After you apply for a CIRA Net Good Grant

CIRA NetGood Grants

What happens after you submit an application?

Our team checks your status, eligibility, alignment with funding areas and the completeness of your documentation. We’ll let you know within two days if we spot any issues.
You must provide missing details by March 18, 2026 at 2 p.m. ET
Only complete, eligible applications received by the deadline are considered by the CIRA Grants Evaluation Panel.
The Evaluation Panel reviews and selects projects using this rubric and presents their recommendations to CIRA’s board of directors. CIRA’s board makes the final decision.
Successful applicants will be notified and provided with approval letters and contracts in June. Once contracts are signed, the funds are released.
CIRA staff will reach out to unsuccessful applicants in June.

CIRA Grants Evaluation Panel scoring rubric

Project Evaluation Criteria	% Score
Project Plan Project goal and key activities present a cohesive plan with sufficient relevant detail that can be reasonably completed in the proposed project time frame. Project outputs are clearly described, tangible and measurable. It is clear what this project will produce. Required resources are identified and sensible. Project team includes sufficient leadership, project management experience and organizational capacity to deliver activities and outputs, as well as an adequate mix of skills and expertise to meet specific project implementation demands. Project is sufficiently unique from projects funded in the past by CIRA (2020 onwards, project list here). Project takes environmental sustainability into account.	/25
Beneficiaries Intended Canadian beneficiaries are clearly articulated. Clearly articulates the digital divides faced by target beneficiaries. Demonstrated engagement of beneficiaries in project development.	/20
Community Support Project is community-led, demonstrates community ownership and contributes towards long-term community development. Project shows clear engagement by community stakeholders in development, delivery, financing, etc. If the project is proposed by a university or college, there is demonstrated relationship with, and engagement by, the community/ies that the project intends to serve. Three letters of support from community partners and/or beneficiaries are provided and are compelling.	/20
Outcomes Project outputs are clearly described, tangible and measurable. It is clear what this project will produce. Project outcomes are specific and achievable, and the intended project impact is realistic. Project achievements and/or value can be sustained beyond the end of the CIRA funding. What becomes of the project outputs once the funding ends. Will people or communities still be able to benefit after the CIRA project funding ends?	/15
Budget Budget is reasonable given the scope and activities of the proposed project and includes all costs with sufficient detail to understand the requirements to deliver the project. CIRA-specific expenses are identified. Budget shows contributions from other sources and/or the applicant. Budget does not include ongoing operating funding for an organization, however up to 15% of the CIRA grant request is eligible. The request should be reasonable within the context of the organization’s operating budget.	/20
Total	/100