Questions and Answers – Call for Concept Notes – Indigenous Peoples Partnering for Climate

General

• How do I access the application forms?

  Use a web browser, such as Internet Explorer, along with Adobe Reader/Adobe Acrobat to download, complete and submit on the application package. If you use other software, you may not be able to validate and submit the package and Global Affairs Canada may deem your application ineligible. Most problems related to downloading and completing the package are due to inappropriate or outdated software. Please read and follow these instructions. Applicants are responsible for submitting properly completed packages.

• Does the project have to be multi-country? Is there a regional preference?

  The partnership projects can take place in 1 or more Official Development Assistance-eligible countries. There is no regional preference.

• Can we add or remove signatories at the full proposal stage or after project approval?

  No. You cannot add or remove organizations at any stage of the application process or project implementation.

• Can we attach photos to the proposal?

  Yes. Graphics (e.g. photos and graphs) can be included within the 10-page limit in French or 8-page limit in English (excluding annexes).

• Can an organization submit 2 concept notes for different projects under this call?

  No. You may only submit 1 concept note under this call as either the prospective lead signatory or co-signatory. If your organization submits more than 1 application, either on its own or as a co-signatory, we will only consider the application with the earliest submission time stamp.

• Do potential co-signatories need to be legally incorporated in Canada?

  Yes. Each signatory organization must meet all of the organization eligibility requirements for this call, including being legally incorporated in Canada.

• If a concept note is submitted in partnership with other organizations, which organization needs to register in the Partners@International portal?

  The potential lead signatory and all co-signatories must be registered in the Partners@International portal. Co-signatories must submit all required organization documents under their portal profile (in other words, proof of being legally incorporated in Canada, and 2 separate financial statements). The lead signatory submits all application documents.

• What information will be assessed at the concept note stage and the full proposal stage?

  Global Affairs Canada is using a 2-stage process for this call. The concept note stage is intended to gather general information on proposed project ideas and applicants. The full proposal stage is used to get more detailed and complete information about the proposed project and the applicant (and any prospective co-signatories) and how the project design reflects input from Indigenous Peoples. See Guide to preparing concept notes for the 2022 call for concept notes and How we assess your concept note section of the call page, which indicates the elements to be assessed at the concept note stage. In 2023, Global Affairs Canada will provide information about what is required at the full proposal stage to organizations invited to submit a full proposal. In general, at the full proposal stage, organizations will need to provide more information specific to the rationale, environment, gender, and human rights considerations, management and governance of the overarching projects and subsequent partnership projects, budget, and logic model.

• Can we submit the required application forms using other software (e.g. Microsoft Excel)?

  No. Applicants must follow the required format described in Guide to preparing concept notes for the 2022 call for concept notes. For this call, applications must be submitted in Microsoft Word, Arial 11 font and Letter size (8.5 × 11 inches).

• Does Global Affairs Canada reimburse the costs incurred for the preparation and submission of an application for the overarching projects?

  No. Global Affairs Canada does not fund the development or submission of concept notes or full proposals.

• Can an organization be a signatory partner in 1 application and a collaborating organization (non-signatory) in another?

  Yes. The eligibility criteria limit each organization to 1 application as the lead signatory or a co-signatory. There is no limit to the number of concept notes in which an organization can be a non-signatory partner

• How can we find other organizations that are working on similar issues to share lessons and knowledge?

  Using Partnering for Climate as a starting point, Global Affairs Canada aims to foster a community of practice with any interested organizations to share lessons and knowledge around nature-based solutions, highlighting experiences and expertise in Canada and in developing countries, including from Indigenous Peoples.

  For details, see Partnering for Climate.

• What is considered “development assistance”?

  See section 4.1 of the Official Development Assistance Accountability Act. The objective of this call is to improve the climate resilience of Indigenous Peoples in developing countries. All results must align with Canada’s International Climate Finance Program Logic Model.

• Can Global Affairs Canada provide any advice or technical assistance to organizations on the development of concept notes?

