Overview

This year we will have one Call for Proposals for innovative language projects and settlement projects.

Alberta Settlement and Integration Program

The Alberta Settlement and Integration Program, launched in January 2018, provides supports for newcomers as they settle and integrate into Alberta’s society. The program funds initiatives that contribute to the following outcomes:

  • newcomers have information about living and working in Alberta, and about access to services and opportunities that support their settlement and integration
  • organizations provide programs and services that help newcomers meet their settlement, integration and language needs
  • newcomers are welcomed and well-received within communities, workplaces and service organizations

For more information about the Alberta Settlement and Integration Program, see Alberta Settlement and Integration Program (PDF, 1.14 MB).

Call for proposals: Settlement, Integration and Language Projects

Apply to have your project funded in one of 4 streams:

  1. Basic Settlement Services for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Ineligible Clients (up to $100,000)

    Projects that provide basic settlement services to newcomers to Alberta who are not eligible to receive these services from the federal government.

  2. Building Community Receptive Capacity (up to $250,000)

    Projects that:

    • Fill knowledge gaps and provide skills training for service providers.
    • Help employers to hire, support and retain newcomer employees.
  3. Supporting Labour Market Integration (up to $300,000)

    Projects that provide opportunities for newcomer groups that are under-represented or face unique needs (for example: youth, women, LGBTQ, Francophones, low literacy) to develop knowledge and/or skills to find work or advance their careers.

  4. Innovation (up to $500,000)

    Projects that focus on the development of new knowledge and/or new strategies that support newcomer integration.

Multiple applications

Organizations can submit up to 2 applications in response to this Call for Proposals.

Eligibility

To apply for a grant, applicant organizations and projects must meet these guidelines.

Eligible applicants

To be eligible for this grant, your organization must be a:

  • non-profit organization
  • post-secondary institution
  • community organization
  • municipality
  • registered company (e.g. consultants or business owner)

Applicants must have a minimum of 2 years’ organizational experience:

  • supporting newcomers OR
  • in their particular area of expertise, and have a demonstrated partnership with an organization that has 2 years’ experience supporting newcomers

Projects with Partnerships

Primary applicant organization

The primary applicant organization:

  • must be an eligible organization listed above
  • is the fiscal agent
  • has the lead role in planning the project scope, timeline and outputs
  • leads the project coordination
  • is accountable for all project deliverables and reporting requirements

Partner organization

Partner organizations actively contribute to the project goals, scope, outputs and outcomes.

Eligible projects

To be eligible, projects must:

  • be time-limited, up to a maximum of 24 months
  • fit within one of the 4 funding streams listed above
  • address at least one of the outcomes identified for the funding stream
  • cost no more than the funding cap set for the stream

How to apply

Step 1. Read the terms and conditions

Read the sample Grant Agreement Template (PDF, 254 KB). It covers the terms and conditions of this grant program, as well as the reporting requirements you will be responsible for if your project is funded.

Step 2. Review the Application Guidelines

Before applying, please review the Application Guidelines (PDF, 481 KB). It contains detailed information that you need to know before you decide to apply.

Step 3. Download the complete application package:

Step 4: Complete the application

Only complete applications will be considered. A complete application consists of all six documents listed in Step 3 along with supporting documentation.

Please read the Application Instructions and Checklist document carefully for the details to ensure you have included all necessary information.

Step 5. Submit the Application

  • Submit your completed application documents in one email to newcomersupports@gov.ab.ca.
  • Title the subject line of your email as:
    [Organization Name]: 2018-19 SILP CFP Submission
  • If there are server restrictions that prevent you from sending large email attachments, please send an email to newcomersupports@gov.ab.ca indicating you will need to send multiple emails to fulfil all the submission requirements, and proceed to do so.

Additional resources

  • Applicant’s conference call (PDF, 339 KB) – July 11
    Transcribed conference call that details application process and answers to applicant questions from the conference.

After you apply

After you apply, the following steps occur:

1. Initial screening

Once the application has been received, an initial screening is done to ensure that the application is complete and meets the eligibility criteria.

2. Committee review

Applications that pass the initial screening are reviewed and scored by a committee. Scoring will be based on the overall application package and how it addresses the following criteria:

  • need for the project
  • project components and design
  • ability of organization(s) to deliver project
  • risk identification and management
  • implementation plan
  • outcome measurement plan
  • budget and project costs

3. Internal review

Department staff will consider all applications recommended by the application review committees, and award grants based on application scores, as well as provincial needs, priorities and available funding.

