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.

Inspiring Action for Global Citizenship

The Inspiring Action for Global Citizenship program (IAGC) is a Global Affairs Canada-funded initiative that aims to promote awareness of global issues among the Canadian public and relevant stakeholders across Canada. 

The councils and the ICN engage Canadians and organizations across the country in various Public Engagement (PE) and Global Citizenship Education (GCE) initiatives and activities ultimately enhancing the contribution of Canadians, especially youth, to Canada’s international development efforts towards gender equality, the empowerment of women and girls, reducing poverty and inequality, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

ICN NEWS & UPDATES

Inter-Council Network Welcomes $36M Canadian Investment in Advancing Global CitizenshipFebruary 5, 2026
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.
Global Affairs Canada Funds ICN’s LIFT Program with $38.5 Million February 5, 2025
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.
Strengthening SMOs Through Tailored Training OpportunitiesApril 16, 2025
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”.
Connecting the Local to the Global: Lian Marie Sayno’s experience engaging with the SDGsDecember 4, 2024
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

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 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. 

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.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT RESOURCES