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Unsolicited Concept Note / Unsolicited Proposal Funding Mechanism
Two-step funding for international development projects
Last Update: April 29, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Canada
Overview
This mechanism supports international development projects aligned with Global Affairs Canada priorities. It uses a two-step process: submit a concept note first, then a full proposal if invited, for eligible activities in ODA-eligible countries and sectors.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Public administration
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
- Social Services
- Environment
- Employment and Training
- Civic and Advocacy Organizations
- Other Philanthropic Intermediaries and Voluntarism Promotion
- International Activities
Target groups
- General public
- Women & girls
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- International
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- International development projects in ODA-eligible countries
- Projects aligned with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy
- Initiatives addressing development challenges in sectors used by Global Affairs Canada
- Projects involving innovative finance elements where applicable
Documents Needed
- Concept note
- Signed financial statements for the two most recently completed financial years
- Organization Attestation form, signed by the CFO
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Private sector entities
- Social enterprises
- Religious organizations
- NGOs and non-profits
- Universities
Who is not eligible
- Organizations without legal status
- Organizations with weak financial standing
- Applicants unable to show project delivery capacity
- Organizations whose objectives conflict with Canadian policy or development priorities
Eligible expenses
- Project staff salaries and benefits
- Travel, accommodation, and related transport costs
- Equipment, goods, assets, and supplies
- Subcontractor fees and project administration costs
- Training, meeting, and communications costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs incurred before the funding agreement is signed
- Application or proposal preparation costs
- Entertainment, gifts, and membership fees
- Interest expenses and carrying charges
- Travel insurance, except approved emergency health travel insurance for volunteers
Eligible geographic areas
- Official development assistance-eligible countries
Processing and Agreement
- Concept note reviewed after submission through Partners@International
- Applicants are notified within about two months
- If interested, GAC invites a full proposal with further instructions
- Funding is only confirmed once a financial instrument is signed
- If not invited, the application remains on file and should not be resubmitted for the same idea within two years
Additional information
- Applications must be submitted through Partners@International.
- Only legal entities can receive funding.
- Canadian organizations must have a CRA business number.
- Funding decisions are based on the proposal after invitation.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Unsolicited Concept Note / Unsolicited Proposal Funding Mechanism Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Unsolicited Concept Note / Unsolicited Proposal Funding Mechanism. 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 Unsolicited Concept Note / Unsolicited Proposal Funding Mechanism?
This mechanism supports international development projects aligned with Global Affairs Canada priorities. It uses a two-step process: submit a concept note first, then a full proposal if invited, for eligible activities in ODA-eligible countries and sectors.
Who is eligible for the Unsolicited Concept Note / Unsolicited Proposal Funding Mechanism program?
To be eligible for the Unsolicited Concept Note / Unsolicited Proposal Funding Mechanism program, you must:
Legal entity with project capacity
Aligned with GAC priorities
Canadian applicants need a CRA number
What expenses are eligible under Unsolicited Concept Note / Unsolicited Proposal Funding Mechanism?
International development projects in ODA-eligible countries
Projects aligned with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy
Initiatives addressing development challenges in sectors used by Global Affairs Canada
Projects involving innovative finance elements where applicable
Who can I contact for more information about the Unsolicited Concept Note / Unsolicited Proposal Funding Mechanism?
You can contact Regional Municipal Council of Sept-Rivières by email at info@international.gc.ca or by phone at 1-800-267-8376.
Where is the Unsolicited Concept Note / Unsolicited Proposal Funding Mechanism available?
The Unsolicited Concept Note / Unsolicited Proposal Funding Mechanism program is available across Canada.
Is the Unsolicited Concept Note / Unsolicited Proposal Funding Mechanism a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Unsolicited Concept Note / Unsolicited Proposal Funding Mechanism is a Partnering and Collaboration
Who are the financial supporters of the Unsolicited Concept Note / Unsolicited Proposal Funding Mechanism?
Unsolicited Concept Note / Unsolicited Proposal Funding Mechanism is funded by Regional Municipal Council of Sept-Rivières