International Development Grant
Catalyste+ - Volunteer cooperation 2020-2028
Project Number: CA-3-P007301001
Status: Operational
Country/Region:
Maximum Contribution: $49,999,998.00
Start Date: March 31, 2020
End Date: December 31, 2027
Duration: 7.8 years
Project Description
This project supports 2 756 volunteer placements and aims to improve the economic and/or social wellbeing of the poorest most marginalized and vulnerable people particularly women and girls with a view to contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to increasing the participation of Canadians in international development and key global issues this project aims to increase the performance of developing country partners to deliver more inclusive innovative and environmentally sustainable development initiatives that advance gender equality. This project also works to deliver capacity building through volunteer advisors who act as mentors advisors or coaches and become catalysts for partners in the agriculture and tourism sectors of the project countries to realize their full potential. Project activities include: (1) providing technical assistance in strategic planning and leadership to promote innovative practices that advance inclusiveness gender equality and women’s economic empowerment; (2) providing technical assistance in production operations quality control financial procedures human resources management procedures customer service and marketing to promote gender equality and women’s economic empowerment; (3) providing technical assistance to create and/or improve gender-sensitive processes policies tools and practices; (4) delivering events and campaigns to inform Canadians about international development issues and opportunities to get involved with these issues; and (5) establishing a fund for partners to procure equipment and supplies necessary to implement an innovation meant to accelerate results through improved productivity efficiency sales and income for marginalized and vulnerable groups particularly women.
Expected Results
The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased performance of developing country partners to deliver more inclusive innovative and environmentally sustainable development initiatives that advance gender equality; and (2) increased engagement of Canadians in international development and key global issues.
Progress & Results Achieved
Results achieved as of March 2025 include: (1) delivered 1 787 volunteer assignments. This contributed to increasing the capacity of country partners to design and deliver more inclusive innovative and environmentally sustainable development initiatives. These initiatives helped promote gender equality with over 440 organizations in 21 countries across the Americas Asia the Caribbean East Africa and West Africa. 96% of project beneficiaries reported improved economic and social well-being; (2) supported 578 volunteer advisors who contributed with their expertise in the agribusiness tourism health and nutrition agroforestry and other sectors; (3) trained 74 106 individuals (63% women) resulting in 4 719 development initiatives implemented by country partners that are more innovative environmentally sustainable and effective at advancing gender equality human rights and inclusion; and (4) mobilized 14 486 Canadians (41% women) to support Canada’s international development efforts through informed action or long-term commitment. According to a sample of beneficiaries surveyed 80% declared improved access to networks information and market opportunities and 25% declared diversified offerings and optimization of their processes. Also 22% reported an increase in their sales by maximizing production and quality and 24% declared having gained access to new funding and development opportunities thanks to the project.
Key Information
Executing Agency:
CESO - Canadian Executive Service Organization
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