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.