Overview:

The Partnership Enhancement Fund (PEF) supports in-person engagement between ACIC member organizations in Atlantic Canada and their international partners by funding travel for international partners to visit Atlantic Canada. By facilitating these visits, the PEF seeks to strengthen relationships and foster deeper understanding of shared development issues and impact stories. This fund offers a unique opportunity to strengthen partnerships that drive global learning and engagement within Atlantic Canada, fostering a more connected and informed community.

The fund, an evolution of the former Global Voices and Southern Speakers Fund, encourages mutual learning and engagement, amplifying the success stories of ACIC members and their international collaborations within the Atlantic Canadian community. These visits align with SDG #17 – Partnerships for the Goals, by creating valuable opportunities to deepen connections, raise awareness, and promote solidarity through shared experiences and understanding of local and international contexts.

Fund Purpose

The Partnership Enhancement Fund is designed for ACIC Organizational Members, including small to medium-sized organizations, civil society groups, and academic institutions in the international cooperation sector. Through this initiative, ACIC aims to facilitate partnerships that highlight the value of international collaboration in addressing local issues tied to global development and cooperation.

Application Opportunity and Details

ACIC invites interested Atlantic Canadian organizations to submit an expression of interest through the registration form below. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate strong ties and a collaborative approach with their international partners. Proposals should align with the partnership principles outlined in ACIC’s Code of Ethics and illustrate shared learning goals around a development initiative. ACIC hopes that these partnerships foster connections that may extend into future collaborations.

PEF activities are expected to take place during two windows:

• International Development Week: February 2 to 7, 2025

• ACIC Annual Symposium in June (exact date TBD; if you are interested in opting for this window, please mention so in your application, and we’ll be in touch with you with more information).

Eligibility and Important Considerations

• Applicants must be ACIC organizational members based in Atlantic Canada, in good standing (ratified and have paid their organizational membership dues for the year 2024-25. If you haven’t done this or want confirmation of payment, please reach out to us at membership@acic-caci.org.)

• The proposed speaker must be eligible and available to travel to Atlantic Canada in the specified window

• Applicants must have submitted all final reports from previous ACIC-funded projects.

• While we encourage everyone to apply, preference will be given to organizations who have not previously received this fund (or its past iterations i.e. Southern Speakers Fund and Global Voices Fund).

In your application, we encourage you to mention how:

• Your partnership demonstrates shared learning and mutual benefit: Describe how the collaboration with your international partner will foster mutual understanding, skill sharing, and knowledge exchange. Please highlight, where possible, any specific projects or initiatives that showcase these elements.

• Public engagement will be enhanced: Detail any planned activities or public engagement opportunities for the visiting partner, such as workshops, community meetings, or talks. If you’d like to work with us to organize these with our membership, or media, please apply at the earliest and connect with us. Share how these activities will build awareness and create lasting connections between Atlantic Canadians and global issues.

• The partnership strengthens your organization’s impact: Explain how the international partner’s visit will enhance your organization’s work and further your goals in the international cooperation sector. Illustrate how this engagement could open doors to future collaborative projects or partnerships.

Please apply by December 17, 2024 if you are applying for Window 1, and by February 15, 2025 if applying for Window 2.

About the Budget and Funding

All applications must submit a detailed budget breakdown (in CAD, not exceeding 3500 CAD) of all possible associated costs in relation to your proposal. Please also identify contributions requested from ACIC, cash contributions from your organization/institution or partners (if any), and in-kind contributions. 

Note: 

• Funding Available For: Funding is available to help cover costs associated with the international partner(s) travel and participation to Atlantic Canada and the public engagement activities planned in Atlantic Canada. We encourage contributions in cash/kind from the organizations applying to reflect their contribution to this partnership initiative. Only actual costs incurred against the initial budget will be reimbursed. 

• About Logistics: The nominating organization will handle travel logistics, including tickets, insurance, and visas. Proof of eligibility for the proposed speaker’s travel to Canada is required in the application, and ACIC can provide visa support letters as needed.