Frequently Asked Questions - Ideas Fund
- Who can apply?
- Funding parameters
- Application process
- Reporting
- Questions
WHO CAN APPLY?
Who is eligible to apply for an Ideas Fund grant?
The "Principal Applicant" for the Ideas Fund grant must be a service provider and/or administrator working with clients of the Ministry or in partnership with programs and services offered by the Ministry of Seniors and Community Supports, (see http://www.seniors.gov.ab.ca/ for a list of their programs and services), and contracted services through community agencies.
Can I conduct my research/evaluation project on my own or do I need to partner with someone?
It is encouraged where appropriate that the project involve community partners (e.g., seniors or persons with disabilities, community organizations), who should be included in the application as "Project Partners".
FUNDING PARAMETERS
Where can I find the guidelines for the Ideas Fund?
Grant Details and Guidelines are available here.
What's the maximum amount awarded?
$8,000
How long do I have to complete my project?
Projects must be completed and reporting submitted within one year of the project start date.
What types of research/evaluation questions are allowed?
It is anticipated that grants will be used to assess, investigate or evaluate services, programs or policy (e.g., for planning and reporting purposes). Projects must be focused on research or evaluation, be related to mental health or mental well-being, and fall under one of the six domains of interest. The target population of the project must be either or both seniors and persons with disabilities.
Some examples of questions for Ideas Fund projects are listed in Appendix A of the Grant Details and Guidelines. These examples may help guide applicants in developing their projects. Questions not included in the Appendix are also eligible for funding.
What are the six domains of interest?
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Independent living: Supports and barriers
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Employment
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Early identification and prevention: Protective and risk factors
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Poly-pharmacy: Risks associated with using several medications
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Strength-based approaches
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System capability to respond to those with complex needs
Can I use the funding to implement an innovative new program or intervention?
No. The grant funding is to used strictly for research/evaluation. A full list of exclusionary criteria can be found in the Grant Details and Guidelines.
Can I use a portion of the grant towards cover-off time?
Yes, in some circumstances the grant may be used for cover-off purposes to allow practitioners/service providers to dedicate some of their time to the project. Cover-off refers to using project funds to support the time (including partial amounts of time) of a Principal Applicant or team members in order to complete the project (i.e., time release). This must be explicitly acknowledged in a letter of support from your organization and/or supervisor.
Can other sources of funding be used in combination with the Ideas Fund grant to conduct my research/evaluation project?
Yes. However, these sources must be listed in your application.
When will funds be disbursed (what is the project start date)?
Projects may begin once the Grant Agreement has been signed. It is anticipated that Grant Agreements will be drafted in Fall 2011 and projects will begin in January 2012.
APPLICATION PROCESS
What do I need to submit in my application package?
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Your application package should consist of:
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- A completed Ideas Fund Application Form
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- A two page summary
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- A letter of support from your supervisor/organization
How do I submit an application?
You will need to submit your application package by email to Corrina Pasarica as well as four hard copies by mail or courier. The mailing address is available in the Grant Details and Guidelines.
Will I receive confirmation that you have received my application?
You will receive an email confirmation of your application submission. If you do not receive confirmation within 2 business days of submitting your application, please contact Corrina Pasarica.
What is the deadline for submitting my application?
The deadline for submitting your application package (electronic and hard copies) is 4:00pm on September 15, 2011.
Do I need to complete the ARECCI Ethics Screening Tool as part of my application?
No. The ARECCI Ethics Screenting Tool is not a requirement for your application to the Ideas Fund. However, if you are among those selected to move on for further consideration, you will be asked to attend Project Development Seminars where you will complete the tool and refine your project plan.
REPORTING
Are there templates that I can use for reporting?
Reporting requirements are outlined in the Grant Details and Guidelines. Templates will be provided to successful applicants.
Will my report(s) be made public?
Portions of, or the entire report(s), maybe made public through our Research Partnership Program website (www.mentalhealthresearch.ca).
QUESTIONS
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Corrina Pasarica, Administrative Assistant for the Alberta Addiction and Mental Health Research Partnership Program, is the contact person for this initiative. She can be reached by phone (780-342-8820 or 780-427-0116) or email.