Developing a Digital Synergy Between Systems and People

The Economic Indicators Committee wanted to help grants officers quickly assess the financial health of client organizations by examining audited statements in their grant applications. Their hope was that this would lead to better funding decisions and more informed advocacy arguments about the need for strong arts funding.

The result was what is now known as the CADAC system. It is a single-entry financial reporting system permits applicants to enter audited figures into their funding agencies’ shared financial database. The system also featured customized interfaces for each of the agencies’ funding programs so that the financial results pertaining to their program-specific needs and interests. A special caseware template was provided to help auditors prepare statements in a form that matches the requirements of online grant applications.

Ultimately this meant less work for the applicants, less work for the officers, and more reliable data for decision making and advocacy. At present, the Canada Council, seven provincial arts councils, and a number of individual cities are making use of the system for approximately 500 applicant organizations and thousands of annual applications.