How to apply

Application period: Closed on January 22, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST)

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Use the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) to apply.

If you do not have a GCOS account, create one as soon as possible. You can apply for funding as soon as you have registered for a GCOS account. Please note that after you have submitted your application, you will need to finalize your GCOS account in order to become a fully registered user.

  • The questions in the online form are not numbered but they are in the same order as the How to answer the application questions section
  • You will be asked to upload some of your supporting documents into the GCOS application
What is the Grants and Contributions Online Service (GCOS)?

GCOS allows you to apply and track multiple applications online. You can check your application status, sign agreements, manage, submit documents and review past projects submitted through GCOS.

To apply through the GCOS system, you will need to create a GCOS account the first time you use the system. We strongly encourage you to start the one-time GCOS account creation process as soon as possible.

Confirmation of receipt

When you submit your application through GCOS, you will receive an acknowledgment immediately and a tracking number.

Other ways to apply

While we recommend GCOS as the most efficient application method, you can also apply using one of the following options:

By email or mail

To apply by email or mail, download and complete the application form (EMP5523).

How to submit your application
By email

Email your application at EDSC.ODD2030-2030SDG.ESDC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST) on January 22, 2024.

By mail

Your application must be postmarked on or before 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST) on January 22, 2024. Print, sign, and mail the documents to the address below. Note additional administrative delays might apply.

Mailing address

Sustainable Development Goals Funding Program submissions
Coordination Unit Mailstop 402
National Grants and Contributions Delivery Centre (ESDC)
140 Promenade du Portage Phase IV 4th Floor
Gatineau QC K1A 0J9

If you submit your application by mail, you will receive an acknowledgment by email within 14 days of its receipt. The acknowledgment will be sent to the email address provided in your application.

About PDFs

Our application form uses PDF form technology. You must have a PDF reader installed to use the form correctly. There are several readers available on the Internet for free that support our form:

  • Adobe Reader (you must use a version of Adobe Reader 8 or higher, for example Adobe Acrobat DC Reader)
  • Foxit Reader

If you do not use the recommended readers (Adobe Acrobat 8 or higher or Foxit Reader), ESDC may receive a blank application from you.

Downloading the application form
  1. Make sure that you have Adobe Acrobat Reader 8 or higher or Foxit Reader installed on your system
  2. Select the Application form
  3. When prompted to open or save the form, select the down arrow on the “Save” button, and select ”Save as”
  4. Select your folder location and save (file type must be PDF)
  5. Reopen the form from your computer:
  6. Select the “Open with” option
  7. Choose option to open with either Adobe Acrobat Reader or Foxit
  8. Make sure that the form opens in one of the Reader Softwares (Adobe or Foxit), by looking at the top of your screen. For example, you should see:
    • ESDC-EMP XXXX.pdf (SECURED) – Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
    • ESDC-EMP XXXX.pdf (SECURED) – Foxit PhantomPDF
  9. Begin inputting and save your information
  10. Before submitting your application make sure that the Application form is completed, and all information has saved properly
Moving within a form

To move from one field to the next on the form, hit “Tab”. This ensures that you do not accidently skip over any fields.

Forms that perform calculations

Some sections of the form perform calculations based on the amounts you enter and will automatically calculate totals in the appropriate fields. You are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of any information submitted. Please double-check all data you enter.

Submit one application only

Submit only one copy of your application to ESDC. Submitting multiple copies of the same application or submitting the same application by using various methods will cause longer processing times for your application.

When you'll get a funding decision

We expect to make funding decisions in Summer 2024.

You should not start your project until you receive approval from us, as you will not be reimbursed for expenditures incurred before we approve a project and your project may no longer be eligible.

If you apply through GCOS, you will be able to track the status of your application throughout the process.

Not all submitted applications will be selected for funding, as funding is limited. Please note that decisions are final and there is no appeal process.

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