Thinking about applying for a CIRA Net Good Grant? We understand that the application process can feel daunting and you might have some questions. That’s why we’ve put together this FAQ to address the most common questions we hear from interested applicants. If you don’t see your question answered here, feel free to contact us at [email protected]. And remember—submit your application by 2 p.m. ET on April 9!
Where can I find the application form template?
You can refer to the sample application form to view all the questions you’ll need to answer, including word counts. We provide explanations throughout the form to clarify what is being asked of you with each question. We also link to example project plans, community support letters and budgets so you can see the kind of documentation that’s expected for your project. Some people use the sample application form as a guide to draft their responses offline before cutting and pasting into the online application system when they are ready.
How long should my project last?
Projects should last for about one year or less. Since applicants will be notified about the status of their application in July, you should plan for the CIRA-funded portions of your project to start no earlier than July 2025.
My organization received a grant in the past. Can we apply again?
Yes, if the project is complete, you have submitted your final report, we have reviewed it and there are no outstanding issues.
I work for a non-profit that is newly incorporated. Is it eligible to apply?
Yes, any organization incorporated as a non-profit is eligible to apply. Our Grants Evaluation Panel looks at the financial and project management track record of applicants as a way to assess the likelihood of project success. The expectation is that the applicant finds ways to demonstrate financial and project management capability and capacity within their application. If your organization is just recently incorporated, consider partnering with a more established eligible organization that takes lead responsibility for the project.
My proposed project is inclusive of all Canadians, including seniors, youth, rural and urban. Would we still qualify for funding?
CIRA’s Net Good Grants fund community-led internet projects that benefit target communities (Northern, rural or Indigenous and/or students). As part of the application, you must indicate how many people in any of these groups will benefit from your project and clearly demonstrate how they are involved in project development. You can see from the scoring rubric used to evaluate projects that applications that don’t clearly indicate how the target communities are involved would not score as highly with the Evaluation Panel.
My organization wants to upgrade our internal phone systems and software. Are we eligible for a grant?
No, internal system and software upgrades are not eligible under our infrastructure funding area. Infrastructure and connectivity solutions must be community-led and owned, serving the community more broadly and contributing to long-term community development. Read more about our funding restrictions and take a good look at the kinds of infrastructure projects we fund here.
My organization doesn’t have audited financial statements. Are unaudited financial statements acceptable instead?
If you do not have audited financial statements, we will accept statements that have been reviewed by an accountant and signed by two members of your board of directors. Please keep in mind that a tax return or a profit and loss statement are not financial statements and will not be accepted.
What kind of proof of eligibility should an Indigenous community provide?
Indigenous communities have approached this application requirement in different ways. Sometimes First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples or their development corporations are incorporated as non-profits, and in that case, they have provided their non-profit incorporation documents. In other cases, historical documents like a government treaty have been used. You may also provide documents from federal or provincial governments recognizing the nation, or documentation representing designation as a qualified donnee. We understand that proof of eligibility may be different in each case, and we are happy to help answer any questions. Please reach out to [email protected].
A January to December 2025 organizational operating budget is required as part of the application, but my organization has a different fiscal year. Does our board have to make and approve a new budget instead?
We require every organization to provide a complete January to December 2025 operating budget to demonstrate that they have a plan for their organization’s revenue and expenses for the calendar year. If you don’t have a board-approved budget for all of 2025 (for example, if your organization’s fiscal year is April-March) it’s fine to provide the approved budget you do have, alongside projected revenue and expenses for the period not covered by your current operating budget. You can note this on the documents you provide.
I have a great idea for a project but I’m not sure if it would be eligible for a grant. Is there someone I can ask?
Start by closely reviewing our website and recent projects to get a sense of the types of projects we are looking to fund. If you need further guidance, you can reach out to [email protected]. Keep in mind that CIRA staff are only here to assess the eligibility of an application and have no influence over which organizations receive a grant.
Reminder
The window to apply to CIRA’s Net Good Grants closes at 2 p.m. ET on April 9! Get more tips for applying in our blog.
Caitlin is part of CIRA’s Net Good team as Grants Specialist. Her background is in the charitable sector, and she is passionate about funding digital equity.
