Webnames.ca Staff
Are you working to make the Canadian internet better, safer or more democratic in some way? If so, your project might be eligible for some significant funding from the Canadian Internet Registration Authority.
One of the amazing programs a portion of your .CA registration goes to funding is the CIRA Net Good Grants initiative which offers up to $100,000 in funding to community-led internet projects. Starting today, March 1,organizations across Canada can begin submitting applications to receive funding for projects that work to help solve online internet safety and connectivity gaps impacting communities.
The program welcomes projects that focus on three core areas to bring about digital development in communities nationwide:
Infrastructure: connectivity research, network planning and solutions to improve internet access, speed and affordability.
Online safety: research, educational frameworks, tools, consultations and training programs that increase Canadians’ safety against cybersecurity threats.
Policy engagement: events, research and policy ecosystem work that broadens public awareness in domestic internet policy and governance.
Projects that benefit rural, Northern and Indigenous communities, K-12 and post-secondary students, and other underserved communities or groups are especially aligned with the grant’s spirit and objectives.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Not-for-profits, Indigenous communities, registered charities, academics and researchers affiliated with universities from every province and territory that are working to bridge that digital divide are all encouraged to submit applications.
Learn from Past Grant Recipients and Projects
Since 2014 more than 11 million dollars in grants have been distributed through CIRA’s Net Good initiative. Projects have focused on bringing internet connectivity to underserved communities, resource development to teach about digital literacy and data privacy rights, running teaching labs focused on detecting and thwarting cyberattacks, afterschool programs addressing online safety and many other worthy initiatives that increase digital democracy, access and safety.
See key CIRA Net Good projects from the past decade | Review the full list of Net Good funded projects to see how yours compares
Preparing and Submitting your Application
Before going through the work of preparing your application, first make sure your project is eligible and aligns with the funding criteria (looking at the past projects above will help with this!)
Gather the documentation you’ll need to include in your application and review the sample application provided by CIRA for guidance. The application information that is required is different for not-for-profits than it is for academic/research applicants, so be sure to review what you will need to provide with time to spare.
Go through everything before submitting your application to ensure there are no information gaps or missing information and voila! Your application must be complete and all of your supporting documentation must be submitted by April 10, 2024 at 2 p.m. EDT in order to advance to the next step!
Other Helpful Tips for Applicants:
- You can start your application anytime and submit it when you’re ready
- Try to submit your application early to ensure sufficient time for your it to be reviewed.
- Make sure you are monitoring your email for communications from grants@cira.ca about your application.
Bookmark this page and refer to it whenever questions arise during your application preparation, from understanding how applications will be scored to how to contact the Net Good program team if you have a question, it’s got it covered.
Grant Application Webinar
Learn more about how to apply for a CIRA Grant by visiting www.cira.ca/grants. Interested applicants can also join a webinar in English on March 5 at 1 p.m. ET or in French on March 6 at 1 p.m. ET.