International Development Grant
Cuso International - Volunteer Cooperation 2015-2020
Project Number: CA-3-D001074001
Status: Closed
Country/Region:
Regional Focus:
Maximum Contribution: $65,006,875.00
Start Date: April 15, 2015
End Date: March 31, 2020
Duration: 5.0 years
Project Description
This volunteer cooperation program supports approximately 1 125 volunteer advisor assignments. The project aims to: (1) improve the economic and social well-being of communities in targeted countries; (2) improve local partners’ competencies capacities and collaboration through the placement of professional volunteers; and (3) improve the knowledge awareness and networking of Canadians (e.g. diaspora alumni universities civil society and private sector) to engage in Canada’s development efforts by organizing knowledge-sharing events across Canada. The project includes Innovation Funds that support piloting and scaling of cutting-edge development practices. Cuso is the leading volunteer cooperation agency in diaspora engagement and mobilizes diaspora volunteers as part of this project.
Expected Results
The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased capacity of developing country partners to deliver sustainable development results in response to local needs by making use of the skills and expertise of qualified Canadian volunteers; and (2) enhanced Canadian participation in Canada’s sustainable development efforts.
Progress & Results Achieved
Results achieved as of the end of the project (March 2020) include: (1) 1 255 volunteers were recruited then deployed and assigned to 1 080 distinct mandates to work with 377 local partners within 17 countries; (2) 2 876 tools were created or adapted by volunteers and local partners in the areas of inclusive sustainable economic growth access to quality health services and gender equality and social inclusion; (3) 91% of inclusive sustainable economic growth partners 94% of health partners and 88% of gender equality and social inclusion partners reported a moderate or significant increase in skills knowledge or abilities due to the support of volunteers; (4) 87% of partners reported an improvement in their service delivery. The types of improvements include effectiveness quality reach and sustainability of services delivered; and (5) 1 007 outreach events took place across Canada reaching 64 463 people with information about Cuso and Canada’s international development efforts. These results have contributed to the increased capacity of project country partners to achieve sustainable development results that meet local needs.
Key Information
Executing Agency:
Cuso International
Reporting Organization:
Global Affairs Canada
Program:
YFMInternaAssistPartnershp&Programing Br
Last Modified:
September 19, 2025
Development Classifications
DAC Sector:
Aid Type: Donor country personnel
Collaboration: Bilateral
Finance Type: Aid grant excluding debt reorganisation
Selection Mechanism:
Call for Proposals