YOUR VOICE MATTERS: Family Violence Prevention Program – Funding Formula Review
Background
Indigenous Services Canada’s Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP) funds the operations of emergency shelters and transitional (second stage) housing to improve the safety and security of Indigenous women, children, families and 2SLGBTQI+ people across Canada, including in the North and in urban centres. FVPP also provides funding for community-driven service delivery projects for family violence prevention activities.
Operational funding for shelters built before 2020 is based on the recommendations in the Final Report of the Shelter Funding Methodology for the Family Violence Prevention Program, developed by Johnston Research Inc. The Final Report can be accessed via the following link: https://www.johnstonresearch.ca/wp-content/uploads/Shelter-Funding-Methodology-for-the-Family-Violence-Prevention-Program.pdf.
An updated needs assessment is required to modernize the funding approach. As such, the FVPP has hired cost estimation specialists (Cofomo) to develop a funding formula for emergency shelters and transition (second stage) housing on- and off- reserve, in the North, and Urban areas. The newly developed formulae would reflect current funding needs. In addition, an annual escalator will be incorporated within the new funding formula to offset the costs of inflation.
The objective of the development process is to support the long-term sustainable operation of FVPP supported emergency shelters and transitional (second stage) housing by incorporating contemporary funding needs within the new funding formula. Cofomo is currently in Phase 3 of this needs assessment.
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Initial literature review and initial scan of cost information
• Examined funding and costing of provincial and territorial women’s shelters
• Examined ISC’s current funding formula and spending under FVPP
• Identified key messages and considerations when modernizing the funding approach
Phase 1: Learning About Current Costs
• Collected and compared cost data from on-reserve shelters.
• Conducted statistical analysis of costs reported by First Nations shelters.
• Developed a simple tool to explore how shelter costs may change under different circumstances.
Phase 2: Explored different funding approaches and developed a proposed funding model for on-reserve shelters
• Spoke with some communities and shelters about staffing, programs, and day-to-day challenges.
• Looked closely at several ways to provide funding, then recommended an approach that is clear, fair, and easy to manage.
• Developed a funding model specifically designed for shelters on reserves.
• Conducted a literature review on transition homes to explore housing models, service offerings, staffing needs, cost elements, and funding formulas.
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Phase 3: Creating One Easy-to-Use Funding Plan (Currently Underway - 2025)
• Spring/Summer 2025:
➢ Update the draft funding model for on-reserve shelters to reflect 2024 dollars, incorporate cost adjustments, and account for remote isolation.
➢ Interview shelter representatives to further discuss needs and issues.
➢ Adapt the on-reserve draft funding model to support off-reserve shelters (both northern and urban areas).
➢ Share initial findings and gather feedback on transitional housing and off-reserve shelter funding.
• Summer/Fall 2025:
➢ Develop a funding model specifically for transitional housing.
➢ Compare and align FVPP funding with other provincial shelter models.
➢ Integrate all funding models into one clear, user-friendly tool.
• Fall/Winter 2025:
➢ Present the integrated funding model to ISC for review and input.
➢ Provide training, support, and share knowledge with ISC and regional partners to enable future application.
• Validation of results will take place throughout the project.
Please note that these are estimated timelines. We will keep you informed of any changes and provide updates as the work progresses.
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As part of this process, ISC has partnered with Cofomo to conduct virtual interviews with shelters and transition homes. These conversations will help us to reflect the day-to-day realities of Indigenous shelters and transition homes in the funding approach. Note that this exercise will not directly result in an increase of operational funding for your facility, but is meant to be an assessment of needs that will inform future funding approaches . This needs assessment will not result in a decrease in your operational funding.
The objective of the development process is to support the long-term sustainable operation of FVPP supported emergency shelters and transitional (second stage) housing by incorporating contemporary funding needs within the new funding formula
We are working closely with the National Indigenous Circle Against Family Violence (NICAFV), which recently completed a national needs assessment. These upcoming interviews will build on what they have already gathered, so we can avoid repeating questions and make the best use of your time.
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We would appreciate hearing your thoughts on:
• Your current staffing needs.
• What your biggest expenses are (for example: salaries, utilities, and program costs).
• Your resource pressures.
• Differences you see based on your location or the type of service you offer.
• Any new needs or changes you have noticed since we last gathered information in 2021.
• Any challenges you have experienced with funding.
Your input will help us understand what is working well and where changes are most needed.
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• Length: 45–60 minutes
• Format: Virtual (via MS Teams or by phone)
• Conversation Style: Informal discussion, allowing you to share openly and comfortably.
• Who Will Lead: The Cofomo team, working in partnership with ISC.
Interview questions will be shared ahead of the scheduled meeting.
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Everything you share in these interviews will only be used to help improve the FVPP funding approach. While findings will be shared following this needs assessment, your responses will remain confidential, and no comments, data, or identifying details will be linked to your name or organization without your permission.
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Your insights and experiences are essential. By sharing your perspectives on what works, what doesn’t, and what needs to change, you will help create a funding approach that truly meets the needs of your community. Your feedback will directly shape how FVPP provides support in the future.
Questions or Ready to Participate?
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like to confirm your participation:
Nicole Barnes Email: nicole.barnes2@sac-isc.gc.ca
Tricia Beetan Email: tbeetan@cofomo.com