The Inter-Council Network

About the Inter-Council Network

The Inter-Council Network (ICN) is a coalition of the eight Provincial and Regional Councils for International Cooperation. These independent member-based Councils are committed to global social justice and social change and represent more than 350 diverse civil society organizations (CSOs) from across Canada.

Engage: Global Citizens, Global Impact

Over the next five years, the ICN, hosted by OCIC, will lead this bold effort to strengthen how Canadians connect with global issues and each other. ‘Engage: Global Citizens, Global Impact’ brings together inclusive public engagement platforms, capacity-strengthening initiatives, and cross-sectoral collaboration, aiming to build lasting momentum toward systemic change and collective impact. Ultimately, this work will help create an enabling environment in which people across Ontario and Canada are informed, engaged, and inspired to act in solidarity with global communities, supporting Canada’s role in international cooperation.

Canada LIFTs

Register for the Momentum and Together Funds by July 30, 2026

Funded by Global Affairs Canada, and led by the ICN, Canada LIFTs is designed to elevate the broader ecosystem of Canadian SMOs, their partners, and the communities they work with.

Eligibility

Your organization may be eligible if you:

Are a registered Canadian non-profit or charity (excluding post-secondary institutions)
Meet the definition of a Small or Medium-Sized Organization (SMO), with your organization’s most recent financial statements showing:
- Consolidated revenue equal to or less than $10 million, and
- Annual overseas expenditures in development assistance not exceeding $2 million (i.e. projects administered with the promotion of the economic development and welfare of developing countries as their main objective).

Have been incorporated in Canada for at least 3 years (can provide proof of legal status (e.g. a letter of incorporation), and a Canada Revenue Agency business number or registered charity number.
Can provide 3 years of financial statements (audited preferred but not required)
Demonstrate financial, ethical, and operational capacity to manage funds responsibly

ICN NEWS & UPDATES

The Inter-Council Network of Provincial and Regional Councils for International Cooperation (ICN) congratulates the Government of Canada for its announcement of a $36M Canadian investment in the new ICN ‘Engage: Global Citizens, Global Impact’ initiative shared by the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State for International Development, at the International Development Week 2026 Parliamentary Reception in Ottawa last night.

The Inter-Council Network of Provincial and Regional Councils for International Cooperation (ICN) welcomes the Global Affairs Canada announcement that will provide $38.5 million in funding to implement the LIFT program, which will support more than 150 small and medium-sized Canadian Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) from across Canada.

Since 2019, Spur Change has designed and held a wide range of training and learning opportunities tailored for Canadian small and medium size organizations (SMOs) working in international cooperation. In the fall of 2023, the decision was made to offer all Spur Change trainings to the regional and provincial councils for international cooperation in the form of a selectable “menu”.

Prior to joining the Youth Champions Program (YCP), Lian Marie Sayno was an international student from the Philippines who had recently moved to Canada to study international development. Her interest in development evolved from many years of involvement in poverty-alleviation efforts in her local community in the Philippines.

ICN Programs

Canada LIFTs

NEW in 2026, a purpose-driven funding and learning program, designed to support transformative, community-led international cooperation by small and medium-sized organizations (SMOs) based in Canada and their partners.

Catalyst Fund: Under $50K per year to reduce entry barriers and support experimentation, learning, and early impact for first-time and early-stage organizations. Register by March 30, 2026.

Momentum Fund: Above $50K and below $200K per year (requires 5% matching contribution), for organizations ready to scale, adapt, or deepen their work. Register between April 1 & June 30, 2026.

Together Fund: Between $100K and $200K per year (requires 100% matching contribution). Register between April 1 & June 30, 2026.

The FIT Program

The Fund for Innovation and Transformation (FIT) was designed to support Canadian small and medium-sized organizations (SMOs) testing innovative solutions that advance gender equality in the Global South, cultivating a working environment in which SMOs are empowered to experiment, fail, adapt, and try again.

The FIT Program was launched in April 2019 and hosted by the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation (MCIC).

As of March 31, 2025, the FIT Program has funded 64 SMOs (28 in Ontario) who have tested innovative solutions to advance gender equality and empower women and girls in 37 countries.

To learn more about FIT, explore the FIT funded projects around the world using their interactive map, or visit their YouTube channel to hear first-hand from program partners.

Spur Change

The Spur Change program, a 7-year capacity-building and knowledge-sharing initiative, provides support for Canadian SMOs in the planning, implementation and monitoring of development projects.

The Spur Change Program is implemented by the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation in collaboration with the other provincial and regional Canadian councils.

As of March 31, 2025, Spur Change has supported 486 unique Canadian SMOs. In Ontario the program has supported 184 SMOs, 41 larger organizations, and 1,438 individual participants.

The Spur Change Resource Library hosts over 400 resources tailored for SMOs and educators. Explore resources connected to project management, fundraising, gender equity, and more.