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Mental Health Innovation Fund – Fall 2014Call for Proposals

Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

October 2014

Introduction

In September 2012, the ministry launched the Mental Health Innovation Fund with an initial call for proposals to provide funding for innovative projects with the potential to improve mental health services and outcomes for Ontario’s postsecondary students.

Background

The 2011 Ontario budget announced a Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy,focused on mental health interventions for children, youth and young adults.

The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities’ priority was to ensure that youth, in transition from secondary school to postsecondary education and through their postsecondary education, were provided with mental health services and supports.

The ministry launched the Mental Health Innovation Fund in September, 2012 with a call for proposalsfor innovative projects that had the potential to improve mental health services and outcomes for postsecondary students. In March 2013, ten successful projects were announced. A second call for proposals in April 2013 led to the announcement of ten additional successful projects in October 2013. Through the first two calls for proposals, a total of 88 projects were submitted.

The decision on funding the 20 successful projects wassupported by the recommendations of a review committee composed of members from the college and university sectors, student associations, and ministry staff.

Mental Health Innovation Fund Goals

The ministry recognizes the continued need to support innovative projects with the potential to improve mental health services and outcomes for Ontario’s postsecondary students.

Thethird call for proposals willbuild on the success and accomplishments of the first two calls for proposals. However, this call for proposals is intended to focus on:

  • the mental health of Aboriginal students,
  • postsecondary students challenged with addictions issues, and,
  • students with mental health issues in transition from secondary to postsecondary studies.

Special efforts are needed to address the high suicide and substance abuse rates among Aboriginal people. Culturally appropriate health and well-being programs have been most successful and it is recommended that eligible recipients partner with Aboriginal organizations and postsecondary training institutes to develop proposals that can deliver services based on Indigenous value systems.

Secondly,we are seeking proposals thatemphasize service approaches and harm reduction strategies to deal withdrug and alcohol abuse and addictions in the postsecondary student population. Partnerships with community agencies that are involved in the provision of services to persons struggling with addictions are encouraged.

Thirdly, we seek proposals that would develop approaches to assist students with mental health issues in transition from secondary to postsecondary studies. This reflects the intent of the government’s Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy andwould complement current ministry efforts in building successful transitions practices for students with disabilities. Partnerships with district school boards are encouraged.

The goals of the Mental Health Innovation Fund in this 2014 call for proposals remain similar to the two previous calls except that priority topic areas are now highlighted for attention.

These goals are:

  • To identify and address gaps - Focus is on identifying and closing the gaps in mental health and addictions services (e.g. accommodations, supports) for Ontario postsecondary students, on and off campuses, as they transition to and journey through their postsecondary studies at publicly funded universities and colleges of applied arts and technology (see Appendix 2 for listing of postsecondary institutions).
  • To enable and promote knowledge sharing and best practices – Emphasis is on projects that are system-wide and multi-institutional. Project partners must commit to sharing results and best practices across Ontario’s postsecondary community. Consideration may be given to projects involving only one institution; however the projectmust be applicable to the postsecondary sectorand must include a commitment to sharing results and best practices across the Ontario postsecondary community and partners.
  • To facilitate partnerships – Projects will include linkages to, and partnerships with, other mental health care and addictions service providers within local Ontario communities to avoid duplication of services, and to leverage cooperative and efficient approaches to expanding services.
  • Partnerships focussed on First Nations and Métis and Inuit students are particularly encouraged. This call is targeted at Aboriginal organizationsand postsecondary training institutes that can deliver services based on Indigenous value systems. It is recognized that some organizationsmay need additional support from the ministry in developing proposals while others may wish to work in partnership with postsecondary institutions.
  • Partnerships with district school boards and other organizations involved in supporting students with mental health issues in transition from secondary school to postsecondary education are also being promoted.
  • Partnershipswith agencies and community organizationsinvolved in harm reduction strategies involving drug and alcohol abuse by postsecondary students battling these problems.
  • To support innovation – Projects will showcase new and innovative approaches to mental health and addictions service delivery, supports and best practices in particular for students transitioning from secondary to postsecondary studies.
  • To support improved outcomes – Projects will include a commitment to measurable improvements in outcomes for postsecondary students and particularly targeting students with mental health and/or addictions issues in transition from secondary to postsecondary studies.

The fund covers the three-year period, 2014-15 through 2016-17.All projects must begin by the 2015-16 fiscal year. There is no minimum project duration. All projects must be completed no later than March 31, 2017.

Eligible Recipients

This 2014 call for proposals is open to eligible organizations that wish to submit proposals in one of the three priority areas and that address the outlined goals for the Mental Health Innovation Fund.

