As you may be aware, the year 2012 will mark the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. The purpose of this message is to inform you that funding opportunities are available from the Department of Canadian Heritage for projects that commemorate this event of great national significance.

The Government of Canada recognizes the War of 1812 as a defining moment in the history of our nation; Canada would not exist had the American invasions of 1812-1814 not been defeated. The combined heroic efforts of the British army and navy, English- and French-speaking militia volunteers, and First Nations allies to repel the invasions tell the story of the Canada we know today: an independent and free country in a constitutional monarchy with its own parliamentary system. The end of the War laid the foundation for Confederation and the cornerstones of many of our political institutions, in addition to the start of two centuries of peaceful relations and cooperation between Canada and the United States. The War was also instrumental in creating Canada’s military; the origins of some modern reserve regiments date back to this time.

The Department of Canadian Heritage has the responsibility to lead and coordinate initiatives to commemorate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 on behalf of the Government of Canada. To support the Department in this important role, the Federal Secretariat, Bicentennial of the War of 1812 has been established.

The Secretariat will act as the main point of contact for organizations interested in applying for funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage for projects related to the War of 1812. Working in collaboration with programs within the Department that offer such funding opportunities, the Secretariat will assist potential applicants by directing them to the most appropriate program for their project.

The Secretariat is also responsible for administering the 1812 Commemoration Fund, a new three-year initiative that will fund community-based projects related to the War of 1812. The goal of the 1812 Commemoration Fund is to foster greater awareness and understanding among Canadians of the importance of the War of 1812 in our history.

The Department of Canadian Heritage can support a variety of projects related to the War of 1812, including commemorative events and ceremonies, learning materials, exhibits, historical re-enactments, interpretive programming and tours, festivals, plaques and monuments, documentary films, educational websites, interactive new media content, theatrical and musical performances, artwork and research projects.

The Department of Canadian Heritage can also consider a wide-range of Canadian funding applicants, including non-profit organizations, educational institutions, Aboriginal organizations, municipal, provincial and territorial governments and private sector companies (for projects with non-profit goals).

If you are interested in applying for funding for a project related to the War of 1812, you are invited to contact a program officer at the Secretariat to discuss your project idea. The program officer will be able to provide you with more information on the funding opportunities that are available, as well as the steps to follow to submit an application.

To contact a program officer:

E-mail:                info@1812.gc.ca
Telephone:                819-997-0055 or toll-free* 1-866-811-0055
Fax:                        1-819-956-3645
TTY** (toll-free):        1-888-997-3123

*The toll-free lines have agents available to answer your questions, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
**The TTY is a telecommunication device for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired.

If you know of other organizations that may have an interest in commemorating the War of 1812, we invite you to pass along this message to others in your network.

Thank you,

Daniel Larabie
A/Director
Federal Secretariat, Bicentennial of the War of 1812