Minister Hussen announces support for Canadian small and medium-sized NGOs working in global development

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

February 4, 2025 - Winnipeg, Manitoba - Global Affairs Canada

The Government of Canada has a long history of partnering with local Canadian organizations to deliver impactful global development projects around the world.

Today, during an International Development Week event organized by the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation (MCIC), the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced Canada’s investment of $38.5 million to support more than 150 small and medium-sized Canadian Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) through the "LIFT for Small and Medium Organizations" project.

The LIFT project will assist over 550 NGOs in utilizing Canadian expertise to deliver innovative programs that promote gender equality, inclusion and climate resilience. This support will ensure long-term sustainability and local ownership of development efforts, making a meaningful difference globally. NGOs and their leaders will be better equipped to measure impact, adapt to global trends, and sustain their work beyond the project's life cycle. This includes support to approximately 400 leaders and representatives from Canadian organizations and their Global South partners, offering responsive, hands-on guidance throughout project implementation.

“Building a better world together” is this year’s theme for International Development Week. Canada’s ongoing global efforts contribute to greater security, prosperity, and well-being for both Canadians and those around the world. LIFT exemplifies how Canadian small and medium-sized NGOs create solutions worldwide that in turn create local economic benefits.

Quotes

“Canada’s global development organizations are making a real difference around the world. Our government looks forward to helping the MCIC and the Inter-Council Network gain the necessary resources to take their work to the next level through the LIFT project. We will continue to support grassroots initiatives with a global impact.”

- Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development

Quick facts

  • LIFT is a 7-year project that will support Canadian small and medium-sized organizations through sub-grants and a comprehensive institutional capacity-strengthening program.

  • LIFT is the latest initiative to support Canada’s small and medium organizations to diversify Global Affairs Canada’s partnerships and to enhance the impacts of its international assistance investments.

  • The MCIC is part of the Inter-Council Network, consisting of 8 Provincial and Regional Councils, and represents over 350 civil society organizations across Canada.

  • International Development Week (February 2-8) is an annual event that celebrates the many Canadians working to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, to help build a more prosperous an equitable world.

Associated links

Contacts

Olivia Batten
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
Olivia.Batten@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on X (Twitter): @CanadaDev
Like us on Facebook: Canada’s international development - Global Affairs Canada
Follow us on Instagram: @canadadev

Page details

Date modified: