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Source verified May 30, 2026
Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP)
Supports Canadian volunteer-sending projects abroad
Funding available
$ 3,000,000 - $ 50,000,000
Deadline
February 20, 2019
Location
Canada
Overview
This program supports Canadian volunteer-sending projects that strengthen development partners in eligible countries. The maximum funding is $50 million per project, for initiatives that advance gender equality, inclusion, and sustainable development.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
- Develop a new program or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 3,000,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Primary and Secondary Education
- Other Education
- Research
- Social Services
- Employment and Training
- Civic and Advocacy Organizations
- Other Philanthropic Intermediaries and Voluntarism Promotion
- International Activities
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Women & girls
- Community leaders
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- International
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Volunteer placements that strengthen local partner capacity
- Canadian public engagement and awareness activities
- Support to more inclusive, innovative, and environmentally sustainable development initiatives
- Activities aligned with Feminist International Assistance Policy action areas
Documents Needed
- Organization Attestation form
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian organizations
- Consortia led by Canadian organizations
- Organizations with volunteer-sending experience
Who is not eligible
- Organizations not legally incorporated in Canada
- Organizations not registered in Partners@International
- Organizations without the required volunteer-sending experience
- Organizations submitting more than one application
Eligible expenses
- Volunteer travel, accommodation, daily allowances, and incidentals
- Medical insurance, vaccines, and visa-related costs
- Engagement activities in Canada
- Special thematic fund activities
- Subcontractor and consultant fees
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Fundraising activities
- Annual general meetings
- Partisan political advocacy or lobbying
- Activities outside Canada
- New construction or physical work
- Reintegration allowances for long-term volunteers
- Carbon credits and certain non-eligible insurance costs
Eligible geographic areas
- Official development assistance-eligible countries
- Sub-Saharan Africa is a priority region
- Canada for engagement activities
Selection criteria
- Alignment with Global Affairs Canada priorities and the Feminist International Assistance Policy
- Strong gender equality integration and analysis
- Clear human rights analysis and response
- Evidence of partner support and project feasibility
- Merit assessment based on the full proposal criteria
How to apply
- Step 1: Register or log in to Partners@International
- Create an organization profile if needed.
- Use the portal to access the call documents and eligible countries.
- Step 2: Prepare the application
- Complete the application form and required forms.
- Gather supporting documents, including partnership letters, country annexes, and financial statements.
- Complete the budget spreadsheet and volunteer manual.
- Step 3: Submit through the portal
- Upload the full package in Partners@International.
- Submit before the deadline.
- Step 4: Follow post-submission instructions
- Monitor for eligibility review and assessment results.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first screened for eligibility.
- Eligible files are reviewed for required project experience.
- Qualified proposals move to merit assessment.
- Applicants are notified if their application is ineligible or does not meet experience requirements.
- Funding is only confirmed through a separate funding agreement.
Additional information
- Applicants may submit only one application.
- The proposal must be submitted through the Partners@International portal.
- Late submissions will not be accepted.
- The program provides reference resources and guidance documents online.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP) Program
What is the Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP)?
This program supports Canadian volunteer-sending projects that strengthen development partners in eligible countries. The maximum funding is $50 million per project, for initiatives that advance gender equality, inclusion, and sustainable development.
How much funding can be received?
Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP) Funds up to $50,000,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP) program?
To be eligible for the Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP) program, you must:
Canadian incorporated organization
Registered in Partners@International
Volunteer-sending experience
What expenses are eligible under Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP)?
Volunteer placements that strengthen local partner capacity
Canadian public engagement and awareness activities
Support to more inclusive, innovative, and environmentally sustainable development initiatives
Activities aligned with Feminist International Assistance Policy action areas
Who can I contact for more information about the Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP)?
You can contact Global Affairs Canada (GAC) by email at correspondance.pid@international.gc.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP) available?
The Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP) program is available across Canada.
Is the Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP) is a Grant and Funding