2026 Unsolicited Concept Notes for International NGO Funding

International NGOs and legally registered nonprofit organisations looking for funding in 2026 do not always have to wait for a competitive grant announcement.

Global Affairs Canada, or GAC, accepts unsolicited concept notes for international development projects.

The mechanism allows eligible organisations to approach the Government of Canada directly with a project idea that strongly aligns with Canada's international assistance priorities.

The process was updated in January 2026 and remains available through the Government of Canada's international assistance funding system.

Unlike a normal call for proposals, there is no single project theme, fixed application deadline or published grant ceiling attached to the general unsolicited mechanism.

Instead, organisations develop their own project idea.

They explain:

• The development challenge
• Their proposed solution
• Expected results
• Geographic location
• Requested funding
• Organisational capacity

Global Affairs Canada then decides whether the concept is sufficiently aligned with its priorities to justify requesting a complete proposal.

However, submitting a concept note does not mean that funding has been approved.

The process has two stages.

First, the organisation submits an unsolicited concept note.

If GAC is interested, it may invite the organisation to develop a full proposal.

Only after the full proposal has been assessed can a funding decision be made.

For NGOs in Nigeria, Africa and other eligible developing countries, this creates an important funding route worth understanding.

What Is the 2026 Global Affairs Canada Unsolicited Concept Note?

The Global Affairs Canada unsolicited concept note mechanism allows organisations to present international development project ideas outside a formal competitive funding call.

It is designed for organisations with ideas that closely match Canada's international assistance priorities.

GAC explains that the mechanism exists because developing a complete project proposal can require considerable time and money.

The concept note provides a shorter first stage through which GAC can decide whether it is worthwhile asking an organisation to develop a full application.

This can save NGOs from preparing a complete proposal before they know whether the donor has serious interest in the idea.

Is This a Grant Opportunity?

Potentially, yes.

However, it is important to understand the structure.

This is not a guaranteed grant competition where every eligible NGO competes for a fixed funding pool.

Instead, it is a mechanism through which organisations can submit ideas for possible Canadian international assistance funding.

GAC notes that it receives far more requests than it can finance and only selects initiatives that strongly align with its policy and programme priorities.

Therefore, the correct way to view the opportunity is:

Unsolicited concept note → possible invitation to submit full proposal → full assessment → possible funding agreement.

Who Provides the Funding?

The funding mechanism is operated by:

Global Affairs Canada

Global Affairs Canada is the federal department responsible for Canada's foreign affairs, international trade and international development programming.

International assistance programmes financed through GAC support development, humanitarian and policy objectives in eligible countries.

Who Can Submit an Unsolicited Concept Note?

The mechanism is not limited only to Canadian NGOs.

Global Affairs Canada's general funding guidance states that several types of legal organisations can potentially apply.

These include:

• Non-governmental organisations
• Not-for-profit organisations
• Private-sector entities
• Social enterprises
• Religious organisations
• Diaspora organisations
• Universities

The main general requirement is that the applicant must have legal status and meet any other requirements applicable to the proposed funding mechanism. Canadian applicants must also have a Canada Revenue Agency business number.

This means legally registered organisations outside Canada may potentially submit an unsolicited concept note.

Can Nigerian NGOs Apply?

Yes, potentially.

Global Affairs Canada's general eligibility guidance does not restrict international assistance applications exclusively to Canadian organisations.

A Nigerian NGO that is legally incorporated and capable of managing the proposed project can potentially submit a concept note, provided the proposed intervention falls within an eligible country and sector and aligns strongly with GAC priorities.

However, eligibility should not be confused with competitiveness.

An NGO should have:

• Valid legal registration
• Sufficient financial systems
• Relevant technical experience
• Strong governance
• Evidence of project management capacity
• Recent organisational financial statements

These factors matter because GAC evaluates the organisation's ability to implement the proposed intervention.

Are International NGOs Eligible?

Yes.

International NGOs are among the types of organisations that can potentially qualify.

An international NGO may apply through the legal entity that would sign the eventual funding agreement.

The application should clearly identify any:

• Co-signatories
• Implementing organisations
• Local partners

GAC's 2026 concept note guidance specifically asks applicants to identify other organisations that would become signatories to the agreement as well as implementing or local partners already identified.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

The proposed project must target an Official Development Assistance-eligible country and operate in a sector in which Global Affairs Canada works.

