CanCode is a non-repayable contribution program that supports not-for-profit organizations in developing and delivering digital skills training, including coding and AI, to Canadian students (kindergarten to Grade 12) and teachers. Organizations must meet eligibility criteria before their applications are assessed against merit criteria.
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CanCode eligibility criteria
An organization needs to meet all eligibility criteria to be considered for a full assessment, based on the merit criteria.
Eligible applicants must clearly demonstrate how their proposal's activities will meet the objectives and expected results of CanCode.
Eligible applicants are not-for-profit corporations*, incorporated under federal, provincial or territorial law in Canada, and are undertaking eligible activities. Applicants must provide proof.
Your application must clearly demonstrate that:
- All required documents are submitted:
- Application form (PDF, 216 KB)
- Quantitative data workbook (Excel, 247 KB)
- Proof of Incorporation as a not-for-profit organization in Canada
- Audited financial statements for the last two years
- Your organization or partner has at least three consecutive years experience in delivering coding and digital skills programs, with a proven track record of success. For returning recipients, past results will be considered
- The initiative targets underrepresented groups in STEM
- The initiative will be delivered at no cost to participants (i.e., no user fees)
- Your organization has the resource capacity and expertise, either internally or through partnerships, to deliver the initiative before March 31, 2028, and agrees to measure and report progress accurately on a quarterly basis
- Your organization's mission and mandate align with the goals of CanCode.
Note: Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with a network of partners (not-for-profit organizations) when submitting an application. One not-for-profit organization must act as the lead applicant and submit the proposal on behalf of all partners. These partners are considered part of the same initiative and cannot submit a separate application for the same project.
CanCode merit criteria
Once an applicant meets all eligibility criteria, the program's merit criteria are used to establish a priority ranking of eligible proposals. The following factors will be considered during assessment:
- Project description and geographic reach: Review of the proposed project, locations and geographic reach, work plan, budget, schedule, expected results, and other relevant details
- Inclusivity of underrepresented groups: Greater weight will be given to applicants that can demonstrate a plan and their capacity to deliver programming with a strong focus on reaching traditionally underrepresented youth including girls, Indigenous youth, Black youth, youth with disabilities, youth living in rural, remote, and northern communities, along with teachers
- Instructor representation: Outside of provincial schools, we aim to ensure that people from the underrepresented groups being taught are present in the room during instruction. This means that while not all mentors or teachers need to be female, Black, Indigenous, or have a disability, there should be individuals from these communities present in the teaching environment. This ensures that youth have someone they can identify with. Identify in your application how this will be achieved
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Special emphasis will be given in the evaluation process to applicants who plan to teach responsible use of AI
- Organization overview, capacity and qualifications, and previous performance, if applicable: The organization's history, purpose, directors, memberships, activities, experience, stability of the governing body and turnover of staff in the organization. The organization's capacity to undertake and successfully complete the project, including the qualifications of key stakeholders carrying out the proposed activities, in addition to the organization's project contributors and/or partners, including their roles and resources in support of the project. Representation that the organization is in good standing with regard to all federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal laws and regulations. The organization's previous performance under ISED funded project(s), including funds management, achievement of targets; compliance of contribution agreement; effective communication; and timeliness
- Funding history and financial health of the organization: The organization's past and current funding history with ISED. Financial statements for the last two years to support the application for funding are required to assess the organization's financial viability. Audited financial statements are strongly encouraged and will be given priority consideration. The amount of any other federal, provincial, territorial, or municipal government assistance received or likely to be received for the project
- Pivot plan in case of reduced funding from what is being initially asked for: Applicants must describe how they would adjust their project if they receive less funding than requested, including prioritization strategies
- Risk management and self-sustainability plan: Identification of project risks and proposed mitigation strategies. The organization's plan to achieve self-sufficiency by the end of the program
Examples of risk and mitigation strategy:
- Risk: Limited equipment or no internet access
- Mitigation: Provide laptops or tablets, offer offline coding activities, or partner with local libraries, community centers, schools to access their computer labs
CanCode funding
The total funding available for the program is $30 million. The level of funding each project receives will depend on the assessment of the proposal and the availability of program funds. Requested funding from ISED must not exceed $5 million per funding stream, per fiscal year.
Proposals may include funding from other governments, private sector partners, or non-profit organizations. However, total support from all federal, provincial/territorial and municipal government sources cannot exceed 100% of eligible project costs.
Applicant guide
Learn more about the application process in the applicant guide. Ready to get started? Explore how to apply and begin your submission.