  Global Affairs Canada will not comment on the eligibility or merit of concept notes. We strongly encourage you to consult the resources shared on the call page for guidance.

• Where can I find the recording of the November 25 information webinar?

  You can find the recording on the 2022 call for concept notes—Indigenous Peoples Partnering for Climate website under the webinar heading and on Global Affairs Canada’s YouTube Channel.

Financial Information

• Do organizations need to contribute cost share in cash or in kind?

  No. The mandatory 5% cost share that typically applies to overarching projects does not apply to this call, although organizations are encouraged to contribute to the project costs in cash and/or in kind. See Global Affairs Canada’s Policy on Cost-Sharing for Grant and Non-Repayable Contribution Agreements, which defines all eligible sources.

• Is there an alternative to financial statements for organizations that have not been operational for the past few years?

  No. Organizations must provide 2 separate financial statements for the 2 most recently completed fiscal years. Audited statements are preferred. If audited statements cannot be provided, statements submitted must be signed by a member of the board of directors or delegate or by the owners.

• If our organization submits a concept note in partnership with another organization, is it acceptable for only the other organization to submit financial statements?

  If your organization is submitting a concept note in partnership with another organization, and both organizations would co-sign the funding agreement with Global Affairs Canada, then each organization (each co-signatory) must provide 2 separate financial statements for the 2 most recently completed fiscal years. The organizations upload these into the portal when they register. Only the lead organization submits the proposal on behalf of both.

• Which 2 financial statements are you requesting?

  We ask you to provide 2 separate financial statements for the most recent fiscal years. For example, the most recent fiscal year may have ended in March 2022 or December 2021, depending on the fiscal year schedule of your organization. This would be considered 1 financial statement. Using the same example for fiscal years, the second financial statement would be for the fiscal year ending in March 2021 or December 2020. We prefer audited statements. If you cannot provide audited statements, your submitted statements must be signed by a member of the board of directors or delegate or by the owners.

• Is the total value of funding requested from Global Affairs Canada (minimum $5 million and maximum $15 million) for each signatory, or is it a cumulative amount for all signatories for each concept note?

  The total value of funding requested for each overarching project must be at least $5 million and not more than $15 million. This is the cumulative amount for all signatories for each concept note. Global Affairs Canada will sign only 1 financial agreement for each project selected for funding. Under a financial agreement with multiple signatories, the signatories are responsible for determining the amount that will be managed by each organization.

• Do we need to submit a budget at the concept note stage?

  No. You do not need to submit a budget at the concept note stage. You must indicate the total value of the initiative, reflecting the amount of funding requested as well as the proposed cost share, if applicable.

  We will only request and assess a project budget if you are invited to submit a full proposal. We will ask those organizations that we invite to submit a full proposal to provide a budget table with cost details. While we do not expect exact costing when the full proposal is submitted (as budgets often require adjustments over time), we expect that the first version of the detailed budget provided to Global Affairs Canada will provide solid financial information such that if the project is approved, only limited adjustments to the budget will be needed. See Guidance on Eligible Costs for Development Initiatives to find out more about eligible costs. To be eligible for reimbursement, project costs must be reasonable and directly and clearly related to the project.

• If there are multiple signatories, how is the 12% overhead compensation to be shared?

  Overhead compensation is a fixed compensation rate of 12% applicable to Global Affairs Canada’s contribution toward the direct eligible project costs. In the event there are multiple signatories, the overhead compensation will be provided to the primary signatory (i.e. the lead organization that submits the proposal in the portal) of the financial instrument. A portion of the overhead compensation could be transferred to the other signatories, at the lead signatory’s discretion. At no time can overhead compensation exceed 12%.

Project Information

• How does the call envision the balance between direction and control regulations on projects that require sub-granting to Indigenous partners, and the leadership and decision-making power of Indigenous partners in project implementation?