Nigeria is an ODA-eligible developing country.

Therefore, projects based in Nigeria can potentially qualify.

Other eligible projects may operate in countries across:

• Sub-Saharan Africa
• Asia
• Latin America
• The Caribbean
• Middle East
• Other ODA-eligible regions

The important point is that the proposed country must be eligible for international development assistance.

What Types of Projects Can NGOs Submit?

GAC does not provide one narrow sector list specifically for the unsolicited mechanism.

Instead, proposals need to align strongly with Canada's international assistance priorities and the department's active programming.

Projects could potentially address areas such as:

• Gender equality
• Women's economic empowerment
• Education
• Health
• Sexual and reproductive health and rights
• Food security
• Agriculture
• Climate resilience
• Economic development
• Inclusive governance
• Human rights
• Peace and security
• Skills development
• Youth employment
• Institutional capacity building

However, an organisation should not submit a project simply because it fits broadly within international development.

GAC explicitly warns that it has limited resources and funds only selected initiatives that closely fit its policies and programming priorities.

Alignment With Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy

One of the most important requirements is alignment with Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy.

GAC specifically instructs organisations to ensure their proposed initiatives fit Canada's international assistance policy and programme priorities before submitting an unsolicited concept note.

This means gender equality should not be added to a proposal as a last-minute paragraph.

Applicants should consider:

• How women and girls experience the identified problem
• Gender-related barriers
• Who controls resources and decisions
• Differences in access to services
• Potential risks for women and girls
• How the intervention can reduce inequalities

The 2026 concept note guidance specifically asks applicants to demonstrate an understanding of gender equality issues, human rights and environmental sustainability connected to the proposed development challenge.

Is There a Funding Limit?

One of the most interesting aspects of the mechanism is that GAC does not specify a minimum or maximum funding amount for unsolicited concept notes.

The official 2026 guidance states that there are no minimum or maximum funding limits under the unsolicited concept note mechanism.

However, this does not mean applicants should request any amount they want.

GAC says applicants should request only the minimum amount required to achieve the proposed outcomes.

The size of the request should therefore be supported by:

• Scope
• Duration
• Number of beneficiaries
• Geographic coverage
• Required staffing
• Activities
• Organisational capacity
• Previous project experience

A small NGO with limited grant-management history may struggle to justify an extremely large funding request.

Is There a 5% Cost-Sharing Requirement?

Yes, in many cases.

The unsolicited concept note guidance says the organisation or other funding sources must generally contribute at least 5% of eligible project costs, subject to Canada's cost-sharing policy.

The contribution can generally include eligible:

• Cash contributions
• In-kind contributions
• Or a combination of both

GAC's cost-sharing policy states that the minimum requirement is generally 5% for international assistance projects to which the policy applies.

There are exceptions.

For example, international humanitarian assistance is among the areas where the general cost-share policy may not apply.

Applicants should therefore check the policy carefully before calculating their contribution.

How Is the 5% Cost Share Calculated?

GAC's guidance explains that cost sharing is normally based on eligible direct project costs.

Under the general calculation:

GAC can fund up to approximately 95% of eligible direct project costs, while the recipient contributes at least 5%.

For example, suppose total eligible direct project costs are:

CAD 1,000,000

The organisation's minimum 5% contribution would normally be:

CAD 50,000

GAC's contribution could then cover up to the remaining eligible amount, subject to assessment and approval.

The exact calculation must follow the applicable policy and eventual approved project budget.

Can the NGO Use In-Kind Contributions?

Potentially, yes.

GAC's cost-sharing policy allows qualifying contributions to be made in:

• Cash
• In kind
• A combination of both

provided they represent eligible project costs and meet the department's requirements.

Examples of in-kind contributions could potentially include eligible staff time, facilities, equipment or services that would otherwise have needed to be purchased.

However, valuation requirements apply.

Applicants should not simply assign arbitrary values to donated resources.

Are NGOs Expected to Raise Other Funding?

GAC asks applicants to explain whether they are working to leverage other resources for the proposed project.

The concept note should state:

• Amount already raised
• Additional amount expected
• Source of the additional financing
• Nature of the leveraging

If additional fundraising is not realistic for the project, applicants can explain why.

Importantly, leveraged resources are discussed separately from the minimum required cost share.

What Are the Main Assessment Areas?

