Grand Challenges Canada is launching a new portfolio, Play Learn Thrive, to respond to gaps in current Early Childhood Development in Emergencies (ECDiE) and Education in Emergencies (EiE) approaches.
We aim to create strong support systems for children in complex crisis settings so that they can play, learn, and thrive. We recognize that children’s holistic development, including their physical, intellectual, psychological, cultural, and social wellbeing, is intrinsically linked to the wellbeing and capacity of their caregivers and educators, as well as other members of their community. Strengthening this support network is essential to fostering children’s growth and development.
Supported by The Lego Foundation, this funding call seeks solutions that create more robust support systems for children from birth to 12 years of age in complex crisis settings, with a focus on those who are left behind and whose developmental and educational needs are not being met.
While the Play Learn Thrive portfolio will have a broader geographical focus, this RFP will only fund projects that will be implemented in at least one (1) of four (4) countries: Jordan, Lebanon, Kenya, and Uganda.
To be eligible for funding, applying organizations must (among other criteria):
Please read all of the eligibility criteria in the full Request for Proposals.
AVAILABLE FUNDING:
With funding from the LEGO Foundation, Grand Challenges Canada will award grants in two categories through this Request for Proposals:
Proof of Concept (POC)
We are offering Proof of Concept (POC) funding of up to $250,000 CAD for a maximum of 24 months. POC funding supports early-stage innovations to test and refine bold ideas. Our goal is to strengthen the pipeline of tested ECDiE and EiE innovations that focus on children from birth to 12 years of age in at least one of four countries (Kenya, Uganda, Lebanon, and Jordan).
The final deadline for applications for Proof of Concept (POC) grants is April 24th, 2025, at 2 pm ET.
To ensure your application is eligible and competitive, please carefully read through the full Request for Proposals document and the Frequently Asked Questions prior to submitting your application.
To apply for funding, applicants MUST use the online application form provided, which is ONLY accessible via Grand Challenges Canada’s Fluxx Portal.
Existing users should log in to their existing account and new users must register for an account on the main application portal on Fluxx.
To apply for funding, applicants MUST use the online application form provided, which is ONLY accessible via Grand Challenges Canada’s Fluxx Portal.
New users – Create an account at https://gcc.fluxx.io
Existing users – If you have ever applied for Grand Challenges Canada funding you already have a Fluxx Portal account. Please use your existing account instead of registering for a new account. If necessary, you can reset your password at https://gcc.fluxx.io/forgot_password)
Transition to Scale (TTS)
Funding for more mature innovations that have already achieved proof of concept and are ready to be implemented more widely. These are grants between $300,000-$1,500,000 CAD per project over a maximum of 24 months.
Transition to Scale (TTS) grants will be accepted on a rolling basis between January 21, 2025 – November 27th, 2025. The first application deadline is on April 24th, 2025, at 2 pm ET. Subsequent TTS application deadlines throughout the year will be posted on the Grand Challenges Canada website and in the FAQ.
TTS applications will involve a two-stage process:
*Please note that having an established Proof of Concept is a key requirement for TTS funding.
We expect to award approximately nine (9) Proof of Concept and seven (7) Transition to Scale innovations in this funding call.
Published:
January 30, 2025
Deadline:
April 24, 2025
Type:
Location:
Canada
Organization:
Grand Challenges Canada
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