Organizations eligible to participate in the Mental Health Innovation Fund are:

  • Publicly funded universities and colleges of applied arts and technology (see Appendix 2 for full listing)
  • Colleges Ontario
  • Council of Ontario Universities
  • Aboriginal Institutes (see Appendix 2)
  • Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance
  • College Student Alliance
  • Canadian Federation of Students - Ontario
  • Other stakeholders with an interest in postsecondary mental health and addictions issues in Ontario and Aboriginal community organizations working in partnership with a lead organization from the list above.

Conditions of Funding

Funding will be provided on the basis of the government fiscal year(s) (April 1 – March 31) and must be expended in the same fiscal year as provided.Ministry funds that are not expended by the end of a fiscal year will be subject to financial recovery.

Proponents must be able to demonstrate that they are contributing to the project through institutional/other resources.

Proponents must indicate whether their project funding request is scalable to a lower level of support.

Capital and capitalized expenses are not eligible for funding.

Up to one quarter of the total funding granted to a project may be flowed upon approval of the transfer payment agreement. Remaining funding will be released subject to the achievement of key deliverables, as outlined in the Transfer Payment Agreement.

Application Process

  • In order to be considered for funding, eligible organizations must submit a proposal (or revised proposal) to the ministry. Proposals should clearly articulate how the proposed project meets the goals and criteria for the Mental Health Innovation Fund.
  • A Mental Health Innovation Fund proposal form (Appendix 1) accompanies this call. A description of the information requested in each section of the proposal form is provided as Appendix 3 to assist in the completion of the form. Any additional relevant information may be attached as an appendix to the completed proposal, as required.
  • A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document also accompanies this call as Appendix 4. All applicants should review the FAQ in advance of preparing a proposal.
  • Organizations may choose to apply for funding on an individual or group basis. Proposals with multiple organizational partners must designate a lead organization for the project and submit the proposal through the lead. Partner organizations must sign letters of support to accompany the proposal.
  • Proposals must be approved and submitted via email by the President/Executive Head or designate at the lead organization and must include his/her signature.
  • Proposals must identify project timelines and include a workplan/schedule of activities. All projects must be completed no later than March 31, 2017.
  • The equal consideration deadline for proposals is November 21, 2014.
  • After November 21stproposals will still be welcome, but consideration for funding is not guaranteed.
  • The completed proposal form and all supporting documentation should be sent to .

Note: A small number of proposals submitted in the earlier calls were deemed to be incomplete because they were submitted without an eligible lead organization or they were not signed by an individual at an appropriate level of signing authority. Care should be taken that these criteria are met to ensure eligibility.

In addition, first consideration for funding was given to those submissions that arrived by the deadline for submissions, although all submissions were considered and reviewed. The same will apply for this round of applicants.

Proposal Review and Selection Criteria

The review committee composed of ministry staff, representatives from colleges and universities and student groups, will reconvene to review proposals and make recommendations to the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, who will make final funding decisions.

The review committee will evaluate proposals to determine whether proposed projects meet the Fund’s criteria. The committee will assess proposals as follows:

  1. Clearly Articulated Vision and Project Goals

Proposals must exhibit a strong potential for broad application to improve mental health services and outcomes for postsecondary students through innovation, closing service gaps, establishing partnerships and sharing knowledge. In particular, the mental health of Aboriginal students, postsecondary students challenged with addictions issues and students with mental healthissues in transition from secondary to postsecondary studies is the focus of this call. A clear statement of how the proposal intends to achieve these goals must be presented.

  1. Viability of the Proposal

Proposals should clearly define the scope and purpose of the proposed project and provide a clear understanding of the steps for implementation. Proposals should articulate a work plan that sets out expected timelines for key deliverables and demonstrates effective use of resources to achieve objectives for key deliverables within the established timeframe.

  1. Measurable Outcomes

Proposals should identify the specific outcomes to be achieved and set targets for measurable outcomes. A process for reporting on outcomes and evaluating the effectiveness of the project should be identified.

  1. Innovation

Proposals will be assessed on whether they demonstrate innovation in their approach to the provision of mental health and/or addictions services to postsecondary students. Proposals should introduce new ideas and approaches, and avoid simply enhancing or expanding upon traditional mental health and addictions service delivery methods. Proposals should be evidence-based.

  1. Partnerships & Knowledge Sharing

Proposals will be evaluated on the efficiency and effectiveness of proposed collaboration among organizations. Proposals should demonstrate how partnerships between organizations will allow for cooperative and efficient delivery of services. Proposals should show how results and best practices will be effectively shared across the postsecondary system and partners and not just at a particular campus or in one geographic area.

  1. Gaps

Proposals will be evaluated on their proposed approach to identifying and/or addressing gaps in mental health and/or addictions services for postsecondary students, and particularly for students transitioning from secondary to postsecondary studies. Proposals should indicate how the project will connect to services provided by organizations within communities, meeting unfilled needs while avoiding duplication of services.