  In its concept note, an organization must explain its proposed governance model, including how an overarching project will be managed and monitored in a way that prioritizes Indigenous leadership and decision-making. The concept note must also describe how any planned sub-granting will be managed, including eligibility criteria and selection mechanisms.

• What is the difference between overarching projects and partnership projects?

  Overarching projects are projects that must be led by Indigenous organizations in Canada, non-Indigenous organizations in Canada with strong connections with Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and/or partnerships between the 2 kinds of organization.

  Overarching projects must include several components (project management, governance, reporting, capacity building, monitoring, evaluation, research and learning, and sub-granting). Concept notes and subsequent full proposals must describe how the project is designed to manage each of the above components.

  Partnership projects are projects designed and implemented by Indigenous organizations in Canada with Indigenous organizations in developing countries.

  Partnership projects will be selected and funded through the subsequent sub-granting component of the overarching project(s) that will be managed by the organization(s) selected through the present call. Overarching projects must dedicate at least 65% of the funding to partnership projects through sub-granting.

  This 2-step call (concept notes and later full proposals) is for overarching projects.

• Does the call for Indigenous Peoples Partnering for Climate follow the same coding requirements as Partnering for Climate?

  No. There are some differences related to biodiversity. While applicants under the broader Partnering for Climate envelope must achieve biodiversity-significant outcomes (BD-1), the call for Indigenous Peoples Partnering for Climate does not require this. However, preference may be given to concept notes that provide biodiversity co-benefits.

  For both Indigenous Peoples Partnering for Climate and Partnering for Climate, all projects must use nature-based solutions to deliver climate adaptation results, must align in general with the $5.3-billion Climate Finance Program Logic Model outcomes and must explicitly target climate change adaptation as its principal purpose (CCA-2).

  Under gender equality, the minimum coding is partially integrated gender equality (GE-1), whereby at least 1 gender equality result is present at the immediate outcome level in the logic model.

• What is the recommended number of intermediate outcomes in the concept note?

  The concept note should include 2 or 3 intermediate outcomes. See Results-based management for international assistance programming: A how-to guide (p. 47).

• What is the minimum and maximum amount of budget our organization can put toward public engagement in Canada?

  There is no minimum or maximum proportion of a project budget that should be dedicated to public engagement. Projects should be primarily focused on achieving development results in developing countries, with public engagement in Canada secondary and complementary to those efforts (e.g. approximately 5% of the project budget).

• Can project ideas and concept notes focus primarily on public engagement activities in Canada?

  No. The primary purpose of proposed projects must be for the benefit of Indigenous Peoples in developing countries. Public engagement activities in Canada should be a minor element of your project. It should complement main project activities (i.e. engage the public on the work that you are doing through your project) and be within your organization’s capacity to implement.

• Will you be considering concept notes on a continuous basis?

  No. Concept notes will be accepted until Wednesday, February 8, 2023, 12 pm (noon) ET and will subsequently be reviewed together.

• Must the letters of support from Indigenous organizations come from partners with which we are planning on working in the scope of this project? Can we have new partnerships, or must we already have strong connections with our partners in Canada?

  The letters of support from Indigenous organizations are meant to demonstrate that your organization has experience working with Indigenous organizations in Canada and/or First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis and can demonstrate the strong connections.

  For this call, your organization can either (i) partner with the same organizations or First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis who provided the letter(s) of support, or, (ii) use the letters of support from previous partnerships to demonstrate your experience but create new partnerships with Indigenous organizations or First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis for the purpose of this call.

  For example, if your previous experience with an Indigenous organization was in the health sector, it may be relevant to use letters of support from that organization but create new partnerships relevant to the climate change focus of this call.

  In addition to the above letters, if applicable, applicants can demonstrate their experience by submitting letters of support from Indigenous organizations in developing countries.

• What is expected of partnership projects?

  Partnership projects are co-designed and co-implemented by Indigenous organizations in Canada with Indigenous organizations in developing countries. They aim to address climate action priorities of Indigenous Peoples in developing countries. The development activities must take place in Official Development Assistance-eligible countries.

