How to apply

You can apply from January 14, 2026 to March 25, 2026 at 3:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

On this page

• Apply now
• When you'll get a funding decision

Apply now

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

If you don't have a GCOS account, create one as soon as possible.

• You can submit your application as soon as you complete your GCOS user and organisation profile
• Once your GCOS user and organisation profiles are completed, you can immediately submit your application
• Once your application is submitted, you must finalize your GCOS account as soon as possible to ensure you are fully registered and benefit from all the advantages

Note that when you apply through GCOS for this funding opportunity, you may be presented with 4 Distinction-based options to choose from:

• IELCC Quality Improvement Project First Nations – CFP-IELCC-AGJEA-QIP-FNPN-2026-287
• IELCC Quality Improvement Project Inuit – CFP-IELCC-AGJEA-QIP-INUIT-2026-288
• IELCC Quality Improvement Project Métis – CFP-ILECC-AGJEA-QIP-METIS-2026-289
• IELCC Quality Improvement Project Urban – CFP-IELCC-AGJEA-QIP-URB-2026-290

Please apply only using the option (First Nations, Inuit, Metis, Urban/Non-affiliated) which most closely aligns with the population you serve. Make sure to apply only once as only 1 application per organization is permissible.

What is the Grants and Contributions Online Service (GCOS)?

The Grants and Contributions Online Services is an online platform where users can create an account for their organization. This allows users to submit funding applications online to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Once you create your account it allows you to:

• track the status of your application
• sign an agreement if your application is approved for funding
• manage active projects
• submit documents; and
• review past projects submitted through your GCOS account

Sign in to GCOS

Confirmation of receipt

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

Other ways to apply

By email or mail

To apply by email or mail, download and complete the application form (EMP5523) and gather your supporting documents and information.

How to submit your application

• By email

  Email your complete application package to: EDSC.AGJEA.PAQ-QIP.IELCC.ESDC@servicecanada.gc.ca by 3:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on March 25, 2026.

  You will receive an automatic acknowledgement immediately upon submitting your application package.

• By mail

  Your application must be postmarked on or before 3:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on March 25, 2026.

  Mail your complete application package to:

  Indigenous Early Learning Child Care (IELCC) submissions
  Coordination Unit mailstop 402
  National Grants & Contributions Delivery Centre (ESDC)
  Phase IV, floor 4
  140 Promenade du Portage
  Gatineau QC K1A 0J9

  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:
       1. select the "Open with" option
       2. choose option to open with either Adobe Acrobat Reader or Foxit
    6. 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
    7. Begin inputting and save your information
    8. 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 1 application only

Submit only 1 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 the Fall of 2026.

You should not start your project until you hear from us.

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.

Learn more about what to expect after you apply for a Contribution.