  1. Project Cost

Proposals will be assessed to determine whether the proposed project is an efficient and effective use of funds. Proposed costs must be appropriate to outlined activities. Consideration will be given to projects that demonstrate a commitment to securing financial or in-kind support from community partners and other sources, or that commit their own organizational resources to the project.

The review committee will thoroughly assess proposalsagainst the criteria listed above. Proposals that best identify how the goals of the Mental Health Innovation Fund are to be fulfilled are most likely to be selected.

A brief description of the twenty projects that were successful to date is available at the following two websites: and Available information on the twenty projects forms part of two backgrounders that can be downloaded as part of the electronic press kit available on the web pages.

Accountability, Monitoring and Reporting

Successful proponents will be required to submit a detailed work plan outlining a schedule of key deliverables. Funding will be tied to the achievement of key deliverables. The ministry reserves the right to withhold funding if deliverables are not met.

The lead organization for the approved project must sign a transfer payment agreement that meets the requirements of the government’s Transfer Payment Accountability Directive.

Multi-organization partnerships must specify an eligible lead organization. The lead organization takes on a project coordination role, must sign the transfer payment agreement with the ministry and is responsible for managing the budget and submitting report backs to the ministry. Transfer payment agreements will be between the ministry and the lead organization only.

In order for funding to be released, the lead partner organization must submit a report back to the ministry identifying if it has met the deliverables as outlined in the work plan. One or more interim report backs may be required in addition to a final report at the conclusion of the project.

Report backs will consist of a report outlining the achievement of key deliverables as articulated in the approved work plan. Final reports must also include a financial statement.

Appendix 1

Mental Health Innovation Fund Proposal Form

PART 1 – PROJECT OVERVIEW
Project Name
Lead Organization & Contact Information
Organization:
Contact Name:
Title:
Telephone:
Email:
Executive Summary
Funding Requested
Total Project Budget (2014-15 to 2016-17): ______
Complete for applicable fiscal years.
2014-15
Detailed Project Budget:
Proposed Activity / Funding Allocated to Activity
Funding Requested: ______
Other Funding and/or In-Kind Contributions: ______
2015-16
Detailed Project Budget:
Proposed Activity / Funding Allocated to Activity
Funding Requested: ______
Other Funding and/or In-Kind Contributions: ______
2016-17
Detailed Project Budget:
Proposed Activity / Funding Allocated to Activity
Funding Requested: ______
Other Funding and/or In-Kind Contributions: ______
Rationale for funding request:
Signature
______
Signature
______
Name and Title
______
Date
PART 2 – PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
Project Activities
Gaps Addressed
Innovation
Partnerships
Project Outcomes
Project Work plan
Part 3 – PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
Proposals should be submitted electronically via email to:
Proposals received by November 21st, 2014 will be given equal consideration.

Appendix 2

Ontario’s Publicly Funded Universities and Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology

Algoma University
Brock University
Carleton University
Lakehead University
Laurentian University
Université de Hearst
McMaster University
Nipissing University
Northern Ontario School of Medicine
OCAD University
Queen's University
Ryerson University
Trent University
University of Guelph
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
University of Ottawa
University of Toronto
University of Waterloo
University of Western Ontario
University of Windsor
Wilfrid Laurier University
York University / Algonquin College
Collège Boréal
Cambrian College
Canadore College
Centennial College
Conestoga College
Confederation College
Durham College
Fanshawe College
George Brown College
Georgian College
Humber College
La Cité collégiale
Lambton College
Loyalist College
Mohawk College
Niagara College
Northern College
Sault College
Seneca College
Sheridan College
S.S. Fleming College
St. Clair College
St. Lawrence College

Aboriginal Institutes

Anishinabek Educational Institute

First Nations Technical Institute

Iohahi:io Akwesasne Adult Education and Training Centre

Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute

Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre

Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute

Seven Generations Education Institute

Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig

Six Nations Polytechnic

Appendix 3– Detailed Proposal Form Instructions

Part 1 – Project Overview

Project Name: Provide a title for your proposed project

Lead Organization and Contact Information: Eligible organizations may choose to apply for funding on an individual or group basis. Proposals with multiple organizational partners must designate a lead organization for the project and submit the proposal through the lead. The lead partner must ensure that partner organizations are aware of, and committed to, the proposed project, and demonstrate this by including a letter of support from each partner with the application. The contact information provided will be used by the ministry for all communications about the proposed project.

Executive Summary: Provide a brief overview of the proposed project, the project goals and the expected outcomes.

Funding Requested: In addition to the total amount of funding requested for the entire project, provide a detailed project budget broken down by year that itemizes how funding will be allocated. Identify any other funding sources and/or in-kind contributions. Describe how your proposal is cost effective and provide a rational for your funding request. Proposals should indicate whether the project funding request is scalable to a lower level of support.

Signature: Proposals must be signed by the President/Executive Head or his/her designate of the lead organization. The signature confirms that this organization is committed to the project outlined in this proposal.