Global Affairs Canada evaluates unsolicited concept notes around three main components:

1. Development challenge
2. Solution
3. Organisational capacity

 

These three sections should form the backbone of the concept note.

1. Development Challenge

This section explains the problem.

Do not simply write:

Poverty is a major challenge in Nigeria.

That is too broad.

Instead, explain:

• The exact problem
• Geographic area
• Who is affected
• Scale of the problem
• Root causes
• Gender inequalities
• Human-rights issues
• Environmental considerations
• Existing gaps

GAC also wants applicants to explain how the project aligns with Canadian priorities and relevant commitments of the country where the project will operate.

Show Evidence of Local Consultation

GAC specifically asks applicants to mention previous discussions with local stakeholders and beneficiaries.

This can include engagement with:

• Community organisations
• Local government
• Women-led organisations
• Beneficiary groups
• Civil society
• Community leaders
• Technical agencies

 

This is important because donors increasingly want projects built around local priorities rather than assumptions made by external organisations.

2. Proposed Solution

The concept note needs to explain how the project will address the identified problem.

This section should cover:

• Expected outcomes
• Main activities
• Project logic
• Beneficiary groups
• Implementation approach
• Partnerships
• Innovation where relevant

The connection between the problem and solution should be obvious.

For example:

Problem: Rural women have marketable agricultural products but limited access to formal buyers.

Weak solution: Train them generally on entrepreneurship.

Stronger solution: Build producer groups, strengthen quality control, establish buyer agreements, provide business training and create market-information systems.

The second approach directly addresses the identified barriers.

Focus on Outcomes

The concept note should explain the change expected from the project.

Do not focus only on activities.

An activity might be:

Train 1,000 women.

An output could be:

1,000 women complete business and digital-market training.

An outcome could be:

Participating women increase their ability to access profitable formal markets.

The outcome is what the donor ultimately wants to understand.

3. Organisational Capacity

GAC wants evidence that your organisation can actually implement the project.

Explain:

• Years of experience
• Similar projects
• Technical team
• Geographic presence
• Financial systems
• Partnerships
• Governance
• Monitoring systems
• Previous donor experience

Avoid generic claims.

Instead of:

Our organisation has extensive experience.

write:

Between 2022 and 2025, the organisation implemented four livelihood projects across Enugu and Ebonyi states, reaching 7,400 women and young people.

Specific evidence is stronger.

What Documents Are Required?

The 2026 application package contains more than the concept note.

GAC requires:

1. The concept note
2. Signed financial statements for the organisation's two most recently completed financial years
3. Organisation Attestation signed by the organisation's Chief Financial Officer

 

Audited financial statements are preferred.

However, GAC says other forms of financial statements may be accepted, including:

• Review engagement statements
• Compilation or Notice-to-Reader statements
• Internal financial statements

The level of independent assurance can influence GAC's assessment of financial risk.

Do the Financial Statements Need to Cover the Proposed Project?

No.

GAC specifies that the statements should relate to the organisation itself rather than individual projects previously managed.

This helps the donor assess the organisation's overall financial health and management capacity.

What Currency Should Be Used?

All amounts must be stated in:

Canadian dollars – CAD

 

A Nigerian NGO should therefore not prepare the financial request solely in naira or U.S. dollars.

Internal calculations may use other currencies, but the submitted concept note should follow the donor requirement.

What Languages Are Accepted?

Applications must be submitted in:

• English
• French

 

For Nigerian NGOs, English is therefore acceptable.

How Long Can the Concept Note Be?

For a single-country project, the concept note must not exceed:

2,500 words in English

or:

3,000 words in French

For a multi-country project, the maximum is:

3,000 words in English

or:

3,600 words in French

Annexes are excluded from these word limits.

What Font Should Be Used?

The official guidance specifies:

Arial, size 11

on letter-sized pages.

Graphic elements such as photographs and charts should generally be placed in annexes rather than the body of the concept note.

Can the Concept Note Be Submitted as PDF?

No.

This is an important requirement.

GAC says concept notes should be prepared using a word-processing programme.

If another programme is used instead of Microsoft Word, the document must be saved in Rich Text Format, or RTF.

The official guidance specifically states that concept notes submitted in PDF format will not be accepted.

What Basic Information Must Be Included?

