Catalyst Fund

Eligibility Criteria

Is your organization eligible?

Your organization may be eligible if you:

  • Are a registered Canadian non-profit or charity (excluding post-secondary institutions)
  • Meet the definition of a Small or Medium-Sized Organization (SMO), with your organization’s most recent financial statements showing:
    • Consolidated revenue equal to or less than $10 million, and
    • Annual overseas expenditures in development assistance not exceeding $2 million (i.e. projects administered with the promotion of the economic development and welfare of developing countries as their main objective).
  • Have been incorporated in Canada for at least 3 years (can provide proof of legal status (e.g. a letter of incorporation), and a Canada Revenue Agency business number or registered charity number.
  • Can provide 3 years of financial statements (audited preferred but not required)
  • Demonstrate financial, ethical, and operational capacity to manage funds responsibly

Is your project eligible?

Your project may be eligible if you:

  • Work in international cooperation, global solidarity, or eligible public engagement
  • Propose activities in ODA-eligible countries (or focus on eligible public engagement in Canada)
  • Are community-informed and partner-led, with clear roles for partners and participants
  • Align with program values, including localization, equity, learning, and Do No Harm
  • Promote gender equality and inclusion, addressing barriers and power imbalances
  • Comply with and uphold good practices in environmental, ethical, and human rights standards

Funding Parameters

Specific to the Catalyst Fund:

  • Funding request for $10,000–$50,000/year (maximum $150,000)
  • Project length: 1 year (possibility of renewal)
  • Possibility for renewal
  • Budget submitted in Canadian dollars using the Canada LIFTs template
  • One application per organization

Not eligible

  • Projects with construction: (e.g. building a new structure or refurbishing an existing structure – even if funded outside of Canada LIFTs)
  • Organizations currently receiving Global Affairs Canada funding 

Resources to consult:


Application now closed for
 this fund


How To Apply

  • Set up an account for your organization in French or English
  • You can only submit an application when the funding window is open
  • Follow the instructions and guidelines in the online application
  • Submit one complete application only, by the deadline (multiple applications will not be reviewed)
  • Applicants allowed 1 active Canada LIFTs project at a time

Set up an Account