How can the Northern Ontario Grant Assistance Program (NOGAP) help me find employment?
Social service professionals interested in the incentive grant program are encouraged to contact the program administrator. The program maintains a Vacancy Report that lists eligible positions in Northern Ontario. You can use this report to explore employment opportunities. In addition, NOGAP offers a community visit program that will assist you (and your spouse) to travel to eligible communities to assess employment opportunities. Please contact the program administrator for more information.
What happens to my grant if I take parental leave?
Payments on your grant are temporarily suspended during parental leave; however, the grant is re-instated upon your return to full-time employment.
Do I need to make a commitment to the program for the full three years?
No, the grant is available on a year-to-year basis up to a maximum of three years. Furthermore, in accordance with Section 5 of the Incentive Grant Agreement Form, you may terminate your association with the program by giving 15 days’ written notice. At that time, any outstanding payments will be made and the agreement will be terminated.
If I leave before the end of my agreement, do I need to return the incentive grant funds I received?
No. If you leave, payments are simply stopped. However, you must notify the program administrator before you leave your position. If you fail to do so and continue to receive payments, you will be liable for the overpayment plus interest.
If I leave before receiving the full three years of incentive grant support, can I pick up where I left off?
Yes. If you return to full-time employment in an eligible position, you may apply for the balance of the incentive grant that you did not previously receive.
If I decide the community I have chosen does not meet my needs, can I relocate to another community and continue receiving the incentive grant?
Yes, subject to prior written approval from the program administrator and your current employer. In order to remain eligible for the incentive grant, you must accept a position with an agency listed on the most recent Vacancy Report. All eligibility criteria continue to apply.
Is the grant available for part-time positions?
No.
Why are BSWs ineligible under the Northern Ontario Grant Assistance Program?
The Northern Ontario Grant Assistance Program (NOGAP) was designed based
on the results of a comprehensive review of the former Northern Bursary
Program. The review included the creation of an advisory committee made up
of cross sectoral agency representatives across Northern Ontario. The
committee sought the services of an independent consultant to confer with
key stakeholders, including northern transfer payment agencies and
professionals, regarding recruitment and retention issues and needs
identification.
Based on the results of these consultations, it was determined which
professionals were the most difficult to attract and keep in the north.
When first launched, NOGAP only offered grants to graduate-level
professionals but when it became clear that several agencies in small,
remote communities could not recruit at this level, college-level
disciplines were added to the list.
We continuously monitor agency feedback, including requests to expand the
list of eligible disciplines. In our regular reports to the ministry, we note such
requests, which may result in modifications to the program over time.
If I apply for a grant, do I have to work where the program sends me or do I choose my place of employment?
Applicants choose their place of employment from the Vacancy Report.
Am I eligible to apply for an incentive grant if I've participated in the former Northern Bursary Program?
Yes. Although the Northern Bursary Program is no longer in existence, anyone who has taken advantage of that program may be eligible to apply for a grant while fulfilling return-of-service obligations in Northern Ontario.
When can I expect to receive my incentive grant payments?
The annual grant amount is divided into four equal installments with payments made at three-month intervals at the end of each quarter. The first payment is deposited into the applicant's bank account approximately 12 weeks after their employment start date.
What can I expect in the way of relocation expenses?
There is no provision in the program to provide funds for relocation expenses. You may wish to explore this opportunity with your community contact to determine if funds are available locally to assist you.
If my spouse is looking for employment, will the program provide assistance?
There is no provision in the program to assist a spouse in finding employment.