Halifax, NS (March 11, 2021) – On behalf of the Inter-Council Network (ICN), a coalition of the
eight provincial and regional councils for international cooperation, representing over 350 members from
coast to coast to coast, we would like to offer congratulations to the nineteen small and medium
organizations (SMOs) who have received the latest round of funding through the SMOs for impact and
innovation initiative managed by Global Affairs Canada (GAC). This was announced by the Minister of
International Development, Karina Gould, on Tuesday March 9, 2021 during the opening remarks of the
Spur Change Conference.
The Minister remarked: “It is my pleasure today to tell you that nineteen new small and medium
organizations have recently been selected to implement projects under the development impact window
of the small and medium organizations for impact and innovation initiative. That brings the number being
funded under this program to forty. I look forward to hearing more about their contributions to advancing
the SDGs which should pave the way for greater support for small and medium organizations in the years
to come”.
The Government of Canada has dedicated $100 million to a five-year pilot initiative seeking to engage
Canadian SMOs in international assistance efforts in areas consistent with Canada’s Feminist International
Assistance Policy. It seeks to diversify Global Affairs Canada’s partnerships and enhance the impact of
international assistance initiatives. The Development Impact Window funds programming by SMOs through
calls for proposals. While the Innovation Window invests in the testing of new or improved innovative
solutions to global development challenges. Both aim to generate impact, evidence, knowledge and
learning.
“Spur Change congratulates the SMOs receiving support with this new round of funding,” remarked Spur
Change Director Andréanne Martel. “Even with the COVID pandemic changing our approaches, we
are pleased to assist SMOs’ efforts to launch innovative projects and programs in line with Canada’s FIAP
and the SDGs by providing training, networking opportunities and resources.” The Spur Change program is
a 5-year, GAC funded initiative that provides SMOs capacity-building opportunities, using flexible and
distance learning approaches in both official languages, to share best practices, learn from experts and
from each other, in a manner that is responsive and tailored to their specific and emergent needs. Spur
Change, a program of the ICN, will continue to provide support and work alongside the newly funded SMOs.
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