The concept note should include:

• Project title
• Duration
• Country or countries
• Sector
• Funding requested
• Co-signatories
• Implementing/local partners
• Contact person
• Contact title
• Contact email

 

The project title should clearly describe the intervention.

Avoid vague titles such as:

Project Hope

A stronger title would be:

Improving Digital Employment Opportunities for Young Women in Southeast Nigeria

How to Submit the Application

Applications must be submitted through Canada's:

Partners@International portal

GAC does not consider an unsolicited application properly submitted if it is simply emailed to individual officials outside the portal.

Step 1: Register the Organisation

An organisation that does not already have a Partners@International account must first request registration.

GAC warns that registration can take up to 10 business days.

Therefore, organisations should register before finishing the concept note.

Step 2: Complete the Organisation Profile

Once the account is approved, complete the organisation's profile.

Make sure information about:

• Legal status
• Address
• Officials
• Financial information
• Organisational details

is accurate.

Step 3: Create a New Proposal

Within the portal:

• Select Proposals
• Choose Create New Proposal
• Select the Unsolicited Proposal funding mechanism

GAC notes that the unsolicited mechanism normally appears after any currently open competitive calls.

Step 4: Upload the Required Documents

Upload the:

• Concept note
• Financial statements
• Organisation Attestation
• Any required supporting material

Check that each document is correctly identified.

Step 5: Submit

Do not stop after uploading files.

Applicants must actually press Submit.

The status should change from:

Draft

to:

Submitted

The system should then generate an acknowledgement email.

Is There an Application Deadline?

The general unsolicited concept note mechanism does not have a published annual closing date.

It is designed as an unsolicited funding route rather than a conventional time-limited call.

This means organisations can prepare and submit project ideas outside a specific call window, subject to GAC's current funding priorities and the continued availability of the mechanism.

However, this does not mean funding is continuously available for every sector.

GAC explains that programme budgets are largely planned in advance.

A concept may therefore be of interest but not immediately financeable.

How Long Does GAC Take to Respond?

GAC says applicants should normally receive a response within approximately:

Two months

after submitting an unsolicited concept note.

The process can take longer where the concept includes:

• Innovative finance
• Repayable contribution components

What Happens After Submission?

There are two main outcomes.

Outcome 1: Invitation to Submit a Full Proposal

If GAC is interested, the organisation receives an invitation to develop a complete proposal.

The invitation includes:

• Further instructions
• Full application form
• Detailed budget template

However, the invitation itself still does not guarantee funding.

Outcome 2: No Invitation

GAC may decide not to request a full proposal.

This can happen because:

• The concept does not align sufficiently with priorities
• Programme funding has already been allocated
• Other initiatives better meet programme needs
• Funding is not currently available

GAC may retain the submission and potentially return to the organisation later if relevant funding becomes available.

Can You Submit the Same Idea Again?

Generally, applicants should not resubmit the same unsolicited project idea within two years after receiving a negative response.

GAC says the previous submission remains in its system and could potentially be revisited if programme funding later becomes available.

This makes it especially important to submit a strong first concept.

Is Funding Guaranteed After Full Proposal Invitation?

No.

GAC makes this very clear.

An invitation to submit a full proposal means the department wants to examine the project in greater detail.

Funding is only confirmed once the assessment process is completed and an official financial instrument is signed.

Does GAC Rank Unsolicited Proposals Against Each Other?

Not necessarily.

Global Affairs Canada explains that its assessment process for unsolicited proposals is not competitive in the traditional ranking sense.

Applicants are assessed against the relevant criteria rather than simply being ranked from highest to lowest.

However, limited funding still means that meeting the criteria does not guarantee support.

How to Write a Strong 2026 Unsolicited Concept Note

A competitive submission should be concise.

Do not try to turn the concept note into a complete 40-page proposal.

Instead, answer the most important questions clearly.

1. What Is the Problem?

Provide evidence.

Use:

• Government statistics
• UN reports
• Community assessments
• Academic research
• Programme data

2. Who Is Affected?

Define beneficiaries clearly.

Include:

• Gender
• Age
• Geography
• Vulnerability
• Number of people

3. Why Does the Problem Exist?

Identify root causes.

This prevents the project from treating only symptoms.

4. What Will the Project Change?

State expected outcomes.

5. How Will the Change Happen?

Explain the intervention logic.

6. Why Is Canada the Right Donor?

Show direct alignment with GAC's priorities.

