Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program Now Accepting Applications

The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) is currently taking applications for its Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program.

Created to increase support services to the community and strengthen ties between local organizations and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the Grant is offered to both one-time projects and recurrent grants.

“Improving access to support services for members of the Defence Community who have been affected by sexual misconduct is a top priority for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. By funding projects across Canada, the SMSRC’s Grant Program ensures that our people have access to a broader range of support services.

“The Defence Community works hard every day to keep Canadians safe and it is our duty to make sure we build an institution where everyone feels respected and empowered to reach their full potential,” said Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence in a statement.

The application deadline for the grant is Nov. 26 at midnight Pacific Time.

Grant Details

To be considered for the grant, organizations must be Canadian and constituted as a not-for-profit organization that provides some type of support to those affected by sexual misconduct within the Department of National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) community.

The grant offers both one-time and recurring options. The one-time project grants up to $50,000, while the recurrent grants are for a sum of $75,000 annually for two to three years.

Organizations are permitted to apply for both types of grants. The funding for the grant is expected to begin Spring 2025.

Expanding Services

The Grant Program was set up by the SMSRC program to address the needs of members of the Defence community. It was established at the behest of people in the Defence community who were particularly affected by sexual misconduct so that they could access a broad range of “culturally competent, confidential, specialized care and support services.”

The Grant specifically allows local organizations and community-based programs a chance to broaden their horizon and ability to serve their local community alongside CAF and Defence community members.

“Survivors and individuals affected by sexual misconduct should be able to access the support services they need when and where they need them. This program helps expand access to critical support services close to home. By investing in community-based organizations, our government is empowering communities to provide the care and resources that survivors and their families can count on,” said Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence.

For more information about the SMSRC Grant, visit the website here.