Program for Non-profit Consumer and Voluntary Organizations – 2013-2014 Potential Areas of Interest

A – Research Projects

Effective research projects are based on sound research and analysis directed at promoting the interests and/or protection of Canadian consumers. Projects address issues that are national in scope. More generally, they improve the capacity of consumer organizations to carry out such research and analytical activities. Research projects aimed at supporting educational activities, conferences, workshops, exhibitions, publishing/creating promotional materials, magazines, guides, folders, web sites, training programs and the like are not eligible.

When you are considering your research project ideas, please refer to our ongoing funded projects and to the Consumer Policy Research Database to see what projects were funded in previous years to avoid submitting projects on issues that may already have been addressed.

IMPORTANT: Eligible applicants are encouraged to submit research proposals for 2013/14 on ANY consumer issue that they demonstrate is relevant, not only on the topics listed below.

The following suggested research project topics are listed for information only and are not in any order of priority and are not mandatory:

  • Digital Economy and Consumers
    Consumer involvement in Internet, telecommunications and other digital technologies.
  • Financial Services and Consumers
    Consumer issues in financial services and products.
  • Marketplace Issues
    Consumer interest in marketplace rules and regulations.
  • Responsible/Sustainable Consumption and Consumers
    Consumer’s role and issues regarding sustainable services and products.
  • Vulnerable Consumers
    Issues surrounding the most vulnerable or disadvantaged Canadian consumers.

B – Development Projects: Organization Development and Consumer Movement

For the two types of Development projects available, please refer to the descriptions below to choose the right type of project you wish to submit:

Organization Development

Aims to strengthen an organization's capacity to diversify revenue sources and/or increase its level of self-sufficiency. Projects may include preparation of multi-year business plans, feasibility studies (including online services) and market analyses, or pilot projects for developing and producing products or services with the potential to generate long term revenues for the organization, or increase its visibility and/or the membership base.

Consumer Movement

Aims to strengthen organizations' capacity to work collaboratively in the interest of Canadian consumers by developing joint plans and initiatives in the areas of policy research, analysis and development; by creating and implementing action plans to address issues of national concern; by making concerted international representations; and by establishing joint representation and communication initiatives with the public, with government, and with industry.

OCA is open to discuss any potential ideas which groups may have. OCA will accept short emails (to: ContributionsProgram@ic.gc.ca) from applicants until November 16, 2012.

Please Note: The reception of comments does not imply that a proposal will receive funding.