  Partnership projects may resemble development projects commonly funded by Global Affairs Canada, but the explicit intent is for Indigenous organizations in Canada to be funding recipients.

• What expenses can be made within the 65% of project funding dedicated to sub-granting and the remaining 35%?

  All expenses must be eligible as per Global Affairs Canada’s Guidance on Eligible Costs for Development Initiatives.

  Overarching projects must disburse at least 65% of the project funding to Indigenous-led partnership projects led by Indigenous organizations in Canada with Indigenous organizations in developing countries. These partnership projects must aim to achieve development results in Official Development Assistance-eligible countries. Under this call, the objective is to improve the climate resilience of Indigenous Peoples in developing countries.

  The remaining funds, up to 35%, can be spent by the signatory or co-signatories on eligible costs related to the overarching project’s management, governance, reporting, capacity building, monitoring, evaluation, research and learning.

• Do you want the logic model and Performance Management Framework to align exactly with Canada’s International Climate Finance Program Logic Model, or is there some flexibility?

  Your proposed overarching project must align with Canada’s International Climate Finance Program Logic Model at all levels of outcomes related to nature-based solutions and biodiversity (results pillar 1400) and aim to achieve the following ultimate outcome: improved climate resilience of Indigenous Peoples in developing countries (results pillar 1000).

  It is important that projects develop expected outcomes that reflect the reality (context) and the needs of people in developing countries, which means this is not a copy-paste exercise. There is flexibility related to “who experiences the change”, “what change is experienced” and “where the change takes place” related to nature-based solutions and biodiversity.

  Note: The Indigenous-led partnership projects as part of the sub-granting component must also support the climate adaptation priorities of Indigenous Peoples in developing countries and align with Canada’s International Climate Finance Program Logic Model.

• Can we have intermediate outcomes relating to climate governance / climate smart agriculture and food systems / clean energy transition and coal phase out or must the whole logic model link to nature-based solutions and biodiversity?

  Your proposed overarching project and the sub-granted partnership projects must align with Canada’s International Climate Finance Program Logic Model at all levels of outcomes related to nature-based solutions and biodiversity (results pillar 1400).

  Intermediate outcomes relating to the other intermediate outcome categories (results pillar 1100 climate governance / 1200 climate smart agriculture and food systems / 1300 clean energy transition and coal phase out) are not permitted.

• Can results statements contain more than 1 change (i.e. related to nature-based solutions and gender)?

  See Results-Based Management for International Assistance Programming at Global Affairs Canada: A How-to Guide (p.38) for guidance on how to articulate an outcome statement. An expected outcome is typically simple and expresses only 1 change.

  However, the nature of our Partnering for Climate program is unique, in that we ask for projects that use nature-based solutions to deliver climate change adaptation and biodiversity co-benefits and gender integration or transformation.

  Therefore, we will be open to receiving integrated intermediate outcome statements that include 2 or more changes. It is important to keep in mind that each dimension of the change must reflect analysis of consultations and research (evidence), must be logically supported at the immediate and output levels, and must be monitored using a performance indicator.

• Can the co-signatory organizations share the overarching project responsibilities (monitoring and evaluations, project management, governance, capacity building, reporting, and sub-granting)?

  Yes.

• Is there a share of the total budget that can or should be spent on activities in Canada that respond to the climate change adaptation priorities of Indigenous communities?

  Given Global Affairs Canada’s mandate and that Official Development Assistance funding is intended to support developing countries, any activities in Canada should contribute to outcomes related to the improved resilience and the climate change adaptation priorities of Indigenous communities abroad, not the climate priorities of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Activities related to public engagement in Canada often account for around 5%-10% of the direct project costs. More information specific to the budget will be required at the full proposal stage. Applicants are encouraged to identify activities that contribute to strengthened Indigenous partnerships.

• Can Global Affairs Canada provide examples of “improved climate resilience” of Indigenous Peoples in developing countries? Are there specific metrics the department is interested in?

