Closed
Call for Proposals: Skills Solutions
Support for innovative skills and labour market projects
Last Update: June 19, 2026
Funding available
$ 75,000 - $ 500,000
Timeline
- Closing date : December 13, 2024
Location
Canada
Overview
This program supports innovative skills and labour market initiatives in Canada through two funding streams. It funds solution design or projects that strengthen outcomes in the focus areas of pathways to jobs, SME adaptability, tech and automation, inclusive economy, and sustainable jobs.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 500,000 $
- Minimum amount : 75,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : December 13, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- For-profit business
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Employment and Training
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Designing new skills solutions and preparing them for piloting
- Implementing initiatives that strengthen skills outcomes
- Testing new approaches based on evidence and learning
- Advancing projects related to the five focus areas
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Project budget template
- Worksheet or draft application materials
- Research ethics approval, if required
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Publicly funded post-secondary institutions
- Industry associations and professional associations
- Indigenous organizations that are a legal entity
- Municipalities, district social services administration boards, and for-profit organizations
Who is not eligible
- Federal, provincial, and territorial government ministries and agencies
Eligible expenses
- Project-related staffing and team time
- Costs for solution design or implementation activities
- Costs related to data collection and evaluation work
- Work associated with co-developing the evaluation and learning plan
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects consisting solely of research activities
- Evaluation consultant or partner fees in the proposal budget
- Any project costs that include mark-ups or profit for for-profit applicants
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Relevance to the issue or challenge
- Innovation and added value
- EDI&R consideration
- Team capacity and partnerships
- Clear project coherence and expected impact
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the guidelines and focus areas
- Read the call for proposal guidelines.
- Review the Focus Areas Brief.
- Step 2: Complete the application materials
- Use the worksheets to prepare your answers.
- Prepare the budget template.
- Step 3: Submit the application form
- Complete the application form in Cognito.
- Submit by the deadline.
Processing and Agreement
- Proposals are reviewed by internal and external reviewers.
- A shortlist may be created, and shortlisted applicants may be interviewed.
- Funding decisions are finalized after the review process.
- Successful proponents enter into a project agreement with Toronto Metropolitan University.
- Projects with human subjects must meet applicable research ethics requirements.
Additional information
- Applicants may apply to only one of the two streams.
- Projects may be local, regional, or national in scope.
- Funded projects must end by September 30, 2025.
- Successful proponents will enter into a project agreement with Toronto Metropolitan University.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Call for Proposals: Skills Solutions Program
What is the Call for Proposals: Skills Solutions?
This program supports innovative skills and labour market initiatives in Canada through two funding streams. It funds solution design or projects that strengthen outcomes in the focus areas of pathways to jobs, SME adaptability, tech and automation, inclusive economy, and sustainable jobs.
How much funding can be received?
Call for Proposals: Skills Solutions Funds up to $500,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Call for Proposals: Skills Solutions program?
To be eligible for the Call for Proposals: Skills Solutions program, you must:
Canada-based organization
Fits one funding stream
Aligned with focus areas
What expenses are eligible under Call for Proposals: Skills Solutions?
Designing new skills solutions and preparing them for piloting
Implementing initiatives that strengthen skills outcomes
Testing new approaches based on evidence and learning
Advancing projects related to the five focus areas
Who can I contact for more information about the Call for Proposals: Skills Solutions?
You can contact Future Skills Centre (FSC).
Where is the Call for Proposals: Skills Solutions available?
The Call for Proposals: Skills Solutions program is available across Canada.
Is the Call for Proposals: Skills Solutions a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Call for Proposals: Skills Solutions is a Grant and Funding