Grants and Contributions Transformation Initiative

On this page:

• Benefits
• Background
• News and Events

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) launched the Grants and Contributions Transformation Initiative (GCTI) to streamline and modernize the department’s grants and contributions system for international assistance.

The initiative’s goal is to make the system more:

• efficient
• effective
• transparent
• responsive
• accountable

It will serve the needs of:

• communities that Canada funds
• organizations that Canada works with in these communities

The focus will be on:

• minimizing the administrative burden, making it easier to apply for assistance
• improving risk assessments
• making information more current and easier to share

Benefits

• Focusing on efficiency - It will be easier to apply for Canadian international assistance funding. Organizations will receive a response to their proposals faster. Once funding has been approved, less time will be spent on administrative tasks, leaving more time to focus on project delivery.
• Greater impact to communities - Organizations and the communities they serve will benefit from a system that is built through their collaboration with Global Affairs Canada.

• Evidence-based decision making - This will provide more accurate and current data about projects in relation to:

• organizations
• themes
• countries
• regions

We are transforming our grants and contributions system by:

• replacing and automating outdated technology
• streamlining business processes

As this initiative advances, we will continue to rethink our approach to international assistance. We are committed to integrating the principles of diversity, inclusion and cooperation into every exchange and process.

Background

The Grants and Contributions Transformation Initiative addresses commitments made in Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy:

• streamline and accelerate funding and reporting procedures of grants and contributions
• reduce the administrative burden on recipients of funding
• be more responsible, transparent and predictable

In his mandate letter to the Minister of International Development, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked that we improve the way we manage and deliver international development assistance.

Modernizing the Government of Canada’s grants and contribution system will create positive change in people’s lives around the world.

If you have questions or comments, email the Grants and Contributions Transformation Initiative team at MobilisationITSC-GCTIEngagement@international.gc.ca.

News and Events

Partner Forum

In December 2023, 253 participants from over 112 organizations in three continents attended the virtual Partner Forum. The event was designed to inform and solicit feedback from organizations interested in the ongoing work of grants and contributions transformation.

Risk-appetite hackathon for Grants and Contributions Transformation

Government of Canada employees and partnering organizations explored the best ways of working together. They also focused on the risks related to approving and managing funding for international assistance projects. This exercise is part of our commitment to involve partners in designing a modernized system.

Related links

• Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy
• Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada Mandate Letter