  Global Affairs Canada does not have specific metrics or examples of improved climate resilience of Indigenous Peoples in developing countries. These should be informed by the priorities of Indigenous Peoples in developing countries.

  Overarching projects can look at examples of outcomes of climate change adaptation on the Partnering for Climate website (Annex), but these would need to be adapted to incorporate an Indigenous lens and focus on the climate resilience of Indigenous Peoples.

Application Process & Eligibility

• If an international organization has a Canadian office and a non-Canadian office, but grants typically flow through the non-Canadian office, can they apply for this call through the non-Canadian office?

  No. All organizations submitting applications must meet all of eligibility requirements to be considered under this call, which includes being legally incorporated in Canada must be legally incorporated in Canada. Applications that do not meet all organization eligibility requirements and required project parameters will not proceed to merit assessment.

• Can Indigenous organizations in Canada partner with civil society organizations (with strong connections with Indigenous Peoples) for this call?

  Yes. The call is open to Indigenous organizations in Canada, non-Indigenous organizations in Canada with strong connections with Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and/or partnerships between the 2 kinds of organization. All organizations must meet the organization eligibility requirements.

• Can non-signatory organizations of a funding agreement be non-Canadian organizations?

  Yes. Non-signatory organizations can be non-Canadian organizations. However, if they are listed as participants of a selected overarching project, they will be ineligible for funding through the partnership projects.

• Do local partners or local service providers that will be involved in the project need to meet the eligibility criteria?

  No. Only the potential lead signatory and co-signatories need to meet the eligibility criteria.

• Can the example of relevant project experience be from a project implemented by a non-signatory partner ?

  No. The example provided must be from a project implemented by the prospective signatory or a co-signatory.

• In what language should the concept note application be submitted?

  The concept note and all accompanying documents should be presented in English, French, or a combination of these 2 languages.

• Can any additional supporting documents, other than those provided in the application package, be submitted with the application?

  The only documents against which your concept note will be assessed are those that are outlined in the call page. Any additional documents above and beyond these are not considered part of the application and will not be reviewed.

• If an organization has already registered in the portal in the past, do they need to re-register for this call?

  No. An organization does not need to re-register in the portal for this call. However, the organization should ensure that all of their information, including contact details, are accurate and up to date.

• When providing examples of organization experience, how far back are we able to go in choosing project(s) to profile?

  Specific details are given for some criteria only, such as technical and financial experience managing projects (minimum value of $5 million and minimum of 5 years over the last 15 years) or sub-granting programs (minimum of 3 years over the last 15 years).

• Can the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Métis National Council, or Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada be considered co-signatories or non-signatory partners in a concept note?

  No. Representatives of the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada (for Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami) and the Métis National Council participated in the design of the call and will be involved in the assessment of concept notes and full proposals. These organizations cannot be co-signatories or non-signatory partners in the concept note (or subsequent full proposal).

  National Indigenous Organizations are eligible to apply for partnership projects later.

• Are Indigenous businesses eligible to apply for funding?

  Indigenous businesses that meet the criteria are eligible.

  Overarching projects and sub-granted partnership projects must not generate profit directly or indirectly for any implementing organization. See Section 15 of (terms and conditions) of the International Development Assistance Program.

• What is considered an “Indigenous organization”?

  The following text is from the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues: “Considering the diversity of Indigenous peoples, an official definition of ‘Indigenous’ has not been adopted by any UN-system body. Instead, the system has developed a modern understanding of this term based on the following: self-identification as Indigenous peoples at the individual level and accepted by the community as their member; historical continuity with pre-colonial and/or pre-settler societies; strong link to territories and surrounding natural resources; distinct social, economic or political systems; distinct language, culture and beliefs, form non-dominant groups of society; resolve to maintain and reproduce their ancestral environments and systems as distinctive peoples and communities.

