Whether you’re a Canadian charity, a not-for-profit or an academic researcher, if you want to build a better online Canada, CIRA’s Community Investment Program is for you. The application period opens on January 15th.
Whether you’re a Canadian charity, a not-for-profit or an academic researcher, if you want to build a better online Canada, CIRA’s Community Investment Program is for you. CIRA is giving away $1 million total in the areas of internet infrastructure, digital literacy, research and online services. In case you need persuading, we’ve rounded up the top five reasons to apply for a grant. The application period opens on January 15th.
Reason #1: You care about the Canadian internet
You’re a user of the internet, a believer of its ability to create positive change and recognize that the Canadian internet has room to improve. Perhaps it’s your career or a passion project, but nonetheless, you’re an advocate for a Canadian internet that is safe, secure, stable and accessible.
Reason #2: You’ll be in good company
As we enter our fifth year of funding, CIRA’s Community Investment Program has supported 102 projects and distributed $4.2 million. The projects span from coast to coast, building new infrastructure, helping grow Canada’s capacity in digital literacy, enabling online services and addressing emerging digital issues. A few of the projects we’ve supported over the years include the IXmaps tool to map internet data routes, Moisson Montréal’s online training course and the Autour app for Canadians with vision loss.
Reason #3: You’ll make a difference for Canadians
Over the years, the Community Investment Program has positively affected thousands of Canadians across the country. Remote communities now have reliable internet, enhancing their opportunities for social and economic growth; children are developing coding skills to prepare them for a future immersed in technology; and Inuit families are connecting with their history, and creating a resource for future generations. These are just a few examples of projects CIRA has funded that make a real difference for Canadians.
Reason #4: You’ll be building a better online Canada
The internet connects us to the world beyond our doorstep. It’s where we go to learn, connect with family and friends, read about world events, shop and participate in many other activities that have become commonplace in our daily lives. By applying to the Community Investment Program, you’re taking the first step in building a better online Canada, where Canadians can benefit from the social, economic and cultural benefits the internet provides. Join us in our ambitious goal!
Reason #5: We’re giving away a million dollars
Last but not least – we’re giving away a million dollars! Typical grants will be approximately $25,000 – $50,000, to a maximum of $100,000 each. The application period opens on January 15, 2018 and runs until February 28, 2018.
About CIRA’s Community Investment Program
CIRA is building a better online Canada through the Community Investment Program by funding innovative projects led by charities, not-for-profits and academic institutions that are making the internet better for all Canadians. CIRA is best known for our role managing the .CA domain on behalf of all Canadians. While this remains our primary mandate, as a member-based not-for-profit ourselves, we have a much broader goal to strengthen Canada’s internet. The Community Investment Program is one of our most valuable contributions toward this goal and funds projects in infrastructure, digital literacy, research and online services. Every .CA domain name registered or renewed contributes to this program. To date, CIRA has supported 102 projects with over $4.2 million in contributions. The application period for funding opens on January 15th. Visit www.cira.ca/cip to learn more.
Mackenzie Messenger specializes in corporate communications for CIRA. She has a passion for branding, internal communications and organizational learning. She also has a Master of Arts in Organizational Communication from the University of Ottawa, where she conducted research on millennials in the workplace.
