NOW CLOSED: Skills Horizon Calls for Proposals
The Skills Horizon Calls for Proposals is now closed - thank you to all who applied!
Our mission is to support skills development and address critical knowledge gaps that shape skills policies, programs, and services. As a pan-Canadian hub for research and collaboration, we're committed to driving innovation in skills and workforce development, ensuring everyone can thrive in the future of work. The Skills Horizon Calls for Proposals will offer funding to organizations nationwide, empowering projects that tackle Canada's most pressing skills and labour market challenges.
We're looking to address the most critical challenges for the future of work in Canada by supporting partners with innovative pilot project ideas at different stages of development. Partners are invited to apply to one of two streams:
Stream 1 – Designing Solutions
We are looking for project ideas and concepts that are still under development but that can demonstrate clear ambition and a strong team behind them. Projects funded in this stream will focus on solution design and preparing for potential piloting and will work closely with a designated technical assistance partner to both develop their concept and document learning.
Stream 2 – Strengthening Outcomes
We will support initiatives that are ready for implementation, having already undergone thorough consultation and design. The initiative should demonstrate both promising results to date and capacity to carry the project forward in a short timeframe to achieve tangible outcomes. Funded projects will focus on advancing skills outcomes based on evidence of what has worked. These initiatives will be further tested through implementation and with the required support of a designated evaluation and learning partner.
Proposals should relate to our Focus Areas:
- Pathways to Jobs Facilitating pathways for individuals entering, transitioning, and advancing in the labour market.
- SME Adaptability Engaging Canadian employers, especially SMEs, in meaningful skills development and utilization.
- Tech and Automation Preparing workers and employers for a more digital and connected world of work.
- Inclusive Economy Driving labour market inclusion for underrepresented groups, including with an emphasis on Black Youth, Newcomers, and Indigenous & Northern Communities.
- Sustainable Jobs Advancing skills development and transition planning for a decarbonized economy.
Application Deadline
December 13, 2024 at 5pm EST
Who Can Apply
Institutions based in Canada, including not-for-profit organizations, publicly funded post-secondary institutions, industry associations, professional associations, Indigenous organizations that are a legal entity, municipalities or district social services administration boards, for-profit organizations (provided the project is undertaken at cost, with no mark-ups or profit incorporated).
Funding Amount
Stream 1 – Designing Solutions: $75,000 to $95,000 per project
Stream 2 – Strengthening Outcomes: $350,000 to $500,000 per project
Project Timeline
Proposals will be reviewed and funding awarded by the end of February 2025. Most funded projects are expected to start by April 2025. All projects must conclude by September 30, 2025.
How to Apply
Stream 1 – Designing Solutions
STEP ONE: DOWNLOAD AND READ THE FOLLOWING APPLICATION MATERIALS
A) Call for proposal guidelines – Skills Solutions
Includes eligibility criteria, funding details, selection criteria, application timelines and process, and more.
B) FSC Focus Areas Brief
Details our five focus areas along with the knowledge gaps and strategic questions we aim to address in each area.
STEP TWO: COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM
Stream 2 – Strengthening Outcomes
STEP ONE: DOWNLOAD AND READ THE FOLLOWING APPLICATION MATERIALS
A) Call for proposal guidelines – Skills Solutions
Includes eligibility criteria, funding details, selection criteria, application timelines and process, and more.
B) FSC Focus Areas Brief
Details our five focus areas along with the knowledge gaps and priority questions we aim to address in each area.
STEP TWO: COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM
Help and Contact Information
For more information, please review our FAQs, or contact us at opencall@fsc-ccf.ca directly to request accommodations or if you need further assistance.
We're looking to fund research projects that address key knowledge gaps or explore emerging issues tied to our five focus areas:
- Pathways to Jobs Facilitating pathways for individuals entering, transitioning, and advancing in the labour market.
- SME Adaptability Engaging Canadian employers, especially SMEs, in meaningful skills development and utilization.
- Tech and Automation Preparing workers and employers for a more digital and connected world of work.
- Inclusive Economy Driving labour market inclusion for underrepresented groups, with an emphasis on Black Youth, Newcomers, and Indigenous & Northern Communities.
- Sustainable Jobs Advancing skills development and transition planning for a decarbonized economy.
Our goal is to deliver these research insights to key decision-makers shaping Canada’s future skills and labour market policies, programs, and services.
Application Deadline
December 13, 2024 at 5pm EST
Who Can Apply
Institutions based in Canada, including not-for-profit organizations, publicly funded post-secondary institutions, industry associations, professional associations, Indigenous organizations that are a legal entity, municipalities or district social services administration boards, for-profit organizations (provided the project is undertaken at cost, with no mark-ups or profit incorporated).
Funding Amount
$50,000 to $250,000 per project
Project Timelines
Proposals will be reviewed, and funding awarded by the end of February 2025. All projects are expected to start no later than April 2025 and must conclude by September 30, 2025.
How to Apply
Skills Research
STEP ONE: DOWNLOAD AND READ THE FOLLOWING APPLICATION MATERIALS
A) Call for proposal guidelines – Skills Research
Includes eligibility criteria, funding details, selection criteria, application timelines and process, and more.
B) FSC Focus Areas Brief
Details our five focus areas along with the knowledge gaps and priority questions we aim to address in each.
STEP TWO: COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM
Help and Contact Information
For more information, please review our FAQs, or contact us at opencall@fsc-ccf.ca directly to request accommodations or if you need further assistance.