  The term “Indigenous” has prevailed as a generic term for many years. In some countries, there may be preference for other terms, including tribes, first peoples/nations, aboriginals, ethnic groups, adivasi, janajati. Occupational and geographical terms like hunter-gatherers, nomads, peasants, hill people, etc., also exist and for all practical purposes can be used interchangeably with “Indigenous Peoples” (Source: United nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous issues
  https://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/5session_factsheet1.pdf).

  In Canada, Indigenous Peoples is a collective name for the original peoples of North America and their descendants. The Constitution of Canada recognizes 3 groups of Aboriginal peoples: Indians (more commonly referred to as First Nations), Inuit and Métis. These are 3 distinct peoples with unique histories, languages, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. Source: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.Indigenous peoples and communities (rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca)

  For this call, Indigenous organizations are Indigenous-led organizations that demonstrate support for Indigenous communities. Indigenous organizations that apply for funding under this call must provide supporting documentation regarding their history, governance structure and/or ownership.

• What information about sub-granting experience does the applicant for an overarching project need to include?

  Please refer to Section 3 of the Guide to preparing concept notes. Applicants are required to demonstrate financial and technical experience with setting up and managing sub-granting programs (a minimum of 3 years over the last 15 years), and provide details about the funding envelope, objective, duration, due diligence and monitoring of sub-grants.

• Can groups that are members of the Assembly of First Nations, Métis National Council, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami or Inuit Circumpolar Council apply for funding under this call?

  Yes. Legally independent member organizations of the Assembly of First Nations, the Métis National Council, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada are eligible to apply for funding if they meet the eligibility criteria on the call page.

• Does the Indigenous Peoples Partnering for Climate call allow for partnership projects in North America?

  No. Partnership projects can be implemented only in official development assistance-eligible countries.

• Can a non-Indigenous organization in Canada with strong connections with Indigenous Peoples in Official Development Assistance-eligible countries, but no working relationship with Indigenous Peoples in Canada, apply under this call?

  Non-Indigenous organizations must demonstrate their strong connections with Indigenous organizations in Canada and their experience working with First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis. The strong connections may refer to close relationships, common interests, partnerships and/or collaborative work. Non-Indigenous organizations must demonstrate these connections by submitting a letter of support from Indigenous organizations and/or First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis.

  A non-Indigenous organization could possibly make connections with interested Indigenous organizations and/or First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis while the call for concept notes is open (until February 8, 2023, 12 pm ET) and submit a letter of support from these partners (who may also be non-signatory or signatory partners).

  These organizations may also make note of their connections with Indigenous organizations in Official Development Assistance-eligible countries in their application.

  Through sub-granting, the selected overarching project(s) will support partnership projects that are co-led by Indigenous organizations in Canada and Indigenous organizations in Official Development Assistance-eligible countries. Indigenous organizations in Canada may include non-Indigenous organizations in Canada as partners in their application for partnership project funding.

• If representatives of the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Circumpolar Council – Canada and Métis National Council have participated in the design of this call, how will potential, apparent, or real conflict of interest be avoided given their relationship with Indigenous organizations that might apply?

  Global Affairs Canada has made a commitment to reconciliation through its Action Plan on Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples (2021-2025), including Goal 3 to expand and deepen partnerships with Indigenous Peoples in Canada and around the world to enhance their participation and respond to their identified priorities. It was fundamental for Indigenous Peoples to guide the design of the Indigenous Peoples Partnering for Climate initiative.

  The representatives from the 3 National Indigenous Organizations will be on the committee to assess concept notes and, later, full proposals for the overarching project(s) and thus are an integral part of the call.

  The 3 National Indigenous Organizations that are guiding the Indigenous Peoples Partnering for Climate initiative will not submit a proposal for an overarching project under this call or be co-signatories or non-signatory partners for overarching projects under this call.

  The representatives of the 3 National Indigenous Organizations are members of a working group with Global Affairs Canada and are signing a contract for their advisory services for this initiative. The contract includes a clause on conflict of interest and a non-disclosure agreement.

