SAR NIF Frequently Asked Questions
SAR NIF General
Q. What is the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund?
Q. Who can benefit from the SAR NIF?
Q. What kind of projects can be funded under the SAR NIF?
Q. Are new SAR NIF Guidelines released every year?
Q. How is the proposal submitted?
Q. Who decides if a proposal is accepted?
Q. Who makes up the Merit Board and
ICSAR?
Q. How are the funds transferred to the recipients?
Q: How often should SAR NIF partners be monitoring the
approved projects?
Q. What if I spend less or more than expected?
Q. Can we purchase new equipment with
SAR NIF funds?
Q. Can we use SAR NIF funds for travel expenses?
Q: Can I contact the NSS directly with my questions? Is
there a general phone number for the NSS?
Q. What is the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund?
A. The Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund – commonly known as SAR NIF – is a Government of Canada contribution program. It was established by the federal government in 1988, and is managed by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS). SAR NIF provides up to $8.1M of annual funding for new projects (or initiatives), that will improve the National Search and Rescue Program.
Q. Who can benefit from the SAR NIF?
A. All individuals and groups with projects that enhance search and rescue
in Canada including:
- Federal government departments
- Provincial/territorial governments
- Volunteer organizations
- Academia
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Private sector
Q. What kind of projects can be funded under the SAR NIF?
A. Examples can include initiatives like:
- A multijurisdictional exercise
- A training program
- Search and rescue equipment purchases
- A research and development project
- A prevention or awareness campaign
Q: Are new SAR NIF Guidelines released every
year?
A: The SAR NIF Program is always evolving in order to respond to new government
policy guidelines as well as requests and suggestions from SAR NIF partners
and recipients. SAR NIF partners are updated regularly on any changes
to guidelines. Changes are also reflected in the most recent versions
of the Applicant's Guide.
Q. How is the proposal submitted?
A. This depends on the nature of the project and the involved SAR jurisdiction. Each SAR NIF proposal must be advanced to the NSS through one of the following:
- An approved federal SAR managing department for projects
supporting federal SAR responsibilities.
- Provincial or Territorial SAR NIF partners for projects supporting
provincial and/or territorial SAR interests.
- Or, a recognized national, provincial or territorial SAR volunteer association.
Q. Who decides if a proposal is accepted?
A. Proposals for projects to improve search and rescue within provincial
or territorial jurisdictions are submitted to the Provincial or Territorial SAR NIF partner or a recognized National, Provincial or Territorial SAR volunteer association. They select the proposals that best support regional interests. A single proposal
is created to reflect provincial or territorial needs and priorities and
is then submitted to the NSS for review and consideration by the SAR NIF Merit
Board. Proposals for projects to improve search and rescue within federal
jurisdictions are presented to the appropriate federal department and submitted
to the NSS for consideration by the SAR NIF Merit Board. The Merit Board
reviews and prioritizes proposals for consideration by the Interdepartmental
Committee on Search and Rescue (ICSAR), which then makes recommendations
to the Lead Minister for Search and Rescue/Minister of National Defence
for approval of the Merit List.
Q. Who makes up the Merit Board and ICSAR?
A. The Merit Board is chaired by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat's Director of Policy and Programs. The board is composed of representatives of the
federal departments involved in search and rescue and a representative
of the provinces and territories also involved in search and rescue.
The Interdepartmental Committee on Search and Rescue (ICSAR) is comprised of representatives
from federal SAR delivery departments and agencies. It provides advice to the Lead Minister for Search and Rescue/ the Minister of National Defence through the Executive Director of the NSS.
Q. How are funds transferred to the recipients?
A. The approved SAR NIF funds are disbursed from the NSS through funding
partners both at the federal and provincial or territorial levels. Funding
mechanisms differ depending on the type of project. Generally, funds are
dispersed on the basis of invoices submitted after project expenditures
have been made and on a quarterly basis.
Q: How often should SAR NIF partners be monitoring
the approved projects?
A: SAR NIF projects should be monitored continually throughout the lifetime
of the project. Quarterly progress reports must be submitted for all projects.
Q. What if I spend less or more than expected?
A. Reimbursements will only be made for dollars spent on eligible expenditures. Any unspent funds will be reallocated to other SAR NIF projects. Requests for additional project funds will be considered only under exceptional
circumstances and will be analyzed on a case-by-case basis.
Q. Can we purchase new equipment with SAR NIF
funds?
A. Equipment purchases to improve SAR capabilities are accepted as long
as they are justified and price estimates are based on competitive market
prices. Please consult our Applicants Guide and its annexes for further details concerning eligible and non-eligible expenditures.
Q. Can we use SAR NIF funds for travel expenses?
A. Travel costs may be included in the project proposal but must be directly
linked to the project objectives. Travel is reimbursed based on the Treasury
Board Secretariat approved rates. International travel is not eligible under the SAR NIF
Q: Can I contact the NSS directly with my questions?
Is there a general phone number for the NSS?
A: The NSS website should be your first stop for information on SAR NIF.
The NSS can be contacted by phone at 613-943-1196 or toll free at 1-800-727-9414.
In addition, individuals and groups interested in submitting SAR NIF proposals
should contact the government organization responsible for search and
rescue within their area of interest as follows:
- The Canadian Coast Guard (Department of Fisheries and Oceans)
- Canadian Forces (Department of National Defence)
- Meteorological Service of Canada (Environment Canada)
- Parks Canada
- Transport Canada
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