Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Community Programming

Introduction

The Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Community Programming aims to inspire small or volunteer-led community organizations in the creation of innovative programming that commemorates unique aspects of our heritage and encourages greater public interest in the past.

Organizations are invited to submit projects or initiatives for consideration of the award.

The Prize

Two recipients (one from a francophone community and one from an anglophone community) will receive $2,500 each, and travel and accommodation for two project representatives from a major city to attend the awards ceremony.

Eligibility

• All projects must be presented in Canada by residents of Canada
• Project teams and organizations are all eligible to receive the award
• Communities are defined as both cultural and geographic
• Nominations must be supported by at least one recognized historical, municipal, or educational organization
• Eligible types of projects include: civic engagement activities, exhibits, multimedia, preservation projects, and public programming
• Projects must have occurred within the past 18 months prior to the close of nominations

Criteria

• Projects will be evaluated on their audience reach, community impact, and contribution to greater public understanding of Canada’s History. Special consideration is given to new and promising ideas, approaches, and innovations that will serve as a model for the field.
• Projects should involve a large number of participants from the community in both the creation and execution of the project. Communities can include both geographic that cover small and large areas, as well as cultural communities that represent a broad range of history and traditions.
• Specifically, judges will be looking for projects that are highly inspirational, exhibit exceptional scholarship, and/or is exceedingly entrepreneurial in terms of funding, partnerships, or collaborations, creative problem solving, or that unusual project design and inclusiveness.

Application

Applications will be completed on our external awards site. Applicants will need to complete a form consisting of five questions as well as submit relevant images, documents, links, and two letters of reference. The submission deadline is July 15 annually. 

Applicants are encouraged to reach out to Canada’s History staff if they require accommodation during the application process.

Nominations

Canada’s History maintains a nomination form as a way for members of the community to highlight potential candidates for the award. Nominations are accepted year-round. Once we receive a nomination, our staff will contact your nominee and assist them with completing their application. If the nomination is received past the award deadline, their nomination will carry over to the next calendar year.