Open
International Development Grants
Supports women and girls through international development partnerships
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Maximum funding amount is not publicly specified. The program supports registered Canadian charities working mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa on maternal and child health, WASH, nutrition, girls’ education, women’s economic agency, and climate-resilient livelihoods.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- National
- International
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Strengthening maternal, newborn, and paediatric health systems through workforce development and quality of care.
- Expanding safe water, sanitation, and hygiene in communities, schools, and health facilities.
- Improving maternal and early childhood nutrition, growth, and development.
- Supporting girls’ access to school, retention, and quality learning outcomes.
- Helping adolescent girls and women access dignified work, entrepreneurship, and climate-resilient livelihoods.
Documents Needed
- A completed Expression of Interest document, including organization details and responses on mission, outcomes, and fit for one action area.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered Canadian charities
- Organizations active in maternal and child health
- Organizations active in girls’ education or women’s economic opportunity
- Organizations delivering WASH, nutrition, or climate-resilient livelihood initiatives
Who is not eligible
- Individuals
- Grantmaking intermediaries
- Government services
- Organizations whose work is based entirely outside Africa
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Capital campaigns and endowments
- Emergency relief activities
- Fundraising drives or events
- Government services and grantmaking intermediary activities
- Scholarships and funding for individuals
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Sub-Saharan Africa
Selection criteria
- Evidence of durable, meaningful outcomes.
- Specific and honest results supported by numbers and timeframes.
- Strong local leadership or deep community embeddedness.
- A credible and distinct position in the field.
- Clear alignment with the chosen action area and its expected outcomes.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review fit and choose an action area
- Read the EOI Guide and identify the one action area where your organization’s evidence is strongest.
- Confirm that your work aligns with the program’s focus.
- Step 2: Prepare the EOI
- Create an Expression of Interest of no more than two pages.
- Include organization information and answers about your mission, outcomes, and why your organization is the strongest partner.
- Step 3: Submit the EOI
- Email the completed EOI to info@petergilganfoundation.org.
- Use the subject line format: EOI – [Action Area Name] – [Organization Name].
- Step 4: Complete the next stage if invited
- Respond to any clarifying questions from the foundation.
- If selected, submit a full application in the next phase.
Processing and Agreement
- Submitted EOIs are assessed by the foundation’s review committee.
- The foundation may follow up with clarifying questions after the submission window closes.
- Applicants are contacted by email within approximately six weeks to confirm whether they will move forward.
- All organizations that submit an EOI are informed whether their process ends at that stage or continues.
- Selected organizations are invited to submit a full application.
Additional information
- The Expression of Interest is the first stage of a multi-stage process and is not a full proposal.
- If selected, organizations will work with the foundation to co-create the project scope and proposal.
- The foundation aims to build a smaller number of longer-term partnerships, with one or two partners per action area.
- EOI submissions are kept internal, and enterprise AI tools may be used for internal summarizing or drafting.
Frequently Asked Questions about the International Development Grants Program
What is the International Development Grants?
Maximum funding amount is not publicly specified. The program supports registered Canadian charities working mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa on maternal and child health, WASH, nutrition, girls’ education, women’s economic agency, and climate-resilient livelihoods.
Who is eligible for the International Development Grants program?
To be eligible for the International Development Grants program, you must:
Registered Canadian charity
Work in one action area
Evidence-based work in Sub-Saharan Africa
What expenses are eligible under International Development Grants?
Strengthening maternal, newborn, and paediatric health systems through workforce development and quality of care.
Expanding safe water, sanitation, and hygiene in communities, schools, and health facilities.
Improving maternal and early childhood nutrition, growth, and development.
Supporting girls’ access to school, retention, and quality learning outcomes.
Helping adolescent girls and women access dignified work, entrepreneurship, and climate-resilient livelihoods.
Who can I contact for more information about the International Development Grants?
You can contact The Peter Gilgan Foundation (PGF).
Where is the International Development Grants available?
The International Development Grants program is available across Canada.
Is the International Development Grants a grant, loan, or tax credit?
International Development Grants is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the International Development Grants?
International Development Grants is funded by The Peter Gilgan Foundation (PGF)