Frequently asked questions – International Assistance Innovation Program (IAIP)

• I am unable to access/download the International Assistance Innovation Program (IAIP) concept note template.

  You need Adobe Reader 10 or higher to use PDF forms. Adobe Reader can be downloaded free from the Adobe website. It is available for Windows and Mac computers. Some web browsers (like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge) do not open PDF files in Adobe Reader. They use other software. If you use other software to open the PDF forms, you may not be able to properly load, use or submit the completed forms. Use only Adobe Reader 10 or higher to open these PDF forms.

• Does the content limit for the IAIP concept note annex (10 pages, 11-point Arial font) include supporting documents?

  The content limit includes all supporting documentation the applicant chooses to include to meet the information requirements of the IAIP concept note annex. Applicants who are invited to submit a full proposal will have the opportunity to submit additional information and supporting documents.

  The 10-page limit does not include the IAIP concept note itself (maximum of five pages) or the mandatory supporting documents (two most recent financial statements and proof of legal status).

• Is there a maximum number of proposals that an applicant can receive funding for through the IAIP?

  There is no formal limit on the number of proposals any one organization can receive funding for through the IAIP. In order to diversify the program’s portfolio of investments, the Government of Canada reserves the right to limit the value of its investments in any one organization, sector, geographic region, etc.

• Is there a maximum number of proposals that an applicant can submit to the IAIP?

  There is no formal limit on the number of proposals any one organization can submit to the IAIP. We encourage applicants to submit applications that are well-aligned with IAIP objectives. Please refer to the details on eligibility and assessment criteria.

• Is there a minimum or maximum project size for the IAIP?

  There is no minimum or maximum project size under the IAIP. We will review concept notes and full proposals against the assessment criteria. However, the program may give priority to projects that have potential to generate systemic or market-level outcomes while ensuring value for money. The Government of Canada reserves the right to limit the value of its investments in any one organization, sector, geographic region, etc.

• Is non-repayable grant or contribution funding available through the IAIP?

  IAIP investments are expected to be repaid to Global Affairs Canada, with possible consideration of below market terms. The program will deploy non-repayable funds primarily to augment and maximize the impact of the program’s repayable investments, rather than to support stand-alone projects.

• Can you provide feedback on an initial concept prior to submission through the Partners@International portal?

  Due to the volume of inquiries, we are unable to communicate directly with all prospective applicants.

  We have outlined the two-stage application process for funding, along with the eligibility and assessment criteria for the IAIP.Should you have specific questions after reviewing this information, please contact us by email at IFP-PFI@international.gc.ca.

• Can you provide additional guidance on the required elements of a gender analysis (for example, is there a specific format or template that should be used)?

  Global Affairs Canada has made available a number of gender equality tools and resources. Potential IAIP applicants are encouraged to review these resources, including the Feminist International Assistance Gender Equality Toolkit for Projects, for additional information and guidance.

• Is a foreign organization eligible for funding through the IAIP?

  Eligible recipients are entities (including individuals) that have a legal personality recognized in domestic or international law, such as:

  • for-profit and not-for-profit entities (including individuals) that are capable of delivering aid activities
  • investment funds or funding vehicles
  • international financial institutions as listed in the schedule to the International Development (Financial Institutions) Assistance Act
  • development finance institutions (multilateral or national)

  Note that governments (at any level) are not considered to be eligible recipients.

• While options for equity and guarantee instruments are not expected to be operationally available in the first one to two years of the program, can applicants submit proposals for guarantees or equity investments under the International Assistance Innovation Program?

  While options for equity and guarantee instruments are not expected to be operationally available in the short term, given our objective to be innovative in the delivery of the program,  we welcome concept notes involving all instruments from the outset of the program as the preliminary step in our two-stage application process.

• How is concessionality defined?

  Concessionality is the difference between the expected returns of an investment to the Crown and the returns a private sector entity would expect on a like investment.  Favourable interest rates, longer terms, interest payment grace periods, the timing of entry and exit of investments, and other factors can all contribute to the concessionality of an investment.