ensure that
all projects that promote the four pillars can be considered. The
Projects that Fit summary will
give you a better sense of what the Board is looking for
How many projects can one community submit?
There is no limit. However, any organization
or community considering submitting an Expression
of Interest should look at collaborating with other organizations and/or
communities. Projects that incorporate a community planning process
is encouraged.
What is defined as community?
Communities can be geographic (municipalities)
or interest groups (libraries) or a combination of both. It can
also be a group of geographic communities, in other words a region.
What types of projects will be considered?
All types will be considered but community
collaboration and cooperation are essential. Projects
that fit that demonstrate collaboration between
communities, regions, governments, or groups of rural stakeholders
will have priority. Projects that involve more than one partner
or offer benefits beyond one community are preferred.
What type of project will have priority?
Rural Alberta’s Development Fund
recognizes the importance of building leadership and community
capacity. The Fund will give priority to projects that meet the
challenges of living and working in rural Alberta, particularly
those faced by youth, seniors and Aboriginal people.
A project must have a sound business case that outlines its long-term
sustainability without ongoing financial support from the Fund.
Outcomes must be clearly defined and measurable and have sustainable
impact.
Who can apply for funding?
Any legal entity that is one or more of
the following:
- Communities, regional organizations (such as economic development,
education, health, and others), not for profit organizations.
- Government of Alberta departments, agencies or other orders
of government, including First Nations and Métis Settlements.
- Non-Alberta or metropolitan urban entities, in collaboration
with rural Alberta entities.
Individuals and for profit businesses cannot apply directly.
They can, however, apply through an eligible partner.
Why are Alberta government departments
and agencies allowed to apply?
Government departments and agencies are
able to apply, in cooperation with local communities, because
of a long history of involvement and partnership in rural Alberta's
growth and development. The Fund wants to encourage more collaboration
between organizations, including between government and community.
Applications submitted by government departments and agencies
would be evaluated on the same criteria as any other proposal.
I have a great project idea. Where do I start?
Check the program criteria and guidelines
and if you are an eligible organization get and submit an Expression
of Interest or call toll free 1-877-940-7233.
A form can be faxed or mailed if you do not have Internet access.
Feel free to contact us if you are not
sure if your project will quality or have questions about making
a submission.
Can an individual person or someone who
owns a business get funding?
No. Individuals or businesses with project
ideas must partner with an eligible applicant. The community
partner would then submit an Expression of Interest. Private
sector involvement in partnerships is encouraged though as business
involvement is often fundamental to rural Alberta’s growth
and sustainability.
What type of community-business partnerships would qualify?
Industry-wide or local strategies to improve
competitiveness, increase diversification, increase skills, or
add value to a community might qualify. Check out projects
that have already received funding
for examples.
Can a project span many years?
Yes but project proposals must be submitted
and approved before the fall of 2009. The project must be completed
before the fall of 2011.
Can an organization submit more
than one Expression of Interest involving the same partners?
Yes, but they must be separate projects.
Why must I submit an Expression of Interest
before a full proposal?
The Expression
of Interest helps us determine if you have a viable
project. If your project meets all of the criteria, then we will
ask you to send in a full proposal. This process saves you from
filling out a full proposal needlessly.
If my Expression of Interest is turned
down can I resubmit it at a later time?
Yes but you will need to address any eligibility
concerns or deficiencies in your Expression of Interest before
resubmitting.
How are Expressions of Interest assessed?
Submissions are reviewed by staff and
recommendations made to the Board. The Board determines who
will be asked to submit a full proposal. Approval of an Expression
of Interest does not automatically result in funding approval.
How are proposals assessed?
The Board of Directors review all full proposals
and decides either to accept it, reject it or ask for more information.
How will I know what happened to my submission?
Each applicant will be notified of the
results of their submission. If the Expression of Interest or
full proposal is rejected, an explanation will be provided. The
applicant may make any necessary adjustments and resubmit at
another time.
Does the Government of Alberta approve
all funding decisions?
No. Rural Alberta’s Development Fund
is an independent company. The Government of Alberta is not involved
in its day-to-day operations.
Can I appeal a decision of the Board?
Yes. Contact us if you would like more
information concerning the appeal process.
What are the timelines for submitting
Expressions of Interest?
Expressions of Interest can be submitted
at any time. Applicants are notified within four to six weeks
of submission if the Expression of Interest is approved, rejected
or more information is required.
Does the Alberta government have a role
in deciding what projects will be funded?
No. Project approvals are the responsibility
of the Board of Directors.
What is the role of the Alberta
government in the decisions made by the Fund?
Rural Alberta's Development Fund operates
arms length from government. The Board has a contract with the
provincial government to disburse the $100 million it received
in accordance with the RADF's business plan. RADF provides
regular reports to the Government of Alberta on how its activities
are contributing to the growth and development of rural Alberta.
In addition there are three government Ex Officio observers connected
to the Board.
Who are the government appointed Ex Officio
Observers on the board?
- Raymond Prins, MLA, Lacombe-Ponoka
- Faye Rault, Assistant Deputy Minister, Organizational Effectiveness and Rural Services Sector, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
- Rick Sloan, Assistant Deputy Minister, Enterprise Division, Alberta Finance and Enterprise
What is the Role of the Observers?
Their primary role is to ensure the Fund
does not duplicate support that is already available through
existing government programs.The Observers may attend and speak
at Board meetings but they are not officers, employees or directors.
They do not have voting rights.
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