Sport Funding and Accountability Framework

The Sport Funding and Accountability Framework (SFAF) is the tool used by Canadian Heritage to identify which organizations are eligible to receive Sport Canada contributions under the Sport Support Program - in what areas, at what level and under what conditions.

First introduced in 1995-1996, the SFAF for National Sport Organizations has been divided to follow the summer and winter Olympic/Paralympic cycles. The SFAF for summer sports is now in its fourth cycle (SFAF IV), and applies to the 4 year time period of April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2013. The SFAF III for winter sports is in its final year and will be commencing its fourth cycle (SFAF IV) beginning April 1, 2010 through to March 31, 2014. The SFAF for Multisport Service Organizations (SFAF III for MSOs) was first introduced in 2005, and its first edition covers the time period of April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2011. The next edition of the SFAF for MSOs (SFAF IV MSOs) will cover the time period of April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2013.

There are four stages to the SFAF process: Eligibility, Assessment, Funding and Accountability. Organizations seeking support through the Sport Support Program must be deemed eligible and have completed the assessment portion of the SFAF in order to be considered to receive financial support. There are winter and summer editions of the framework for National Sport Organizations and a framework for Multisport Service Organizations. Once organizations have completed the SFAF process, they are advised of their results in the form of a score and a reference level which assists in planning for funding.

To access the documents for annual funding applications, please refer to the appropriate link below:

• National Sport Organization
• Multisport Service Organization
• Project Stream

For more information on the SFAF process please refer to the appropriate edition of the framework below.

Eligibility

Prior to being considered for funding through the Sport Support Program, organizations must proceed through the SFAF process. The first step of the process is Eligibility. Below you will find information on the Eligibility application process and the application form that must be completed and signed by the applicant organization.

SFAF IV - Summer National Sport Organizations (2009-2013, open application)
[ HTML Version | PDF Version, 157 KB ]

SFAF IV - Winter National Sport Organizations (2010-2014, open application)
[ HTML Version | PDF Version, 179 KB ]

SFAF III - Multisport Service Organizations (2005 - 2010, open application)
[ HTML Version | PDF Version, 60 KB ]

SFAF IV - Multisport Service Organizations (2011 - 2015, open application)
[ HTML Version | PDF Version, 110 KB ]

Assessment

Organizations that meet the Eligibility criteria proceed to the next stage of the SFAF - the Assessment stage. Here, a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment process evaluates each eligible organization against a series of objective and qualitative criteria across a broad range of performance indicators. For National Sport Organizations (NSOs) this assessment is done in the areas of high performance sport excellence and sport participation and development. For Multisport Service Organizations (MSOs) this assessment is done for the type and scope of services provided, and their contribution to Sport Canada's priorities in the Canadian sport system. The assessment components for MSOs are established based on the strategic service areas identified during the eligibility stage.

For each SFAF assessment, there are various components which are rated and weighted to determine an organization’s final score.

For NSOs the SFAF Assessment Weighting Grid is applied consistently across all sports evaluated within the edition of the SFAF. (i.e. summer or winter). The grid outlines the various components and their relative weight in the final result from the SFAF process.

For MSOs the Assessment Weighting Grid differs slightly across the different service areas. All organizations within a particular service area are assessed against the same criteria. (e.g., national standardized services, franchise holder).

SFAF III Winter NSO Assessment Weighting Grid
[ HTML Version | PDF Version, 49 KB ]

SFAF IV Summer NSO Assessment Weighting Grid
[ HTML Version | PDF Version, 95 KB ]

SFAF III MSO Assessment Evaluation Grid
[ HTML Version | PDF Version, 25 KB ]

For NSOs the Assessment Points and Ranking Lists provide the results scored by each organization in the overall assessment for the areas of excellence and sport participation and development. The resulting scores for NSOs are listed according to their Mainstream and/or Athletes with a Disability programs.

The final results achieved by each MSO are provided in one document regardless of the assessment type. For more information on the scores achieved by organizations please see the different links immediately below.

SFAF III Winter 2005 - 2010 Funding Cycle: Assessment Points and Ranking List - Mainstream and Athletes with a Disability
[ HTML Version | PDF Version, 29 KB ]

SFAF IV Summer 2009-2013 Funding Cycle: Assessment Points and Ranking List - Mainstream+Athletes with a Disability
[ HTML Version | PDF Version, 11 KB ]

SFAS IV Winter 2010-2014 Funding Cycle: Assessment Points and Ranking Lists - Mainstream + Athletes with a Disability
To be completed in 2010

SFAS III Multisport Service Organizations 2005-2011 Funding Cycle: Assessment Points and Results List
[ HTML Version | PDF Version, 29 KB ]

SFAF IV Multisport Service Organizations 2011-2015 Funding Cycle: Assessment Points and Ranking List
To be completed in 2011

Funding

After completing the SFAF Assessment stage, organizations are provided with their assessment score (See above) which determines their planning reference level. Organizations must use this planning reference level to develop an annual funding application for consideration according to the Contribution Guidelines in order to receive a contribution under the Sport Support Program. Please click on the link below for more information on the application process.

• National Sport Organization
  
• Multisport Service Organization
  
• Project Stream

Accountability

The final stage of the SFAF is Accountability. All organizations funded through the Sport Support Program are required to work towards the National Standards outlined in the Sport Canada Accountability Framework for National Sport Organizations/Multisport Service Organization by incorporating the accountability policy areas (including expected outcomes) within their strategic and operating plans. Each organization is monitored against pre-determined national performance standards.

While the Framework applies equally to all organizations, the principle of flexibility and customization will apply to each organization’s implementation strategy, given our recognition of the varying strengths and capacities of organizations.

To evaluate results and identify areas of greater or lesser progress, Sport Canada will monitor and assess the organizations operating and strategic plans. The accountability framework document is available through Sport Canada.

Note:

To access the Portable Document Format (PDF) version you must have a PDF reader installed. If you do not already have such a reader, there are numerous PDF readers available for free download or for purchase on the Internet:

• Adobe Reader
• Foxit Reader
• Xpdf
• eXPert PDF Reader

Please note that all saveable and fillable PDF forms require Adobe Acrobat Reader version 8.1 or higher.