Open
Women's Program
Funding for women’s equality projects across Canada
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Funding supports time-limited projects that advance women’s equality across Canada. It focuses on improving economic security, encouraging leadership, and ending violence against women and girls.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Other services (except public administration)
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
- Rural or Northern Residents
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Improving women’s and girls’ economic security and prosperity.
- Encouraging women and girls to take leadership and decision-making roles.
- Ending violence against women and girls.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Eligible organizations under WAGE program criteria
- Women’s organizations
- Indigenous organizations
- Community organizations
Eligible expenses
The eligible projects for funding programs from Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) are focused on addressing systemic barriers to equality and supporting underserved populations. These projects aim to promote the full participation of women and other gender minorities in economic, social, and democratic life, as well as to provide support to survivors of gender-based violence.
- Projects that improve women’s and girls’ economic security and prosperity.
- Initiatives that encourage women and girls to take on leadership and decision-making roles.
- Programs aimed at ending violence against women and girls.
- Developing and implementing promising practices to address gaps in support for specific populations affected by gender-based violence.
- Projects supporting Indigenous and underserved groups of survivors in Canada.
- Partnership building and capacity building activities focused on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
- Applied community research to advance gender equality.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Ongoing operational and administrative activities.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
The Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) funding programs have evaluation and selection criteria for grant applications. The criteria include:
- Relevance and alignment with program objectives
- Potential impact and contribution to systemic change
- Strength of project design and approach
- Capacity of the organization to deliver the project
- Clarity and feasibility of the budget
- Demonstrated need for funding and project sustainability
How to apply
1
Identify Funding Opportunities
- Review the current and upcoming funding opportunities provided by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE).
- Determine which funding program your project aligns with, based on your organizational focus and project goals (Women’s Program, Gender-Based Violence Program, or Equality for Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression Program).
2
Review Eligibility Criteria
- Consult the general eligibility requirements for the selected program.
- Ensure your organization and project meet the specific criteria outlined by the program.
- Review guidelines on eligible expenditures and service standards.
3
Contact Program Officer
- Reach out to a Women and Gender Equality Canada office to discuss your potential application with a Program Officer.
- Seek guidance on aligning your project proposal with WAGE’s priorities and requirements.
4
Prepare Application
- Gather all necessary documentation, including evidence of eligibility, project description, objectives, and budget.
- Write a detailed project proposal addressing how your project aligns with the funding program’s objectives and priorities.
5
Submit Application
- Complete the application form provided by WAGE for your chosen program.
- Submit the application along with all required supporting documents through the designated submission portal or process.
6
Confirmation of Submission
- Receive confirmation of your application submission from WAGE.
- Keep a record of the confirmation and your application details for future reference and follow-up.
Additional information
- WAGE uses targeted calls for proposals and a continuous intake process.
- Applicants can discuss their project with a Program Officer before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Women's Program Program
What is the Women's Program?
Funding supports time-limited projects that advance women’s equality across Canada. It focuses on improving economic security, encouraging leadership, and ending violence against women and girls.
Who is eligible for the Women's Program program?
To be eligible for the Women's Program program, you must:
Time-limited projects only
Eligible organizations only
Must fit a priority area
What expenses are eligible under Women's Program?
Improving women’s and girls’ economic security and prosperity.
Encouraging women and girls to take leadership and decision-making roles.
Ending violence against women and girls.
Who can I contact for more information about the Women's Program?
You can contact Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE).
Where is the Women's Program available?
The Women's Program program is available across Canada.
Who are the financial supporters of the Women's Program?
Women's Program is funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE)