FAQ
General Information about CIDA
Information for Canadian Organizations
Information on CIDA Resources and Publications
Information for Non-Canadians
Information for Journalists
1 - What is CIDA?
The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is the federal agency charged with planning and implementing most of Canada's development cooperation program in order to reduce poverty and to contribute to a more secure, equitable, and prosperous world.
CIDA in Brief provides a snapshot of the organization.
2 - Why does Canada help people in developing countries?
Canadians know that the life we enjoy here is intricately linked to addressing the challenges being faced by communities, countries, and regions around the world. Our belief in working together to address international development issues has been fundamental, both within our own government and with international partners.
Canada’s commitment as part of the global community is also the basis for working in partnership to address the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Agreed upon in 2000, the MDGs are an unprecedented consensus among developed and developing nations on a series of ambitious goals to be reached by 2015:
- Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.
- Achieve universal primary education.
- Promote gender equality and empower women.
- Reduce child mortality.
- Improve maternal health.
- Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases.
- Ensure environmental sustainability.
- Develop a global partnership for development.
3 - What is CIDA’s governance and management structure?
CIDA reports to Parliament through the Minister of International Cooperation. The President of CIDA advises the Minister on policy, program, and management issues. To learn more about the structure of CIDA, consult the organization charts.
4 - When, how, and why was CIDA created?
The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) was created in 1968 by an Order in Council to replace the External Aid Office.
Before then, most Canadian aid took the form of contributions to the United Nations and its agencies. This was done through the Department of External Affairs, now known as Foreign Affairs Canada.
In 1959, the Department of Trade and Commerce set up an Economic and Technical Assistance Bureau to look after developing countries’ growing needs for international assistance.
In 1960, through an Order in Council, under the Public Service Rearrangement and Transfer Duties Act, the bureau's functions were transferred to the Department of External Affairs to form a consolidated External Aid Office. Its creation was fundamental to Canada’s role in international development because foreign aid was continuously growing.
5 - How does CIDA disburse the aid budget?
CIDA administers approximately 80 percent of Canada’s aid budget to programs and projects in regions and countries around the world.
The balance of the aid budget is administered by other arms of the government including the Department of Finance, Foreign Affairs Canada, and the International Development Research Centre.
To find out precisely how CIDA distributes the budget, please consult CIDA's Statistical Report on Official Development Assistance.
6 - How can I find information on a particular country and CIDA programs and projects that are making a difference in that country?
The Regions and Countries section can help you find information on the countries that CIDA operates in.
The Programs and Projects section provides an overview of CIDA’s activities, and of the countries, regions, and sectors where it works. Here you will also find a unique tool called the Project Browser that is regularly updated and contains profiles of many CIDA-funded projects.
7 - How can I work in international development?
A career in international development or at CIDA can begin in many ways. You can begin your search by consulting CIDA’s Employment section. Here you can learn about a variety of ways to get involved with CIDA, with our partner organizations, or with multilateral organizations.
8 - How can I find a volunteer opportunity abroad?
The Employment section on this site also includes volunteer opportunities that might be of interest.
9 - What kind of scholarships does CIDA offer to Canadian students wishing to pursue graduate studies abroad?
CIDA does not offer this type of scholarship, but you should visit the Government of Canada International Scholarship Programs.
10 - Does CIDA offer internships for graduates and/or undergraduates?
Graduates
- Through the International Youth Internship Program, CIDA has sent thousands of recent graduates to eligible developing countries to gain first-hand work experience in their field of study. CIDA's internship program is part of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy.
- Graduates with a Master’s degree are also eligible for the Junior Professional Officer Program, which offers opportunities for young Canadians to work at the United Nations and its agencies.
Undergraduates
- Undergraduates are not eligible for CIDA's youth internships.
- However, CIDA funds several youth-focussed non-governmental organizations that offer overseas development opportunities to young Canadians who have not yet graduated from university. Check out information on our youth partners at the Youth Zone.
- Opportunities at CIDA for undergraduates may include a post-secondary co-operative (co-op) placement or a placement found through the Public Service Commission’s Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP). Students participating in the co-operative program must contact their university’s co-op office directly for information on placements with CIDA.
11 - I have an idea for an international development project. How do I proceed?
CIDA does not provide funding to individuals for development projects. To receive funding, the entity must have a legal status. For example, this implies registration as a charity or a company. Another option for individuals is to submit a proposal to one of the many Canadian non-governmental organizations. Refer to the Working with CIDA section on the CIDA Internet site.
Information for Canadian Organizations
12 - How can a registered Canadian non-governmental organization receive funding from CIDA?
A number of programs within CIDA are open to submissions from non-governmental organizations (NGOs). You can also refer to the Working with CIDA section on the CIDA Internet site where Your Guide to Working with CIDA provides details about the various possibilities.
In order to submit a proposal, NGOs must meet eligibility criteria specific to each program. Before developing a proposal, NGOs are strongly advised to find out, from the CIDA Internet site, the criteria that must be met in order for their submission to be considered.
NGOs are also welcome to submit proposals in response to CIDA’s competitive process via MERX, the electronic tendering system.
13 - How can my Canadian business work in partnership with CIDA?
There are a number of ways to work with CIDA. You should consult the Working With CIDA section on this site. You should also consult the Private Sector Program section.
14 - How can my business find current contracting opportunities at CIDA?
CIDA pre-announces competitive opportunities on its pipeline. As a rule, pipeline projects are posted for at least 30 days before the Request for Proposal (RFP) is formally posted on the electronic tendering system.
All of CIDA's competitive opportunities are advertised on the MERX electronic tendering system.
The Working With CIDA section also provides other information useful to those contemplating a business relationship with CIDA.
Information on CIDA Resources and Publications
15 - How can I obtain a CIDA publication?
CIDA’s corporate publications are available through the Publications section on the CIDA Internet site (including CIDA’s Contracts and Agreements). You can also find an array of publications and information by using the CIDA search engine. If you cannot find a specific publication or information, contact CIDA’s Public Inquiries Service by e-mail or by telephone: 1-800-230-6349 or (819) 997-5006.
16 - Where can I find information, programs, and activities specifically for youth?
The Youth and Teachers section on the CIDA Internet site is a good place to start. Youth Zone provides young people with inspiring ideas and opportunities to make a world of change in developing countries by contributing their own unique skills.
CIDA also has many online publications useful for school projects and global issues that might be of interest.
The Global Classroom Initiative funds the Canadian formal education sector and non-governmental organizations interested in developing educational resources about international development. Another CIDA initiative that focuses on educating youth about international development is butterfly 208, an art and writing contest for Canadian youth aged 14 to 18. This contest is designed to interest youth in international development and global issues.
17 - Where can I get a copy of CIDA’s A Developing World map?
Canadian Geographic, in partnership with CIDA, has designed A Developing World, a map that illustrates, through facts and figures, the realities and challenges of the developing world. This map offers a unique perspective of the world and of Canada's role in international development. On the other side, a second map, Canada and the World, presents an overview of Canada’s accomplishments in science and culture worldwide.
You can request a copy of the Developing World Map online.
Information for non-Canadians
18 - I am a resident of a developing country. How can I apply for a scholarship to attend a Canadian college or university?
Check out the Canada International site, which provides a wealth of information.
In particular, the Canadian and International Scholarship Programs for foreign students wishing to study in Canada is useful.
If you have not found a program that you are eligible for, contact the Canadian college or university to which you have been accepted. Ask if it offers scholarship programs for foreign students.
19 - How can an organization in a developing country receive funding from CIDA?
If an organization is based in a country or territory eligible for Canadian development assistance and is interested in implementing a project that will aid the country’s development, the organization needs to contact the Canadian cooperation section of Canada’s representative for its home country.
The Canadian government also supports small, locally generated development projects through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. Projects are short-term and focus on strengthening the relationship with local communities in the poorest areas. It works with non-governmental organizations and government institutions to create alliances to ensure project sustainability.
The Canada's Representation Abroad site can provide more information on these and other funds.
Information for Journalists
20 – As a journalist, how can I get specific information on CIDA?
The Media Room on the CIDA Internet site is your entry point for specialized material such as media advisories, news releases, and contacts that can assist you.
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