Apply for Second Round of CanWILL Project Grants

Applications for grant funding of up to $10,000 for initiatives that support women’s participation in local leadership are being accepted by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) from now until June 10, 2022.

This second round of grant funding is available through the Innovative Community Initiatives (ICI) fund, which is a component of the CanWILL project. This is an opportunity for 10 to 12 communities to receive up to $10,000 each. Activities must be implemented by local governments, individually or in partnership with local community groups, between September 2022 and August 2023. Go to the CanWILL web page to learn more and apply.

FCM will host an interactive virtual information session on Tuesday, May 10, from noon to 1 p.m. MT for those interested in learning more about the CanWILL project and this grant opportunity. If you would like to attend this session, register in advance by clicking here.

These ICI projects will serve to strengthen the capacity of communities to support women in running or remaining in leadership positions. FCM will prioritize initiatives intended to serve underrepresented women, including Indigenous, Black and other racialized women, as well as youth and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. Priority will also be given to regions that were not supported in the first round of grant funding.

The Canadian Women in Local Leadership (CanWILL) project is implemented by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ membership, in partnership with provincial and territorial associations (PTAs) including Alberta Municipalities, and key national partners and local stakeholders. It is funded by the federal government through Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE).

The CanWILL project aims to:  

  • Strengthen the capacity of women, particularly diverse women, to run for elected office   
  • Create a more conducive context for women leaders to thrive   
  • Enhance the capacity of municipal stakeholders to address gender-based violence and harassment
  • Mobilize knowledge and share best practices across municipalities. 

If you have questions about the CanWILL project or the ICI fund, please women [at] fcm.ca (contact FCM).