All applicants will be notified of the results of their applications.

Projects funded

  • 2018-19 projects funded

    Alberta Newcomers: How-To & Smart Tips Video Series

    Awarded to: Immigrant Services Calgary

    Development of a series of multi-lingual, scenario-based videos as well as a new, interactive online platform that serves as a centralized base for coordinated dissemination of trustworthy settlement videos. The goal is to increase accessibility to settlement information. (Innovation)

    Career Transitions Program for IMGs

    Awarded to: Alberta International Medical Graduates Association

    Part-time classroom training over 12 weeks consisting of 10 one-day workshops, a 100-hour work placement/mentorship, and up to 6 individual coaching sessions for 50 International Medical Graduates seeking an alternative career. Plus delivery of three workshops on bridging cultural diversity in the workplace for employers. The goal is to help participants transition from a position of underemployment to a position where their skills and knowledge are utilized.

    Childcare Training for Low Literacy Immigrant Women

    Awarded to: Calgary Immigrant Women's Association

    Full-time classroom training for 36 weeks and mentored work experience for 8 weeks provided to two cohorts of 15 immigrant women in Calgary leading to their Child Development Assistant certification. Follow-up support in job placement and job retention is provided, if needed. The goal is for participants to be employed by the end of program.

    Digitizing Workplace Resources

    Awarded to: Alberta Workforce Essential Skills Society

    Consolidation and digitization of several AWES essential skills and workplace culture resources into interactive, self-directed, gamified training modules at CLB 3-5 that are accessible via a variety of digital devices (i.e. smartphone, tablet, computer). The goal is to increase accessibility to training that improves labour market attachment for newcomers. (Innovation)

    Employability Skills Enhancement for Newcomers

    Awarded to: Calgary Catholic Immigration Society

    Full-time classroom training for 5 cohorts of 15 newcomers consisting of 6 weeks of general employability skills training, 2 weeks of sector-specific training (hospitality, manufacturing, health care or agriculture), and 2 weeks of a mentor-supported work exposure in Calgary and surrounding areas. The goal is for participants to be employed by the end of the program.

    Enhancing Workplace Safety and Equity through Newcomer Youth-Employer Collaboration

    Awarded to: Bow Valley College

    Research, co-creation, piloting and evaluation of a set of scalable teaching methods and online learning resources relating to workplace safety and equity for young English language learner (ELL) employees, employers, and ELL instructors.  The goal is to increase access to training and resources that help improve labour market integration outcomes for newcomer youth, who are also ELLs. (Innovation)

    Equipping and Advancing a Culturally Diverse Workforce

    Awarded to: Anthony & Holmes Consulting Ltd

    Research, design, development and piloting of a part-time blended leadership development program that includes coaching and a practicum with 3 cohorts of 15-20 newcomer staff as well as a parallel program for 3 cohorts of 15-20 current leaders to equip them to support newcomer advancement in the disability services sector. Plus updating and revision of a mandatory online course for the disability services sector with plain language and ESL learning strategies piloted with 75 learners. The goal is to identify barriers to and strategies that facilitate diversity and inclusion in succession planning and to make the online course more accessible to newcomers. (Innovation)

    Family Wellness and Community Enhancement Project

    Awarded to: Catholic Social Services

    Provides holistic and client-centred supports for individuals and families in Edmonton and Red Deer who have recently reunited after a prolonged separation through the development of a Family Wellness Plan involving individual, family and group sessions. The goal is that participants achieve healthy family relationships.

    First Steps to Integration: Language, Culture, and Employment Supports for Newcomers and their Workplaces

    Awarded to: Multicultural Health Brokers Co-operative Ltd.

    Part-time classroom training consisting of 12 weeks of language instruction and industry-specific job skills offered on-site with hospitality industry partners for 4 cohorts of 10 newcomers with low language skills and complex barriers to work readiness.  Ongoing support from a Culture/Career Coach is provided. The goal is for participants to be employed at the end of the program and to articulate strategies to promote welcoming workplaces through relationship-based intercultural engagement. (Innovation)

    Immigrant Access Counseling

    Awarded to: The Immigrant Educational Society

    Development, piloting and evaluation of a model for online delivery of settlement services (needs assessments; information and referrals; supportive counseling) to newcomers who are not eligible for federally funded services in Calgary and area. The goal is to identify promising practices for an online delivery strategy that will increase accessibility to settlement services. ​(Innovation)

    LGBTQ+ Welcoming Centres Project

    Awarded to: Centre for Newcomers

    Part-time classroom-based professional development workshops, seminars and small group training to 60 service provider organizations across Alberta on how to effectively address LGBTQ+ newcomer issues and to use best practices to welcome LGBTQ+ people into their services.  The goal is for organizations to complete training, conduct a scan and develop an ongoing improvement plan to be certified as a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ newcomers.

    Municipal Integration Project

    Awarded to: Town of Banff

    Adaptation of the municipality's service delivery model into a ‘single front door’ approach to services and programs; development of new plain language community orientation resources; establishment of outreach services through multilingual Community Champions; and promotion and evaluation. The goal is to transition the municipality into a more active and sustaining role in settlement and integration in the Banff region.

    Newcomer Settlement and Integration Supports

    Awarded to: Grande Prairie Centre for Newcomers

    Provides settlement services (needs assessments; orientations; information and referrals; translation and interpretation; supportive counseling) to newcomers who are not eligible for federally funded services in Grand Prairie and surrounding communities.

    Professional Development for Alberta's Settlement and Integration Sector

    Awarded to: Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies

    Facilitation of stakeholder engagement to identify gaps, issues, and emerging trends in provincial settlement needs and promotion of collaborative responses.  Plus, delivery of part-time (1-2 day) classroom-based professional development courses and development of self-paced online versions for service providers across the province on 4 topics identified by membership. The goal is to advance service delivery for newcomers in Alberta.

    Providing Pathways

    Awarded to: Edson and District Community Learning Society

    Provides settlement services (needs assessments; orientations; information and referrals; translation and interpretation; supportive counseling) to newcomers who are not eligible for federally funded services in Edson and surrounding communities.

    Services d'établissement francophones pour les Canadiens naturalisés et les résidents temporaires

    Awarded to: Accès Emploi Alberta

    Provides settlement services in French (needs assessments; orientations; information and referrals; translation and interpretation; supportive counseling) to newcomers who are not eligible for federally funded services in Edmonton, Fort McMurray and surrounding communities.

    Supply Chain Preparation and Training for Newcomers

    Awarded to: NorQuest College

    (Partner: Supply Chain Management Association of Alberta) Full-time classroom training for 4 months plus 150-hour work placement that provides 30 newcomers at CLB 5/6 in Edmonton with intercultural, language, and technical skills aligned to the Supply Management Training national outcomes. The goal is for participants to be labour market ready and to establish a pathway for newcomers to a career in Supply Chain. (Innovation)

    Supporting Emerging Entrepreneurial Decisions (SEED) for newcomer women

    Awarded to: Bow Valley College

    (Partners: Start-Up Calgary, CIWA, Chiu School of Business) Research, design, and development of a 40-hour part-time blended course employing experiential learning piloted with 20 newcomer women emerging entrepreneurs at CLB 6/7 in Calgary. The goal is to identify language and intercultural competencies required for emerging entrepreneurs, support entrepreneurial thinking and action, and empower newcomer women to bridge to existing supports and programs that will help them to create their own businesses. (Innovation)

    Supports for Newcomer Integration

    Awarded to: Lethbridge Family Services

    Provides settlement services (needs assessments; orientations; information and referrals; translation and interpretation; supportive counseling) to newcomers who are not eligible for federally funded services in Lethbridge and surrounding communities.

    The Language of Inclusion: Diversity and Inclusion Materials for the ESL Classroom

    Awarded to: NorQuest College

    Development of 4 integrated skills modules targeting low to intermediate English language learners on the topic of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Addresses the need in Alberta for more ESL teaching and learning resources on this topic. Understanding Newcomer Experiences of Inclusion

    Understanding Newcomer Experiences of Inclusion

    Awarded to: Centre for Race and Culture

    This research project uses mixed methods to examine the correlation of Personal Wellbeing and other aspects of individual lived experiences related to diversity and inclusion with a range of geographic as well as social, economic and other demographic variables. The goal is to contribute to better understandings of newcomers’ needs so that promising practices and initiatives can be identified, strengthened and promoted.

    Workplace Integration for Newcomers

    Awarded to: Being Human Services

    Part-time classroom and one-on-one training over 16 weeks providing employment readiness training with a language focus for 50 newcomers at CLB 3-5 in Medicine Hat and area. The goal is to help newcomers to connect to workplaces and ultimately help them secure employment.

