Closed
Source verified July 8, 2026
Connecting Families Initiative
Discounted internet access for eligible Canadians
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Families that receive the maximum amount of the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
See full eligibility
Overview
Connecting Families Initiative is a Government of Canada program that supports eligible families and seniors across Canada with discounted Internet service through participating Internet Service Providers, including $10 monthly home Internet plans and $20-a-month service through Connecting Families 2.0. Eligible participants can also request a low-cost digital device, while supplies last.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- 2SLGBTQI+
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Documents Needed
- Invitation letter from the Government of Canada or Service Canada
- A piece of valid ID
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Families that receive the maximum amount of the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
- Seniors that receive at least 80% of the maximum amount of Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
- People who receive a letter from the Government of Canada or Service Canada inviting them to participate in the Connecting Families Initiative.
Who is not eligible
- Households that have not received a letter from the Government of Canada with an access code.
How to apply
- Go to the portal.
- Confirm your identity by entering the activation code found in the top right corner of the letter, your full name, and your address.
- Confirm the information is correct and start the enrollment process.
- Near the end of the process, select an ISP from the list and contact them to sign up for one of the CFI low-cost plans.
- Take a photo of your letter and your code and store them in a safe place, in case you lose the letter.
Processing and Agreement
- Once you have registered on the Connecting Families Registration Portal and chosen an ISP, that ISP will help you access the discounted Internet service.
- If you are currently on a contract with your ISP or received a promotional offer, you may be required to pay the remaining value of that offer or contract.
Additional information
- The initiative is administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).
- Internet Service Providers across Canada voluntarily participate in the initiative.
- If no participating ISP is available in your area, keep your letter and access code because they cannot be reissued.
- Households without home Internet access can use a local library or community centre with public Internet access to register, or contact the Connecting Families Initiative team for support.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Connecting Families Initiative Program
What is the Connecting Families Initiative?
Connecting Families Initiative is a Government of Canada program that supports eligible families and seniors across Canada with discounted Internet service through participating Internet Service Providers, including $10 monthly home Internet plans and $20-a-month service through Connecting Families 2.0. Eligible participants can also request a low-cost digital device, while supplies last.
Who is eligible for the Connecting Families Initiative program?
To be eligible for the Connecting Families Initiative program, you must:
Annual eligibility is confirmed by the Government of Canada and communicated by letter.
Families must receive the maximum amount of the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
Seniors must receive at least 80% of the maximum amount of Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
Who can I contact for more information about the Connecting Families Initiative?
You can contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) by email at none or by phone at 1-800-328-6189.
Where is the Connecting Families Initiative available?
The Connecting Families Initiative program is available across Canada.
Is the Connecting Families Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Connecting Families Initiative is a Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the Connecting Families Initiative?
Connecting Families Initiative is funded by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)