Expanded Security Infrastructure Program Funding: Questions and Answers

Q1. Can you tell me more about the funding that is being offered through the expanded Security Infrastructure Program (SIP)?

A1. An additional investment of $5 million is being made available through the expanded Security Infrastructure Program (SIP) to help communities at risk of hate-motivated crime protect and strengthen the security of their community centres, places of worship and other institutions.

In addition to security measures eligible for funding through the current SIP, the expanded SIP allows for security enhancements to be implemented at additional sites, such as private, not-for-profit office spaces and daycares that serve communities atrisk of being targeted by hate motivated crimes. Time-limited security personnel can also be funded through the expanded SIP.

All projects supported through the expanded SIP must be completed and all funding spent by March 31, 2024. Applications for funding will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis and will be accepted through a continuous intake until the funding is fully allocated. Approved project proposals are eligible for funding up to a maximum of 50% of total eligible project costs. 

Q2. How do I apply for this funding?

A2. To apply for the expanded SIP funding, you must send a completed application form and required documents, as applicable, to SIPexpanded-PISelargi@ps-sp.gc.ca.

Q3. I submitted a funding application through the last SIP Call for Applications which closed on August 31, 2023. Can I apply under the new expanded SIP stream?

A3. Yes, applicants that applied under the 2023 SIP Call for Applications are eligible to apply for the new expanded SIP funding. This additional funding is intended to support an immediate and time-limited security response. Funding administered through the expanded SIP must be spent, and all project activities must be completed, by March 31, 2024.  Please note that weather conditions may impact the ability to complete your project within the desired timeframe and applicants must plan accordingly. Those seeking funding for longer term infrastructure projects that cannot be completed by March 31, 2024, should apply for funding via the SIP during the next call for applications.

Recipient organizations cannot receive funding under both the SIP and the expanded SIP for the exact same purpose, activities and eligible costs.

Q4. Who is eligible to apply for funding under the expanded SIP?

A4. The expanded SIP funding is available to private, not-for-profit organizations who are at risk of being victimized by hate-motivated incidents and/or crime. Funding through the expanded SIP can be used to make security enhancements at community centres, provincially and territorially recognized educational institutions, places of worship, shelters for victims of gender based violence, and other publicly accessible community-based facilities used by Canadian private, not-for-profit organizations, such as daycares and office spaces.

Crown corporations, government bodies, publicly funded institutions, for-profit organizations, and individuals are not eligible for funding. Residential dwellings are also not supported, with the exception of those who may fall under the gender-based violence shelters recipient class.

Q5. Are there new activities that are eligible for funding under the expanded SIP?

A5. Yes. The expanded SIP provides funding for time-limited security personnel.

Although physical infrastructure enhancement continues to be eligible for funding through the expanded SIP, it is important to note that projects must be completed by March 31, 2024. Applicants seeking funding for longer term infrastructure projects that cannot be completed by March 31, 2024, should apply for funding via the SIP.

Q6. – How much funding can I seek with my application?

A6. Public Safety Canada has revised the maximum limits that existed on previous SIP calls for applications. Applicants can now pursue projects up to $1,000,000 under the Expanded SIP, of which the Government of Canada will contribute up to 50%.

Q7. When can I begin to incur expenses?

A7. To better support applicants and communities in need, Public Safety Canada may also reimburse eligible expenses spent by the applicant as of the date of receipt of the application and once the project is approved. This means that money spent prior to signing a Contribution Agreement may be eligible for cost sharing, up to 50%. This change has been implemented for this call, on an exceptional basis, in order to allow communities to take action sooner to protect their sites from hate crimes. It is important to note that funding is not confirmed until a Contribution Agreement has been signed, so any money spent prior to the signature of the agreement is at the recipient’s own risk.

For helpful tips on completing your application, please refer to the following resources:

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