  • 2017-18 projects funded

    Working Faster, Working Safer: Language, Essential Skills and Intercultural Communication for CLB 1-2

    Awarded to: Alberta Workforce Essential Skills Society

    This project provided orientation and training for language instructors by piloting the newly developed materials for low level Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) learners.

    Post-TESL Professional Development

    Awarded to: Bow Valley College

    This project provided direct support for English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors in the form of specialized professional development to help increase the skills and abilities of ESL service providers across the province in supporting the successful settlement and integration of newcomers to Alberta.

    Foundations in Agricultural-based industry – for Refugees and other Migrants (FARM) in Alberta

    Awarded: Calgary Immigrant Educational Society

    This program focused on preparing Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4–5 newcomers with an agriculture background for employment in agricultural-related commercial industries, such as horticulture and landscaping.

    Workplace Online Retention Class (WORC)

    Awarded to: Calgary Immigrant Educational Society

    This project provided a blended online course where participants could improve language proficiency (listening, speaking, reading and writing) while focusing on intercultural competency, workplace culture, job-specific language and essential skills.

    Communicative Workplace English

    Awarded to: Grande Prairie Council for Lifelong Learning Society

    This program focused on supporting newcomers who are either employed in the service industry and are seeking advancement or are unemployed and seeking employment in the service industry.

    First Steps to Employment

    Awarded to: Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative

    This project provided immigrants and refugees with language and cultural supports and skills needed to access and retain a job in the hospitality industry.

    Childcare Training for Low Literacy Immigrant Women

    Awarded to: Calgary Immigrant Women's Association

    This project focused on occupational skills training for immigrant and refugee women with limited education and language skills. Successful participants earned Childcare Development Assistant certification.

    Workplace Communication for Rural Immigrants

    Awarded to: Bow Valley College

    This mentoring program assisted newcomers living in rural southern Alberta. Participants accessed online learning materials on workplace communication, soft skills, details and explanations on Canadian workplace norms, plus employer expectations.

    Essential Skills Enhancement for Refugees Program

    Awarded to: Calgary Catholic Immigration Society

    This program provided refugee clients with skills, information and support to secure entry-level employment in health care, hospitality and manufacturing. The program also helps refugee clients gain financial stability and access to opportunities for long-term career growth.

    Newcomer Workplace Integration in the Disability Services Sector

    Awarded to: Anthony & Holmes Consulting Ltd.

    Three online courses focused on intercultural competence and workplace communication developed in partnership with employers for newcomers and Canadian-born workers in the disability services sector.

    Integrating the Essential Skills Tools into the Employment Counselling Process: Workshops and Material

    Awarded to: Alberta Workforce Essential Skills

    This project provided training for front-line workers at immigrant serving agencies who provide employment counselling for immigrant job-seekers. Workshops helped counsellors provide workplace preparation services for newcomers by increasing knowledge and understanding about their needs and the labour market.

    Fostering Positive Healthcare Workplaces for Newcomers in Rural Alberta

    Awarded to: Stettler & District Community Adult Learning Council

    In partnership with NorQuest College, a series of professional development workshops offered employees who work in health care to build intercultural awareness, improve skill levels and English language communication for those whose first language is not English.

    Ongoing Support Services Red Deer

    Awarded to: Catholic Social Services

    This project provided clients with personalized needs assessments, information and orientation, supportive counselling, referral services and outreach activities such as presentations to community organizations.

    Supports for Newcomer Integration

    Awarded to: Edmonton Immigrant Services Association

    This project provided translation services needed for foreign credential assessment as well as supportive counselling, mentoring and group support, information and orientation on community programs and services, immigration and legal issues, employment, housing, and other needs.

    Newcomer Community Integration Project

    Awarded to: Grande Prairie Centre for Newcomers – Edmonton Immigrant Serving Association

    This project supported naturalized Canadian citizens and refugee claimants in Grande Prairie and nearby rural communities who are ineligible for supports funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

    Francophone Newcomer Community Integration – Edmonton

    Awarded to: Centre d'accueil et d'établissement du Nord de l'Alberta

    This project provided settlement and integration services for naturalized Canadians, refugee claimants and their children who are ineligible for supports funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. The project also assisted Francophone LGTBQ newcomers who face barriers ranging from racism, homophobia, transphobia and isolation to logistical issues such as finding work, support services and safe housing.

