Digital Citizen Contribution Program: Next round Of Grants

Canada’s Digital Citizen Contribution Program is back receiving the public’s attention. More taxpayer money is about to be handed out to groups and individuals who qualify under this program. Up to $100,000 (each) is available, depending on the details of the proposal.

This program, including the grants, has already been covered in the past. But it appears that Ottawa is gearing up to subsidize the next round of so-called fact checkers.

Eligible parties include:

• a national, provincial, territorial, municipal, Indigenous, community or professional organization, society or association which has voluntarily associated itself for a not-for-profit purpose, and which has the mandate to represent its membership or community
• a not-for-profit organization, including non-governmental or umbrella organizations, non-profit corporations, community groups, regulatory bodies or apprenticeship authorities, or associations serving the private sector
• a university or educational institution
• an individual researcher, acting in his or her personal capacity
• a research institution with an established record in relevant field(s), intending to undertake work in a Canadian context
• a for-profit Canadian and Canadian-owned institution with a record of developing and delivering programming, and performing research or related activities relevant to the goals of Canadian Heritage’s Digital Citizen Initiative, provided that the nature and the intent of the activity is non-commercial

The Digital Citizen Contribution Program supports the priorities of the Digital Citizen Initiative by providing time-limited financial assistance for research and citizen-focused activities. The Program aims to support democracy and social inclusion in Canada by enhancing and/or supporting efforts to counter online disinformation and other online harms and threats.

Of course, it’s deliberately vague what “online disinformation” and other “online harms and threats” really means. However, it’s not encouraging when the Government is using taxpayer money to fund groups to promote certain versions of truth.

The deadline for applications is August 18, 2022. Presumably, they get sent to the Ministry of Truth.

(1) https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/online-disinformation/digital-citizen-contribution-program.html
(2) https://canucklaw.ca/digital-citizen-contribution-program/
(3) (EN) Program Guidelines – DCCP
(4) (EN) Budget Template – DCCP
(5) (EN) Application Form – DCCP
(6) Unincorporated application acceptance of liability
(7) Direct deposit form