7. How Does Gender Equality Affect the Problem?

This is essential.

Do not treat gender as a checkbox.

8. What Did Local Stakeholders Say?

Explain consultation and local ownership.

9. Why Can Your Organisation Deliver?

Provide evidence of capacity.

10. How Much Will It Cost?

Request a realistic amount and explain your funding assumptions.

Suggested Concept Note Structure

A practical structure could look like this:

Project Information

• Project title
• Country
• Duration
• Sector
• Funding requested
• Applicant
• Partners

Development Challenge

Explain:

• Problem
• Evidence
• Root causes
• Gender dimensions
• Human-rights dimensions
• Environmental considerations
• Beneficiary needs

Proposed Solution

Explain:

• Expected outcomes
• Main activities
• Target population
• Delivery model
• Partnerships
• Sustainability

Organisational Capacity

Describe:

• Relevant experience
• Technical capacity
• Financial capacity
• Geographic experience
• Project management systems

Financial Information

State:

• Total project cost
• GAC funding requested
• Cost share
• Other funding
• Leveraged resources

Example Project Idea for a Nigerian NGO

Suppose an NGO wants to improve women's agricultural livelihoods in Southeast Nigeria.

A weak concept might say:

We want to train 5,000 women in agriculture because poverty is high.

A stronger concept would explain:

Small-scale women farmers in selected communities face limited access to climate-resilient production methods, finance and formal markets. The project will strengthen producer groups, provide climate-smart agricultural support, improve financial inclusion and establish links with commercial buyers.

It could then define measurable outcomes such as:

• Increased agricultural productivity
• Increased income
• Improved access to finance
• Increased control of income by women
• Stronger market participation

That tells the donor what will actually change.

Mistakes That Can Weaken an Application

Submitting a Generic Proposal

Do not recycle an old proposal without adapting it to Canada's priorities.

Ignoring Gender Equality

GAC explicitly expects gender analysis.

Requesting an Unrealistic Amount

No formal maximum does not mean unlimited funding.

Weak Financial Statements

Financial capacity matters.

No Evidence of Local Engagement

Projects should reflect local needs.

Missing the 5% Cost Share

Where applicable, failure to include the required minimum cost share can make an application ineligible for funding.

Submitting a PDF

The concept note guidance specifically says PDF submissions are not accepted.

Emailing the Application Instead of Using the Portal

Applications must be submitted through Partners@International.

Repeating the Same Idea After Rejection

GAC tells applicants not to resubmit the same unsolicited concept within two years.

2026 Unsolicited Concept Notes: Key Facts

Item	Details
Funding Organisation	Global Affairs Canada
Opportunity	Unsolicited Concept Note
Funding Type	International development funding
Eligible Applicants	Legal entities including NGOs, nonprofits, universities, social enterprises and other eligible organisations
International NGOs	Potentially eligible
Nigerian NGOs	Potentially eligible
Eligible Countries	ODA-eligible countries
Funding Minimum	No published minimum
Funding Maximum	No published maximum
Cost Share	Generally at least 5% of eligible direct costs where policy applies
Application Language	English or French
Currency	Canadian dollars
Single-Country Word Limit	2,500 words in English
Multi-Country Word Limit	3,000 words in English
Font	Arial 11
PDF Accepted for Concept Note	No
Submission	Partners@International portal
Deadline	No fixed general deadline published
Expected Initial Response	About two months
Process	Concept note → invitation → full proposal → possible funding
Funding Guaranteed?	No

These requirements come from Global Affairs Canada's current 2026 unsolicited funding guidance.

Other Unsolicited Concept Note Opportunities for NGOs

Global Affairs Canada is not the only organisation using unsolicited concept notes.

United Nations Partner Portal

Civil society organisations registered on the UN Partner Portal can submit an unsolicited concept note to participating UN agencies when there is no active Call for Expression of Interest.

The portal's current guidance explains that a CSO can select the relevant UN agency, project location, sectors and areas of specialisation and upload an unsolicited concept note for partnership consideration.

This is particularly relevant for NGOs interested in partnerships with UN agencies.

However, submitting an unsolicited concept note does not automatically create a grant or partnership.

The agency must decide whether the project fits its programme and partnership needs.

Henry Luce Foundation

The Henry Luce Foundation also states that all of its programmes accept unsolicited concept notes through its online system.

