Closed
Source verified April 29, 2026
Investment Readiness Program – Stream 2: Ecosystem builder (Round 2)
Supports social innovation and social finance ecosystem building
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
February 18, 2022
Opened January 10, 2022
Location
Canada
Overview
This program supports organizations that build and strengthen Canada’s social innovation and social finance ecosystem. It funds ecosystem-building projects that promote inclusion, expertise, research, and social procurement capacity, with total funding of $45,815,426.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
- Conduct research and development activities
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
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Language Minorities
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Building and strengthening the social innovation and social finance ecosystem.
- Inclusive innovation to engage equity-deserving groups.
- Research and knowledge-sharing on ecosystem gaps.
- Support for social procurement capacity.
- Connecting IRP partners and the broader ecosystem.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Non-profit organizations
- Cooperatives or mutuals
- Municipalities
- Provincial and territorial government entities
- Indigenous organizations and international organizations
- For-profit organizations with non-commercial project activities
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Ability to build relationships and work with other organizations.
- Diversity and inclusion integrated into project activities.
- Expertise in at least one ecosystem-builder activity area.
- Relevance to program objectives and ecosystem gaps.
How to apply
- Step 1: Confirm eligibility
- Check that the organization and proposed work fit the program criteria.
- Step 2: Prepare proposal
- Develop the proposal for the round and include the required project information.
- Step 3: Submit proposal
- Send the proposal by email to the address provided by the program.
- Step 4: Await review
- Wait for the program’s assessment and invitation or decision.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications were reviewed under a two-round process.
- Identified organizations were invited to submit proposals.
- Other eligible organizations could also submit proposals.
- Selected organizations were expected to sign funding agreements.
Additional information
- Only one application may be submitted per eligible organization.
- Organizations serving or led by equity-deserving groups were encouraged to apply.
- Funding agreements were expected with 20 to 30 organizations.
- The call for proposals is closed.
Contacts
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- Call for proposals: Investment Readiness Program – Stream 1: Readiness support partners (Round 2)Supports organizations building investment readiness
Frequently Asked Questions about the Investment Readiness Program – Stream 2: Ecosystem builder (Round 2) Program
What is the Investment Readiness Program – Stream 2: Ecosystem builder (Round 2)?
This program supports organizations that build and strengthen Canada’s social innovation and social finance ecosystem. It funds ecosystem-building projects that promote inclusion, expertise, research, and social procurement capacity, with total funding of $45,815,426.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was February 18, 2022.
Who is eligible for the Investment Readiness Program – Stream 2: Ecosystem builder (Round 2) program?
To be eligible for the Investment Readiness Program – Stream 2: Ecosystem builder (Round 2) program, you must:
Must be located in Canada.
Must fit an eligible organization type.
Must work in social innovation and social finance.
What expenses are eligible under Investment Readiness Program – Stream 2: Ecosystem builder (Round 2)?
Building and strengthening the social innovation and social finance ecosystem.
Inclusive innovation to engage equity-deserving groups.
Research and knowledge-sharing on ecosystem gaps.
Support for social procurement capacity.
Connecting IRP partners and the broader ecosystem.
Who can I contact for more information about the Investment Readiness Program – Stream 2: Ecosystem builder (Round 2)?
You can contact Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) by email at EDSC.CN.PPI-IRP.NC.ESDC@servicecanada.gc.ca.
Where is the Investment Readiness Program – Stream 2: Ecosystem builder (Round 2) available?
The Investment Readiness Program – Stream 2: Ecosystem builder (Round 2) program is available across Canada.
Is the Investment Readiness Program – Stream 2: Ecosystem builder (Round 2) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Investment Readiness Program – Stream 2: Ecosystem builder (Round 2) is a Grant and Funding