Open
Source verified August 1, 2026
Women's Program
Supports gender equality projects across Canada
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
The Women’s Program funds organizations across Canada to strengthen capacity and drive systemic change for women and girls. It supports projects that improve economic security, leadership and decision-making roles, and efforts to end 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
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- For-profit business
- Public or Parapublic institution
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
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Social Services
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Civic and Advocacy Organizations
- Children and Youth Organizations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Seniors
- Indigenous peoples
- New immigrants & refugees
- People with disabilities
- Women & girls
- LGBTQ+ community
- Rural / Remote communities
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Regional
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Projects that address or remove the root barriers to gender equality in a system
- Developing strong human resources policies that prevent and address sexual harassment on work sites
- Sharing best practices on alternative childcare arrangements for parents who cannot work the 9 to 5 norm and testing the arrangements with the construction industry
- Partnering with schools to promote and support the hiring and retention of women in the construction industry
- Testing mentorship programs for underrepresented women in leadership positions and implementing training that addresses harmful gender stereotypes and supports an inclusive work environment
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-profit Canadian organizations
- For-profit Canadian organizations if the nature and intent of the funded activity is non-commercial and not intended to generate profit
- Indigenous governments and their agencies
- Provinces, territories, municipalities and their agencies
- Research organizations and institutes, centres of expertise, educational institutions, and not for profit equality seeking organizations for capacity development funding
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
- Activities that take place outside of Canada, except activities related to the United Nations that connect directly to the project and have written approval from Women and Gender Equality Canada
- Ongoing activities
- Research and polling activities, unless research is directly linked to the project and is not its sole or major focus
- Capital expenditures, including construction of a new building or structural components essential to the stability of a building
- Deficits, debt reduction, organization assets, remuneration or indemnities for members of a volunteer board or other body, performance pay and bonuses, severance allowances, long-term sick leave, maternity leave, and contributions to fundraising campaigns or other fundraising events
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
- Apply for funding through the WAGE funding portal.
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?
The Women’s Program funds organizations across Canada to strengthen capacity and drive systemic change for women and girls. It supports projects that improve economic security, leadership and decision-making roles, and efforts to end 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:
Legally constituted organizations in eligible categories
Capacity development funding is for not for profit equality seeking organizations
Projects must contribute to the program’s mandate, fall within one or more areas of focus, and involve women affected by the issue
What expenses are eligible under Women's Program?
Projects that address or remove the root barriers to gender equality in a system
Developing strong human resources policies that prevent and address sexual harassment on work sites
Sharing best practices on alternative childcare arrangements for parents who cannot work the 9 to 5 norm and testing the arrangements with the construction industry
Partnering with schools to promote and support the hiring and retention of women in the construction industry
Testing mentorship programs for underrepresented women in leadership positions and implementing training that addresses harmful gender stereotypes and supports an inclusive work environment
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)