Program Description

The Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP), managed by Agency Services and Canadian Relations Directorate of Canadian Partnership Branch, provides financial support to the programs of volunteer-cooperation agencies (VCAs).

VCAs support CIDA's mandate and objectives in meeting the Millennium Development Goals. They work in a manner consistent with the principles of effective development assistance by building the capacity of developing-country partners to improve economic and social well-being. Through placements of qualified Canadian volunteers and volunteer-exchange programs, VCAs undertake to define and meet local needs in a sustainable manner. By engaging a large and diverse spectrum of Canadian volunteers, VCAs promote a better understanding of international development issues to the Canadian public at large.

Through their strong connection to communities in developing countries, VCAs are well placed to identify emerging priorities and offer innovative programming.
VCAs engage Canadians directly by offering them volunteering opportunities by providing information on development issues, debating international cooperation, and offering people from the developing world an opportunity to speak with Canadians directly on matters of concern.

1. be incorporated or registered as a not-for-profit organization under the laws of Canada, a province or a territory;
2. have its main place of business in Canada;
3. have had a minimum of three years' experience in cooperating with developing-country partners and managing or delivering extensive international development initiatives in at least one developing country;
4. have a transparent internal governance structure with regularly elected or appointed board of directors (or governing body under another designation) that sets policy and appoints an executive that is accountable to the board; and
5. have audited financial statements for the two most recent fiscal years, the latest having been completed within the last 18 months.

1. address one or more CIDA priority sectors (see MDGs);
2. target Countries and Territories Eligible for Canadian Development Assistance;
3. have a budget that respects the VCP's cost-sharing practice; and
4. be carried out in partnership with at least one developing-country partner organization.

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• The program is aligned with CIDA’s mandate and priorities, including a contribution to the MDGs, sectoral priorities, geographic focus, and gender and environmental considerations. The initiative must take place in Countries and Territories Eligible for Canadian Development Assistance.
• The program contributes to at least one Voluntary Sector Program objective:
  • capacity development of developing-country organizations;
  • enhanced policy influence of poor and marginalized groups; and,
  • increased engagement of a large and diverse spectrum of Canadians in international development.
• The program is geographically focused to address priority development needs of poor and marginalized populations. The locally identified needs it addresses are relevant to the local context, coherent with the stated priorities of national development plans or poverty reduction strategies, and coordinated with other national and international development actors.
• The program is in compliance with CIDA’s policy on gender equality and contributes to at least one of the gender equality results desired, as defined in CIDA’s Policy Objectives.
• Environmental considerations have been integrated into programming.

• Results: The baseline indicators and needs are clearly and locally defined; there is a clear and logical link between identified needs, program approach and results; results are clear, realistic, and measurable; there is evidence that the results/benefits will continue after CIDA's involvement ends.
• Value: The relationship between proposed resource use and results is reasonable; there is clear potential for Canada and Canadians to add value; and the proponent has the appropriate capacity to leverage diversified sources of funding for the initiative

• The level of local ownership, partnership, and shared accountability for results.
• The level of relevant sectoral, geographic, and management experience of the proponent.
• The technical soundness of the program methodology.
• A weighing and presentation of assumptions, risks, and appropriate risk-mitigation strategies.
• The initiative is incorporated into the organization's strategic plan and supported by its board of directors.

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1. Download and fill out the Volunteer Cooperation Program Application Form (Microsoft Word Format).
2. Attach the required supporting documentation as described in the application form.
3. Please send your completed application form and supporting documentation electronically to: volcope-covolep@acdi-cida.gc.ca.

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• Results-Based Management
• Gender Equality
• Contribution Agreement: General Terms and Conditions
• Environmental Assessment Handbook