Canada LIFTs Program – Eligibility Criteria

Applicants who meet all of the requirements below are invited to apply.

✔ Organization

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

✔ Project Eligibility

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

✔ Process

• Complete registration by the deadline
• Submit one complete application only, by the deadline
• Apply in English or French
• Applicants allowed 1 active project at a time