Canadian Women's Foundation (CWF) | Investment Readiness Program (IRP)

The Canadian Women’s Foundation is launching a round of IRP funding to help build the capacity and investment readiness of social purpose organizations and boost women’s sector participation in the social finance market, so they are better able to access the Government of Canada’s proposed Social Finance Fund or other investment opportunities. The Foundation believes that promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as the growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises helps women develop greater economic prosperity. With more knowledge and experience in the use of social finance mechanisms and tools, the women’s sector will be better able to support these enterprises. Through the Investment Readiness Program funding, the Foundation aims to boost women’s sector participation in social innovation and social finance. This is especially important for organizations that serve women who face multiple barriers and are underrepresented in this field.

The Canadian Women’s Foundation is now accepting applications for the Investment Readiness Program.

In 2022, organizations can apply to one of three funding streams (only the Impact stream is currently open now):

1. Impact Stream – Application now open – Spring 2022 (March 31 – April 27)
2. Catalyst Stream – Application intake will be open this Fall 2022 (date to be confirmed)
3. System-Change / Collaborative Stream – Application intake will be open this Fall 2022 (date to be confirmed)

Please read the IRP Funding Guideline and Criteria, Application Instructions, and Glossary and FAQ documents.

We will accept only one application per organization.

Organizations applying for the Impact Stream may request funding between $45,000 – $75,000.

Program goals

The Foundation will support and encourage the growth and readiness of women-serving organizations to join the social innovation and social finance ecosystem. This may include support to social purpose organizations that currently do not consider themselves part of that ecosystem. The Foundation seeks to prioritize funding to organizations that reach women who face multiple barriers, in communities where the needs are greatest.

Through the Investment Readiness Funding, we aim to:

• Increase the number and variety of groups engaged in the social finance ecosystem
• Build awareness
• Enhance capacity
• Increase accessibility to expert advice and information
• Contribute to learning on what works
• Apply a gender lens throughout using GBA+

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