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International Development Assistance Program - Canada
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International Development Assistance Program

Supports international development and poverty reduction abroad
Last Update: May 27, 2026
Funding available
Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
  • Open continuously
Location
Canada

Overview

The International Development Assistance Program supports projects that reduce poverty and advance development in eligible countries. Funding can be used for bilateral, multilateral, and Canadian partnership initiatives, including humanitarian assistance and other development activities.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Improve governance or administrative structure
  • Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
  • Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
  • Open continuously

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
  • Finance and insurance
  • Professional, scientific and technical services
  • Educational services
  • Health care and social assistance
  • Other services (except public administration)
  • Public administration
Location
  • Canada
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
  • Sole proprietorship
  • Public or Parapublic institution
  • Social economy enterprise
  • For-profit business
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Canadians
  • Youth (<40)
  • Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • Primary and Secondary Education
  • Higher Education
  • Other Education
  • Research
  • Other Health Services
  • Social Services
  • Emergency and Relief
  • Environment
  • Economic, Social and Community Development
  • Employment and Training
  • Civic and Advocacy Organizations
  • Other Philanthropic Intermediaries and Voluntarism Promotion
  • International Activities
  • Children and Youth Organizations
  • Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
  • Children & youth
  • Women & girls
  • Rural / Remote communities
  • Business owners / entrepreneurs
  • Nonprofits / charities
  • Low-income individuals / families
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • National
  • International

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Programs aimed at reducing poverty in countries where Global Affairs Canada is engaged in international development.
  • Initiatives supporting essential health services and education for vulnerable populations in crisis-affected and low-income countries.
  • Projects increasing access to income opportunities, including job creation and support for micro- and small enterprises, especially for marginalized groups.
  • Collaborative international efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and address emergencies outside Canada.
  • Partnerships that engage Canadians in international development, including public awareness and education initiatives focused on global issues.

Documents Needed

  • Concept note or proposal form
  • Signed financial statements
  • Organization Attestation form
  • Supporting budget information

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • All levels of government of recipient countries, including their institutions, organizations, and agencies
  • All levels of government of other donor countries, including their institutions, organizations, and agencies
  • Canadian provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, including their institutions, organizations, and agencies
  • Entities (including individuals) with legal personality recognized in domestic and/or international law, other than all levels of any government, capable of delivering aid activities
  • Community-based organizations and associations in recipient countries
  • Crown corporations and their subsidiaries for specific programs or projects
  • International financial institutions
  • Canadian civil society organizations
  • The private sector
  • Publicly funded institutions

Who is not eligible

  • Organizations with a demonstrably unsound financial position where no reasonable risk mitigation strategy exists.
  • Entities whose objectives or activities are not compatible with Government of Canada policy decisions or Canada’s international development assistance objectives.
  • Recipients that have been deemed ineligible due to Global Affairs Canada policy decisions.
  • Entities whose past record or documentation fails to show capacity to implement a project successfully.

Eligible expenses

  • Cost of goods, including commodities and associated shipping or transportation expenses.
  • Cost of services such as project-related salaries, benefits, and specific per diem fees.
  • Expenses for equipment and associated installation or maintenance.
  • Overhead expenses as agreed to by the department.
  • Purchase of eligible carbon offset credits verified by recognized third parties (e.g., Gold Standard, VER+, VERRA).
  • Other actual or reasonable project-related expenses, as detailed in the funding agreement.
  • Expenses for planning, such as feasibility studies, conceptualization, specifications, or design.
  • Costs related to monitoring, evaluation, and audit of projects.
  • Institutional support costs.
  • Analysis, research, and knowledge-building activities relevant to development issues, including attendance at conferences, meetings, training, and negotiations.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Luxury goods
  • Military equipment and supplies, except for donor military forces delivering humanitarian aid or development services
  • Nuclear technology, except for peaceful or development purposes
  • Grants to recipient countries

Eligible geographic areas

  • Entities located in Canada, including provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, and their institutions, organizations, and agencies.
  • Recipients in developing countries or territories as recognized by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) / Development Assistance Committee (DAC) lists.
  • Organizations in other donor countries recognized by the funding body.

Processing and Agreement

  • Proposals are assessed before funding is approved.
  • For calls, only invited applicants move to the full proposal stage.
  • Funding is not guaranteed at either stage of the process.
  • Applicants may receive an approval or rejection decision after review.
  • A funding agreement is required before costs become eligible for reimbursement.

Additional information

  • Reporting requirements may include the submission of annual or narrative reports to Global Affairs Canada, depending on the type of agreement.
  • Official bilingual communications and application forms are available in both English and French, in accordance with the Official Languages Act.
  • Holdbacks of up to 15% of contribution values can be applied, released only after final accounting and reporting.
  • Advance or single payments may be made in exceptional circumstances, such as humanitarian emergencies, based on fiduciary risk assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions about the International Development Assistance Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the International Development Assistance Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the International Development Assistance Program?

The International Development Assistance Program supports projects that reduce poverty and advance development in eligible countries. Funding can be used for bilateral, multilateral, and Canadian partnership initiatives, including humanitarian assistance and other development activities.

How much funding can be received?

International Development Assistance Program Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the International Development Assistance Program program?

To be eligible for the International Development Assistance Program program, you must: The applicant must have legal personality recognized in domestic and/or international law (other than government entities). The applicant must demonstrate capacity to deliver development aid activities. The applicant must have a sound financial position and management capability.

What expenses are eligible under International Development Assistance Program?

Programs aimed at reducing poverty in countries where Global Affairs Canada is engaged in international development. Initiatives supporting essential health services and education for vulnerable populations in crisis-affected and low-income countries. Projects increasing access to income opportunities, including job creation and support for micro- and small enterprises, especially for marginalized groups. Collaborative international efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and address emergencies outside Canada. Partnerships that engage Canadians in international development, including public awareness and education initiatives focused on global issues.

Who can I contact for more information about the International Development Assistance Program?

You can contact Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

Where is the International Development Assistance Program available?

The International Development Assistance Program program is available across Canada.

Is the International Development Assistance Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

International Development Assistance Program is a Grant and Funding