CanCode is now open for applications until Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 12 pm (noon) PST.
An additional $30 million in funding is available for not-for-profit organizations delivering digital skills training for youth and teachers. Learn how to apply.
CanCode funds not-for-profit organizations to deliver digital skills training that helps Canadian students (kindergarten to Grade 12) develop the skills needed to thrive in a digital world. The program also supports training and professional development for teachers to effectively integrate digital skills into the classroom.
Training supported by CanCode can include:
- Coding
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Data analytics
- Digital content development
- Use of digital tools and technologies
Through CanCode-funded initiatives, students and educators learn up-to-date digital skills that helps youth succeed today and in the future.
On this page:
Why CanCode is important
Digital skills developed through CanCode-funded programs help students and teachers succeed in an increasingly digital global economy. Early exposure to skills such as coding and artificial intelligence (AI) prepares students for in-demand careers and rapidly evolving technologies.
Canada's success in the digital economy depends on enabling broad participation, leveraging our diverse talent and providing opportunity for all to participate. CanCode supports this by increasing access to digital skills training for underrepresented groups and equipping teachers with the tools to bring digital learning into the classroom.
CanCode objectives
CanCode is a Government of Canada program that funds not-for-profit organizations to deliver digital skills training to Canadian students (kindergarten to Grade 12) and their teachers—with a particular emphasis on underrepresented groups. The program focuses on building foundational digital skills—including coding, artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, digital content development and use of digital tools and technologies.
CanCode-funded programs prioritize participation among underrepresented groups, including:
- Girls (and those that identify as girls)
- Black youth
- Indigenous youth
- Youth with disabilities
- Youth in rural and remote communities, including:
- areas with a population density of less than 100,000 people
- areas at a distance that are outside the commuting zone of metropolitan centres
- residents of Canada's North (Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut)
CanCode investmentsFootnote 1
The total funding available for this phase of CanCode is $30 million. Since its launch in 2017, the program has made significant national impact, including:
- Over $229.2 million invested in digital skills training across Canada
- Over 11 million students gaining digital skills, including coding
- Over 600,000 teachers equipped with the training and tools needed to support students in the classroom
Frequently asked questions
For complete application details, consult the Applicant guide.
Target: Who do CanCode funded programs target?
CanCode-funded programs focus on underrepresented youth, including:
- Girls (and those that identify as girls)
- Black youth
- Indigenous youth
- Youth with disabilities
- Youth in rural and remote communities, including:
- areas with a population density of less than 100,000 people
- areas at a distance that are outside the commuting zone of metropolitan centres
- residents of Canada's North (Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut)
Definitions: What is considered digital skills training?
Digital skills training includes educational activities that help Canadians build essential digital competencies. These include coding, artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, digital content development, and the use of emerging technologies. The goal is to help Canadian youth and teachers gain the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed in today's digital world, with a specific emphasis on especially as AI becomes increasingly central to how we learn, work and innovate.
Location: Where will the digital skills training be offered?
Training will be delivered within Canada at existing community facilities such as public libraries, community centres, schools, friendship centres, meeting halls or other accessible locations where groups can gather. These familiar spaces help ensure that digital skills training is easy to access for youth and teachers across the country.
Beneficiaries: How many Canadians will benefit from CanCode?
An estimated 1.1 million Canadian youth and 76,000 teachers will benefit from CanCode-funded initiatives by March 31,2028.
Program length: Is CanCode a permanent program?
No. CanCode is temporary and will provide funding through one national call-for-proposals. The program ends March 31, 2028.
After application: Once CanCode projects are selected, what will be the next steps?
Once projects are selected for funding, contribution agreements will be negotiated between successful applicants and Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED). After these agreements are finalized, the approved projects will be publicly announced.
Monitoring: How will CanCode projects be monitored?
Similar to other federal contribution programs, CanCode uses a structured project management framework with clear control mechanisms (e.g., quarterly reporting) to track project progress and funding throughout the entire project lifecycle. These measures help ensure accountability, transparency and effective delivery of CanCode funded initiatives.
Type of funding: Is CanCode a grant or a contribution program?
CanCode is a contribution program where eligible costs are tied to specific performance conditions outlined in a formal contribution agreement. Funding is released only when recipients meet these agreed upon requirements, ensuring accountability and effective delivery of CanCode-funded initiatives.
Costs: What are considered eligible CanCode costs?
Eligible costs are expenses that are directly related to the approved project and meet all conditions and limitations of the program. These costs will be detailed in the contribution agreement and may include:
- Costs associated with the delivery of digital skills training (e.g., program design, communication and outreach, room rental, fees for instructors)
- Administrative costs (limited to up to 10% of eligible costs funded by ISED, or limited to up to 30% for Northern recipients)
- Travel within Canada related to delivery of training
- Costs associated with purchase, rental and/or repair of technological equipment/materials, such as computers and tablets, required for the delivery of the program (limited to up to 20% of eligible costs funded by ISED)
Amounts: What is the maximum amount of funding per CanCode application?
The requested funding cannot exceed $5 million per stream, per fiscal year.
Distribution of funds: How will CanCode funding be disbursed?
Funding will be distributed through claims for reimbursement of eligible costs incurred as outlined in a contribution agreement.
Reporting: What are the CanCode reporting requirements?
Throughout the duration of their contribution agreement, recipients will be required to submit project data, schedules, plans, financial information, and progress reports to assess the project's performance and evaluate the effectiveness of the contribution funding. All reporting requirements will be clearly outlined in the contribution agreement.