Role of GLOCAL Foundation of Canada in the funding ecosystem
GLOCAL Foundation of Canada is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening civic engagement and democratic literacy among Canadian youth. With offices in Ottawa, Vancouver, and Winnipeg, the foundation combines a “global–local” perspective to make civic information more accessible while empowering young people to design and lead their own initiatives.
A central pillar of GLOCAL’s work is the CANConnect Micro-grant Diversity Program. Funded by the Canada Service Corps at Employment and Social Development Canada and administered by GLOCAL, this program aims to distribute up to 160 micro-grants to youth applicants across Canada. Grants typically range from $100 to $5,000 per project, supporting youth-led efforts such as research, short films, digital tools, data projects, and community outreach activities that advance civic knowledge.
Publics served and types of projects funded
The micro-grants target Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and refugees between 15 and 30 years old, with a focus on underserved youth. Supported projects are expected to improve civic awareness, explain Canadian democratic institutions, help people navigate the political system, and deepen understanding of current and historical political issues. Many initiatives focus on immigrant and refugee communities, newcomer education, and improving civic literacy among the general public.
In addition to financial support, GLOCAL provides mentorship, office hours, and digital civic training. Participant success managers and mentors help applicants refine proposals, plan realistic timelines, and design impact-focused activities. Even waitlisted projects may receive feedback and coaching so that they can be strengthened for future funding rounds.
General evaluation and support approach
GLOCAL reviews applications on a rolling basis within published funding rounds. Project proposals must outline objectives, activities, timelines, and budgets, and show alignment with at least one of GLOCAL’s core objectives around immigrant/refugee understanding and civic literacy. The organization emphasizes clarity, feasibility, and measurable impact, and discourages expenses that fall outside government funding rules.
Beyond grants, GLOCAL operates large-scale online volunteering and youth engagement programs, including the YouCount.ca platform, which helps Canadians find their political representatives. Through these combined funding and engagement activities, GLOCAL positions itself as an incubator for youth-led social innovation in Canada’s civic sphere.