Grant and Funding Programs Offered by ABC Life Literacy Canada (ABC)

ABC Life Literacy Canada is a national charitable organization dedicated to improving adult and family literacy across Canada. It designs and delivers free programs in areas such as family literacy, workplace and employability skills, financial literacy, health literacy, civic literacy and digital skills. These programs are offered in partnership with community organizations, educators and employers, and are supported by an online learning portal, the ABC Skills Hub, as well as national awareness campaigns like Family Literacy Day and Skills for Success Day.

Beyond program design and resource development, ABC Life Literacy Canada also acts as a funder for the literacy sector. Through the Canada Life Literacy Innovation Award, ABC administers annual financial awards to community organizations delivering innovative adult or adult‑integrated family literacy programs. The award provides one top prize of $20,000 and up to two honourable mention awards of $10,000 each. Funds can be invested directly in the winning programs or used toward organizational operating costs, giving recipients flexible support to deepen their impact.

ABC primarily supports not‑for‑profit and registered charitable organizations based in Canada that run literacy and essential skills programming for adults. Eligible programs for the Canada Life Literacy Innovation Award must demonstrate results in helping adults participate more fully in life, work, family and community, show clear innovation in adult literacy, and be in place for at least 12 months. Winning projects are highlighted nationally and invited to share their practices through ABC‑facilitated Innovation Learning Labs, extending their influence across the literacy field.

In addition to financial awards, ABC develops, publishes and distributes foundational learning materials at no cost to educators and learners, strengthening the capacity of frontline literacy providers. Its LEARN initiative connects adults to local literacy programs, while other offerings such as Money Matters, ABC Connect for Learning, ABC Everyday Numbers and UP Skills for Work give organizations ready‑to‑use curricula and workshops for their communities.

ABC Life Literacy Canada serves adult learners, families, and the organizations that support them, including community literacy agencies, settlement organizations, Indigenous and rural programs, and workplace training providers. By combining free, high‑quality resources, national campaigns, sector advocacy and a competitive funding award, ABC contributes to a Canada where everyone has the skills and opportunities to participate fully in learning, life and work.