Apply For Grants

Please check this page for updates.

Learn About Applying

The Canadian Womens’s Foundation prioritizes programs that are:

  • designed for women, girls, and Two Spirit, trans, and non-binary people who face multiple barriers
  • developed in collaboration with the participants they serve
  • grounded in a strong gender-based analysis

Who Can Apply

We accept applications from incorporated, non-profit organizations that have a valid charitable number from Canada Revenue Agency, or First Nations Bands designated as qualified donees and by Canada Revenue Agency. To check that your charitable number is in good standing, visit Canada Revenue Agency or call 1-800-267-2384.

Please note that we do not fund:

  • individuals
  • federal, provincial or municipal government agencies and school boards (they can be involved in a project but the grant will be made to a charitable organization directly)
  • profit-based organizations
  • fundraising events
  • projects outside of Canada
  • projects not solely or primarily focused on those who identify as women, girls, or trans, Two Spirit, and non-binary people
  • deficit or emergency funding
  • conferences, films or videos
  • capital campaigns or expenditures such as furniture or computers
  • research
  • self-defense training (if it is the only component of a violence prevention project)

What We Fund

Grant proposals are accepted only during application periods. We do not accept unsolicited proposals outside of these periods.

Teen Healthy Relationship Grants

This grant stream opens once every 4 years. Last awarded in 2020.

These 4-year grants support school- and community-based programs that work with young people of all genders, aged 10-19, on learning about dating violence, gender stereotypes, sexual harassment, and how to create safe and healthy relationships.

Rebuilding Lives Grants

Applications for this cycle have closed. Successful applicants will be announced in March 2024.

These 3-year grants support programs for women, girls, Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary peoples to rebuild their lives after experiencing violence, including housing supports, sexual assault and harassment supports, counselling, child witness to violence programs, court/legal supports.

Economic Development Grants

This grant stream opens once every 5 years. Last awarded in 2023.

These 5-year grants support programs for women, Two Spirit, trans, and non-binary people who are living on low incomes to learn a skilled trade, start a business, or gain work experience, with the goal of achieving a sustainable livelihood.

Girls’ Fund Grants

This grant stream opens once every 4 years. Last awarded in 2020.

These 4-year grants support programs for girls, Two Spirit, trans, and non-binary people, age 9 to 13 to build confidence, critical-thinking skills, resilience, and a sense of belonging. We also support mentorship programs and strengthen the capacity of organizations that work with girls.

Investment Readiness Program (IRP) Grants

This grant stream opens once every 4 years. Last awarded in 2022.

These grants assist organizations to support and encourage their growth and participation in the social innovation and social finance ecosystem. The grant program will focus on preparing the ground for new projects to address women’s needs in Canada in various sectors, working with diverse and underserved communities.

Community Needs Grants

Applications for this cycle have closed. Successful applicants will be announced in Summer 2024.

The Canadian Women’s Foundation funds organizations throughout Canada, prioritizing communities where the need is greatest. These organizations are working in various capacities to address three urgent issues: gender-based violence, economic security, and girls’ empowerment. The aim of the Community Needs Grants is to provide short-term support for organizations doing gender-based work, particularly smaller grassroots organizations, to meet a range of immediate needs. Applicants may apply for funds to cover program costs, to undertake timely policy or advocacy initiatives, to support organizational capacity-building or professional development, to build networks, and/or for operational and administrative expenses.

Grant Announcements

Sign up to receive Canadian Women’s Foundation grant application announcements.

Learn More