How much funding can be received?

Receive up to $7.5 million per research and innovative project to identify better ways of helping persons prepare for, return to or keep employment and be productive participants in the labour force.

grant_single_labels|projects

The application for this grant was open to organizations across various jurisdictions in Canada, both at the national and regional levels. Projects could address issues present in multiple provinces/territories or be specific to one jurisdiction with transferable potential.

National in scope projects across multiple Canadian provinces or territories.
Regional projects addressing issues within a single Canadian province or territory.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$7,500,000

Launching a skills development initiative for Indigenous communities

$7,500,000

Conducting a labour market study to address specific employment barriers

$7,500,000

Implementing a job retention program for individuals with disabilities

$7,500,000

Developing an online platform to provide skills training for remote work

$7,500,000

Creating a mentorship program for unemployed youth

$7,500,000

Establishing a recycling training program for marginalized groups

grant_single_labels|admissibility

To be eligible for the Skills for Success Program under the Research and Innovation Stream, organizations must meet certain criteria regarding their applicant type and project scope.

The organization must be either a not-for-profit organization, for-profit organization (with non-commercial intent), labour union, research organization, think tank, academic institution, Indigenous organization (including band council, tribal council, or self-government entity), or a provincial/territorial government, institution, agency, or Crown Corporation.
In Quebec, organizations must comply with the Act respecting the Ministère du Conseil exécutif (M-30), including obtaining necessary authorization before signing any agreement with the Government of Canada.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Skills for Success Program – Research and Innovation Stream was open to a variety of organizations when the application period was active. Eligible applicants included not-for-profit organizations, for-profit organizations (with non-commercial intent), labour unions, research organizations, academic institutions, Indigenous organizations, and provincial and territorial government bodies, among others. It was crucial for the applying organization to align with the program's objectives, which focus on the development and support of research and innovative projects aimed at improving employability and active participation in the labour force.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The Skills for Success Program – Research and Innovation Stream funds projects that aim to identify better methods of skills development for adults. Eligible activities revolve around research and innovation to enhance job readiness and participation in the labour force.

Conducting research to support the skills development of adults.
Innovative projects identifying new ways to help individuals prepare for and retain employment.
Development of dissemination strategies for broad adoption of the Skills for Success Model.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to conducting research and innovation for skills development.

Personnel salaries and benefits for roles specifically related to the research project.
Costs for materials and supplies essential to carry out the research activities.
Travel expenses for project personnel relevant to the research.
Consulting services necessary for the project.
Data collection and analysis costs that support the research objectives.
Communication and dissemination costs for sharing project outcomes and research findings.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Skills for Success Program – Research and Innovation Stream are based on specific criteria to ensure that projects meet the program’s objectives effectively.

Organization’s capacity to deliver the project, described in detail.
Project objectives alignment with the goal to identify better ways of helping persons prepare for, return to, or retain employment and participate productively in the labour force.
Description of how the project addresses labour market issues in multiple jurisdictions or possesses potential relevance for similar issues in other regions.
Clear description and feasibility of project activities, including timelines for completion.
Specific, concrete, and measurable expected results, alongside a robust plan for gathering, measuring, and reporting on these results.
Detailed and justified project costs that support the outlined activities and demonstrate reasonableness.
Additional funding consideration for projects addressing the needs of under-represented groups in the labour market, with priority allocations for women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous people, members of official language minority communities, newcomers, and racialized groups.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Gather Supporting Documents and Information
- Complete the application form.
- Complete the Budget Detail Template.
Step 2: Decide How to Apply
- Choose between applying online, by email, or by mail.
Step 3: Apply Online
- Create a GCOS account (allow up to 10 business days for account creation).
- Review the applicant guide to complete the application form.
- Upload the Budget Detail Template in GCOS.
- Complete and submit the application form online within 20 hours to avoid session expiration.
- Print the application for your records before submitting.
- Click “submit” to complete your application submission.
Step 4: Apply by Email
- Complete the application form online or by hand.
- Complete the Budget Detail Template.
- Email your completed application package to EDSC.CPR-SFS.ESDC@servicecanada.gc.ca.
- Include ‘Research and Innovation Stream’ in the email subject line.
Step 5: Apply by Mail
- Complete the application form online or by hand.
- Complete the Budget Detail Template.
- Mail your completed application package to the specified address for the Skills for Success Program.
- If sending parts of the application by mail, indicate this in your email and include the subject line ‘Research and Innovation Stream’.
Step 6: Confirmation of Receipt
- Receive automatic confirmation of receipt via email for online submissions.
- Receive confirmation by email for submissions via email or mail.
- Ensure the receipt of a confirmation number; if not received, the application was not submitted.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Some additional miscellaneous information is provided about the grant process and requirements.

Information sessions were held on February 8, 2022.
Once you begin completing the online form, it will only be available for 20 hours.
You cannot save or access your application at a later time while using the online form.
Applications submitted by email will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt.
Applications submitted by mail will receive a confirmation of receipt by email within 21 calendar days.

grant_single_labels|contact

EDSC.CPR-SFS.ESDC@servicecanada.gc.ca

Apply to this program

Empowering Research and Innovation for Employment Skills Enhancement

The Skills for Success Program's Research and Innovation Stream grant by Employment and Social Development Canada supports projects aimed at advancing research to enhance employment skills. This grant is a vital resource for organizations dedicated to innovating solutions for skill development challenges in the Canadian labor market.

Detailed Insight into the Skills for Success Program Grant

The Skills for Success Program's Research and Innovation Stream is a comprehensive funding initiative designed to tackle pressing skills and labor market issues across Canada. By providing up to $7.5 million per project, this grant supports research initiatives that identify innovative methods of preparing individuals for the workforce, helping them secure and retain employment, and enabling productivity within the labor force. The goal of the program is not only to address immediate skills gaps but to promote broad adoption of the Skills for Success Model, which underscores foundational and transferable skills critical in today's evolving job landscape.

This grant specifically aims to fund projects that explore new ways of enhancing adult skills development, ensuring that Canadians remain competitive in the workforce. Eligible projects are expected to be national or regional in scope, addressing labor market challenges that transcend provincial and territorial borders. The funding encourages collaboration among various sectors, including academic institutions, research organizations, not-for-profit groups, and relevant government bodies. Applicants must demonstrate a clear strategy for disseminating their findings across different platforms, helping to broaden the impact of their research and foster systematic improvements in skills training and development.

One of the standout features of this grant is its commitment to inclusivity. With a significant portion of the funding earmarked for projects supporting under-represented groups such as women, Indigenous people, racialized individuals, and newcomers, the program ensures that its benefits are equitably distributed across diverse segments of the population. This aligns with the broader federal objectives of reducing barriers to employment and fostering an equitable labor market.

The application process for this grant is rigorous and considers various assessment criteria, including the organizational capacity to manage and deliver the proposed project, the relevance and potential impact of the project objectives, and the strategies for achieving and measuring project success. Projects must conclude by March 31, 2024, demanding focused and efficient execution.

Ultimately, this grant represents a significant opportunity for organizations committed to advancing Canada's workforce capabilities through research and innovation. By leveraging this funding, projects can have a meaningful impact on addressing labor market challenges, fostering sustainable skills development, and preparing Canadians for future workforce demands. The Skills for Success Program not only aids in overcoming current employment hurdles but also contributes to strategic growth and resilience in the Canadian economy.