Future Skills Centre: Skills Horizon Call for Proposals 2024 (up to $250,000)

Future Skills Centre is launching two new open calls for proposals! Their 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, they are 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.

Proposal Details

Skills Solutions: They are 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: They 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: They 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.

Skills Research: They are looking to fund research projects that address key knowledge gaps or explore emerging issues tied to the 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.

Funding of Future Skills Centre

• Funding ranges from $50,000 to $250,000 per project.

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Eligibility for Future Skills Centre

• Open to 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).
• Organizations with bold ideas for addressing skills gaps.
• Teams ready to tackle workforce challenges in a rapidly changing economy.

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Application

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.

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