FAQ
1. Does the GCI fund research and development projects?
Yes. The GCI can fund research and development projects up to a maximum of $20,000.
2. Does the GCI fund programming in developing countries?
No. The GCI cannot fund programming in developing countries. GCI funding is designed to support the design and development of educational resources and professional development tools for a Canadian audience. This does not exclude the possibility of the organization seeking other sources of funding for the developing-country component of the proposed project.
3. Can the GCI fund school trips to developing countries?
No.
4. Can the GCI fund capital expenditures?
No. New equipment acquired to deliver the project (e.g. computers, cameras, etc.) must be rented.
The GCI focuses exclusively on supporting the design and development of educational resources and professional development tools for a Canadian audience.
5. Is there a link between the amount funded and the size of the audience?
Organizations may apply for funding of up to $150,000 if they demonstrate a major national reach or up to $100,000 for a major provincial reach.
6. What type of information should a letter of support contain?
The letter of support must go beyond merely agreeing with the concept of the project: the supportive organization must also commit to apply, disseminate, or develop the resource. Any financial and/or in-kind support must also be explicitly indicated.
7. What constitutes a strong partnership?
The GCI considers a partnership to be the association of two or more organizations working toward the same goal, complementing each other, and supporting each other financially. A strong partnership between the formal education sector and a non-governmental organization (NGO) is one that will ensure the following:
For the formal education sector
- in-depth and accurate information about international development issues
- balanced international development content in the teaching materials
For NGOs
- content of lesson plans and activities is educationally sound and respects provincial and territorial Ministry of Education curricula
- resources produced in collaboration with the formal education sector are disseminated and applied in the classroom
8. Can an NGO apply for GCI funding while receiving funding from Canadian Partnership Branch or another CIDA branch?
An organization can receive money from the GCI and from another CIDA branch, but not for the same project.
9. Once a project has been approved and the contribution agreement signed, is it possible to modify the course of the project or change its budget?
Any modifications to the original proposal must be pre-approved by CIDA.
10. Does the GCI fund website production?
No. The GCI will not fund website production or hosting; however, if the website is already in place, the GCI may fund website updates.
11. How should international development themes be addressed?
It is up to the organizations to decide on the themes and to develop the international development content of their projects. The GCI expects that the international development themes chosen will include the contexts and perspectives of developing countries and will address issues faced in developing countries that impact on the world. (Topics addressing Canadian issues that impact on the world are not eligible.) The materials produced should also include examples of actual activities undertaken by Canadian organizations to promote better living conditions in developing countries.
12. Do examples of Canadian activity in developing countries have to be restricted to CIDA-supported projects?
No. Examples may include other Canadian development projects not funded by CIDA. Applicants are encouraged to include examples of projects in developing countries implemented by groups also working in their own Canadian communities.
13. Why does the GCI support global citizenship projects?
As countries around the world move into an era of global integration, national borders can no longer define citizenship. For this reason, it is increasingly important that we learn to see ourselves—and that we educate our children to see themselves—as responsible global citizens. Therefore, citizens’ awareness of international development issues encourages them to contribute to a better world by finding solutions to world challenges. Although the word ‘’world’’ refers to all countries, GCI-funded resources should always focus on developing-country issues and Canadian contributions in these countries.
14. How much can I spend on administrative costs (overhead)?
As much as the project requires, but CIDA can only reimburse administrative costs for a maximum of 12 percent of the eligible costs related to the GCI mandate. For example, if the total value of the project is $100,000 and CIDA funding is expected to be $40,000, then administrative costs eligible and payable by CIDA will be a maximum of $4,500 (12 percent of $40,000).
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