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Women's Program - Canada
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Source verified May 28, 2026

Women's Program

Funding for women’s equality projects across Canada
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply

Eligible organizations under WAGE program criteria

See full eligibility

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

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
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

Program guide

General eligibility requirements for the Women’s Program

Women’s Program

Supporting document

Women’s Program - Systemic Change Tip Sheet

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

  • Step 1: Review funding opportunities
    • Check the current WAGE funding opportunities and calls for proposals.
  • Step 2: Confirm eligibility
    • Review the general eligibility requirements for the relevant program.
    • Check the guidelines on eligible expenditures and service standards.
  • Step 3: Discuss your project
    • Contact a Women and Gender Equality Canada office to speak with a Program Officer.
  • Step 4: Submit your application
    • Apply through the WAGE funding portal or the process indicated for the opportunity.

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)