    Francophone Newcomer Community Integration - Fort McMurray

    Awarded to: Centre d'accueil et d'établissement du Nord de l'Alberta

    This project provided settlement and integration services into the Francophone and broader community in Fort McMurray for naturalized Canadians and refugee claimants and their children who are ineligible for supports funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

    Enhanced Integration Services

    Awarded to: Calgary Catholic Immigration Society

    Support for naturalized Canadian citizens and refugee claimants ineligible for funding by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and are facing significant barriers to their settlement and integration. Clients gained access to resources, skills, connections and support to overcome the barriers they face and achieve outcomes such as financial literacy, employability and social inclusion.

    Brooks Enhanced Integration Services

    Awarded to: Calgary Catholic Immigration Society

    Support for naturalized Canadian citizens and refugee claimants ineligible for funding by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and are facing significant barriers to their settlement and integration. Clients gained access to resources, skills, connections and support to overcome the barriers they face and achieve outcomes such as financial literacy, employability and social inclusion.

    Newcomer Integration Support: Integration, Pre-Employment and Cross-Cultural Parenting Services

    Awarded to: Calgary Immigrant Women's Association

    Support for naturalized Canadian citizens and refugee claimant women and their families ineligible for supports funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Individual counselling sessions in the client’s first language will provide a needs assessment, action planning, integration, pre-employment and supportive family counselling and will be ongoing as needed.

    Newcomer's Navigator

    Awarded to: Taber and District Community Adult Learning Association

    This project supported newcomers who have chosen to settle in the Taber area. It provided a ‘Newcomer Navigator’ staff person in Taber to link clients to career and employment services, English language classes, volunteer opportunities, schools and other relevant local service providers.

    Newcomer and Learner Support Centre

    Awarded to: Two Hills Adult Learning Council

    Language and cultural support to Low German Mennonite speakers through:

    • language classes
    • support centre open during evenings with access to public computers and internet
    • foundational math training for entry into general educational development apprenticeship preparation course to increase employability of clients.

    Alberta LGBTQ+ New Canadians Project

    Awarded to: Centre for Newcomers

    This project builds on piloted joint services dedicated to LGBTQ+ newcomers by serving clients ineligible for services funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in Calgary, mainly naturalized Canadian citizens and refugee claimants.

    Connecting Chinese Newcomers to Mainstream Services

    Awarded to: ASSIST Community Services Centre

    Partnership between ASSIST, Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, and Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton. Increased understanding of Chinese senior newcomers’ settlement needs to create integration pathways with the larger community.

    Refugee Awareness Alberta

    Awarded to: Centre for Race and Culture – Edmonton

    This project educated Albertans about refugees, the causes of their displacement and the resettlement process. Approximately 20 workshops were provided for frontline service providers (from sectors including education, police, housing and health) and the general public.

  • 2016-17 projects funded

    Bridge to Better On-boarding

    Awarded to: Alberta Workforce Essential Skills Society (AWES)

    Design, develop and pilot a course providing language, essential skills and intercultural communication training that supports on-boarding and orientation of front line immigrant employees in food manufacturing.

    Customer Care: Cultivating the Culture of Service

    Awarded to: Bow Valley College

    Design, develop and pilot a part-time blended course for learners at a CLB 4–6 who are working in hospitality and retail jobs.

    Here to Help: Language Skills for Food Service Workers

    Awarded to: Bow Valley College

    Develop an e-handbook targeted for instructors, facilitators and learners who then develop and pilot a part-time face-to-face course using the e-handbook as the core curriculum.

    Adult ESL Classroom Online

    Awarded to: Calgary Immigrant Educational Society (CIES)

    Design, develop and pilot a short, interactive blended-online language employment course for learners at a CLB 3–4.

    Integration for Refugee Women

    Awarded to: Edmonton Northlands

    Develop and deliver a communication and job skills workplace training program that builds work readiness for refugee women, and leads to employment in banquet or concession services.

    Integrated Language & Workforce Training

    Awarded to: NorQuest College

    Develop and deliver workplace-specific language and essential skills training program, including workplace experience, for CLB 3–5 learners who have minimal Canadian work experience and are interested in pursuing employment in the near future.

    Using Trauma-Informed English as Second Language Instruction to Empower Refugees at CLB Levels 3–4

    Awarded to: Red Deer College

    A two-phased project that included a certificate course for language instructors on trauma-informed pedagogy and the subsequent trauma-informed certificate course for refugees at a CLB 3–4 that provides workplace language training for commercial kitchens, hospitality and customer service environments.

Contact

To connect with the Settlement, Integration and Language Projects Grants program:

Email: newcomersupports@gov.ab.ca