  The non-disclosure agreement stipulates that these representatives of the 3 ational Indigenous Organizations will not provide assistance to organizations applying under this call. That said, their organizations may provide assistance to their member organizations applying under this call via employees who are not involved in the design of Indigenous Peoples Partnering for Climate.

• Can an applicant demonstrate its technical and financial experience by using more than 1 project example?

  The applicant must demonstrate the ability to manage project(s) of a similar dollar value. The applicant can cite more than 1 project example to demonstrate the required technical and financial experience in managing projects of a similar size and funding amount if the projects meet the requirements stated in the guide for concept notes (minimum value of $5 million and minimum of 5 years over the last 15 years).

  Applicants should also demonstrate financial and technical experience setting up and managing sub-granting programs (minimum of 3 years over the last 15 years) as noted in the guide for concept notes.

• If a co-signatory for the overarching project is an Indigenous-led organization in Canada, will it be eligible to receive funding for partnership projects afterwards?

  No.

• If an applicant has experience working with Indigenous organizations in Canada or abroad, should it include them as non-signatory partners in the concept note?

  Engagement with Indigenous partners in Canada and abroad is encouraged as it relates to the broader thematic areas of the overarching project.

  However, formally consulting Indigenous organizations on specific parameters related to the design and selection criteria for future partnership projects could create a risk of conflict of interest. Indigenous organizations that might be in the governance or management structures of an overarching project or play a role in funding decisions for partnership projects would not be eligible to receive funding through partnership projects.

  If the Indigenous organizations in Canada that you have experience working with want to be eligible to apply for funding via partnership projects later, they cannot be named as signatory or non-signatory partners in the concept note for your overarching project. They can, however provide letters of support that demonstrate their strong connections (close relationship, common interests, partnerships and/or collaborative work) with your organization. This approach aims to reduce any potential, actual, perceived or apparent conflict of interest at the partnership project application stage.

  You will need to explain how you will manage any potential, actual, perceived or apparent conflict of interest in the sub-granting process for partnership projects.

• If Indigenous organizations and communities from Official-Development Assistance-eligible countries are consulted at the concept note stage to ensure alignment with Indigenous priorities, are these organizations and communities still eligible to apply for partnership funding?

  Engagement with Indigenous organizations in Canada and abroad is encouraged as it relates to the broader thematic areas of the overarching project. Indigenous organizations rand communities from Official Development Assistance-eligible countries can engage at this broader thematic level and remain eligible to apply for partnership projects.

  However, formally consulting Indigenous organizations on specific parameters related to the selection criteria for future partnership projects could create a risk of conflict of interest.

• As Global Affairs Canada's maximum allowable amount for Overhead Compensation is 12%, please clarify whether the Overhead Compensation, which is applicable to the full project amount (overarching project and sub-granting values), is considered as part of the 35% limitation on the overarching project costs. Therefore, would the overarching project costs, with the 35% limit, be inclusive of the overhead/indirect costs, as well as the signatory and any other lead partner costs?

  Yes, the 35% limit would cover all overarching project costs, including overhead. Signatory partner and any other lead partner costs cannot exceed the 35% limit.

• Can overhead be claimed on the sub-granting component of an overarching project?

  Yes. 12% can be claimed on the portion dedicated to sub-grants (65% of total funding from GAC); this 12% amount is to be distributed between partnership project partners in Canada and in developing countries for their overhead needs. Also, 12% can be claimed on the 35% of total funding from GAC for project management; capacity building; monitoring, evaluation and learning; reporting; and governance. Global Affairs Canada will provide additional guidance on project budgets, eligible costs, and other financial considerations when select organizations are invited to submit a full proposal.

• If organizations contribute their own cost share, can these funds be spent on activities in Canada?

  On an exceptional basis and only applicable to this call, if organizations contribute to cost sharing (cash and/or in kind), these funds will be considered eligible costs if directed at capacity and partnership building activities with Indigenous organizations in Canada.