Applicants must first determine which programme best fits their project because each programme has its own objectives and requirements.

This illustrates an important principle:

Not every unsolicited funding mechanism works the same way.

Always follow the individual donor's rules.

Not Every Donor Accepts Unsolicited Proposals

NGOs should also know that some donors explicitly refuse unsolicited applications.

For example, the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research states that it funds proposals only through published calls and does not review unsolicited proposals or concept notes.

Therefore, sending an unsolicited proposal to every donor is not an effective fundraising strategy.

Research each donor first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an unsolicited concept note?

It is a short project proposal submitted to a donor without responding to a specific competitive call.

The donor reviews the idea and may invite the organisation to develop a full proposal.

Is Global Affairs Canada accepting unsolicited concept notes in 2026?

Yes.

GAC's unsolicited concept note process was updated in January 2026 and remains published as an international assistance funding mechanism.

Can NGOs outside Canada apply?

Potentially, yes.

GAC's general eligibility rules allow various legally registered organisations to apply unless a particular funding mechanism states otherwise.

Can a Nigerian NGO apply?

Yes, potentially, provided it is a legal entity and the project operates in an eligible country and sector and strongly aligns with GAC priorities.

Is Nigeria eligible?

Nigeria qualifies as an ODA-recipient country, making appropriately designed development projects potentially eligible under the geographic requirement.

How much funding can an NGO request?

GAC states that there is no fixed minimum or maximum amount for an unsolicited concept note.

Applicants should request only what is necessary to achieve the proposed outcomes.

Is there a deadline?

The general unsolicited mechanism does not publish a single annual application deadline.

Does the NGO need to contribute money?

Where the general cost-share policy applies, the recipient must normally contribute at least 5% of eligible direct project costs through qualifying cash or in-kind resources.

Are audited financial statements compulsory?

Audited statements are preferred.

GAC says certain other types of signed financial statements can be accepted, although the reliability of the financial information can affect the organisation's risk assessment.

How many years of financial statements are required?

The applicant needs signed statements for its two most recently completed financial years.

How long should the concept note be?

A single-country English concept note may contain up to 2,500 words.

A multi-country English concept note may contain up to 3,000 words.

Can I send the proposal by email?

No.

The unsolicited application must be submitted through Partners@International.

How long does registration take?

Global Affairs Canada warns that portal registration can take up to 10 business days.

How long does GAC take to respond?

Applicants should normally receive an initial response within about two months, although certain innovative-finance applications may take longer.

Does an invitation to submit a proposal mean the grant has been approved?

No.

The complete proposal must still be assessed.

Funding is not guaranteed until a formal financial instrument has been signed.

Final Takeaway

The 2026 unsolicited concept note funding mechanism from Global Affairs Canada offers legally registered NGOs and other eligible organisations a valuable way to present international development projects without waiting for a specific call for proposals.

There is no published general minimum or maximum funding amount for an unsolicited concept note.

There is also no single annual deadline attached to the general mechanism.

However, that flexibility should not be confused with easy funding.

Global Affairs Canada makes clear that it receives more funding requests than it can support.

Projects need to align strongly with Canada's international assistance policy and programme priorities.

The concept note must demonstrate three things especially well:

The development challenge.

The proposed solution.

The organisation's capacity to deliver.

Applicants should also pay close attention to gender equality, human rights, environmental sustainability and local stakeholder engagement.

For many development projects, organisations should be prepared to contribute at least 5% of eligible direct project costs, whether through qualifying cash, in-kind resources or a permitted combination of both.

The application package must include the concept note, two recent years of organisational financial statements and the required Organisation Attestation.

Applications are submitted through Partners@International, not by casually emailing a Canadian official.

For Nigerian NGOs, this makes the opportunity particularly useful.

A legally registered organisation with a strong programme idea, credible financial systems, relevant experience and a project aligned with Canada's priorities can potentially submit without waiting for a Nigeria-specific call.

But the best approach is not to write a generic grant proposal and hope for funding.

Research GAC's priorities.

Understand the problem deeply.

Consult local communities.

Build a realistic intervention.

Develop measurable outcomes.

Show gender analysis.

Demonstrate your organisation's capacity.

Then use the concept note to make a concise case for why Global Affairs Canada should invite your organisation to the next stage.

That invitation is the real objective of the first application.