Important Note: The program currently has limited budget availability due to a high demand. Please contact a FedNor officer to discuss your project prior to submitting an application under the program.
One-phase Application Process – Youth Internships
Support for Youth Internships is provided under the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP) and the Economic Development Initiative (EDI) for Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs).
Before completing your application, carefully review the relevant Program Guidelines (REGI, NODP or EDI) to ensure your organization is an eligible recipient and that your proposal fits within program objectives and criteria. FedNor will work to ensure project applications also align with the Government of Canada's Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario.
Please note: Not-For-Profit applicants may apply directly to FedNor for a youth internship. Private Sector applicants should apply through the Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) in Northern Ontario. Please contact the CFDC in your geographical area to discuss your project idea. Find Your Local CFDC (Google Map) (cfontario.ca).
To apply for support for a youth internship project, applicants must:
- submit an Application for Financial Assistance providing key contact and project information;
- provide a copy of the applicant's latest audited financial statements;
- provide proof of registration or incorporation (first-time applicants);
- complete the Applicant Declaration on Lobbying;
- submit a Youth Internship Work Plan and mentoring/supervisory arrangement;
- identify demonstrated networking opportunities for the intern;
- submit a post-internship retention plan;
- provide an endorsement by an appropriate or regulatory body, including union concurrence, where applicable; and
- demonstrate a fair and transparent recruitment, interview and hiring process.
Priorities:
Applicants must briefly explain how their proposed project will result in the following outcomes with the assistance of a youth intern:
- Increased community mobilization to identify and prioritize viable economic opportunities through strong decision making and planning;
- Strengthened economic competitiveness in the community through priorities to diversify and stimulate business investment and growth in the short- to medium-term (up to five years).
Funding Conditions:
Not-for-profit applicants:
FedNor may contribute up to 90 percent to a maximum contribution of $35,000 annually toward the eligible costs of salary and employee benefit expenses in a full-time position for the internship period for up to 18 months (for a maximum contribution of up to $52,500 towards the salary and benefits of the intern).
FedNor may also contribute up to 90 percent to a maximum contribution of $5,000 toward eligible ancillary costs such as equipment and training (for a total contribution of up to $57,500 towards the salary, benefits, and ancillary costs of the intern).
The salary for intern and employee benefits are eligible costs while there is an employer-employee relationship. Such relationship exists when there is a verbal or written agreement in which an employee agrees to work on a full-time basis for an employer for a specified period of time, in return for salary or wages.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs):
Private Sector Youth Internships are currently being administered by the 24 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) in Northern Ontario. Please contact the CFDC in your geographical area to discuss your project idea. Find Your Local CFDC (Google Map) (cfontario.ca)
Eligible applicants may be eligible to receive up to 50 percent to a maximum contribution of $35,000 for the eligible costs of salary and employee benefits expenses in a full-time position for the internship period for up to 12 months.
Eligible applicants may also be eligible to receive up to 50 percent to a maximum contribution of $5,000 toward ancillary costs, such as equipment and training (for a total maximum contribution of up to $40,000 towards the salary, benefits, and ancillary costs of the intern).
Eligible Youth Internship Criteria:
- Unemployed or underemployed (persons under the age of 30);
- Have graduated within the last three (3) years with a degree, diploma or certificate from a recognized post-secondary institution;
- Legally entitled to work in Canada;
- Have not previously participated as a youth intern in FedNor's programs or in any other federal or provincial internship program with pay for a period of six (6) months or more Footnote *; and
- Not related to the directors, officers or managers of the organization.
Evaluation:
Applications will be evaluated on their ability to support the objectives of FedNor's priorities and meet the following criteria:
- Applicant can demonstrate it has an established track record in the delivery of projects;
- Applicant has the expertise and resources required to complete the proposed project;
- Applicants applying on behalf of a sector or industry represent the key project stakeholders;
- Applicants have established a clearly articulated project governance structure and decision-making process;
- The project addresses a need identified by end users and will not duplicate existing efforts or projects;
- Accountability mechanisms are in place to ensure due diligence in administering public funds and the ability to report on performance measures; and
- Identification of a person and position responsible for project delivery and management along with key officers of the organization who have signing authority.
Furthermore, applications must clearly demonstrate how the proposed project will result in economic benefits to Northern Ontario, namely short- to medium-term measurable results leading to the economic development and growth of Northern Ontario communities and businesses.
Reporting Requirements:
Funding recipients will be required to report to FedNor on project expenditures and activities, the results/outcomes of the project, and achievement of performance indicators as identified in the contribution agreement.
Other Considerations:
Recruitment advertisements related to the project must feature the required text for advertisements.
Recipients of public funding may be asked to fulfill official languages obligations among other obligations, depending on the nature of the project and the targeted clientele.
FedNor requires that all projects conform to the guidelines set out in the Impact Assessment Act (IAA). For details of IAA requirements, please visit the Impact Assessment Agency website: https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-assessment-agency.html.
Applicants cannot presume that financial support will be provided toward their project until written approval is obtained through a signed contribution agreement.
Applicants will receive written or electronic confirmation that their Youth Internship Application has been received. FedNor may contact applicants for additional information as a review of the information is undertaken.
The results of the FedNor's review will be communicated to applicants in writing.
Youth Internship Applications are available online and can be completed and sent to the FedNor office nearest you.
Contact Us:
For more information on FedNor's Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), the Economic Development Initiative (EDI) and other services, please contact your local FedNor Officer or call us toll-free at 1-877-333-6673.