Global Affairs Canada (GAC) has launched a new call for proposals under the Indo-Pacific Regional Connectivity Envelope (RCE). The RCE program is designed to connect Canadian researchers, institutions and organizations with Indo-Pacific stakeholders, rightsholders and counterparts. The goal of this program is to enhance Canada’s profile in the region and accelerate Canada’s ability to develop or gain access to influential networks and form strategic partnerships.
The RCE is one of five programs under GAC’s Indo-Pacific Engagement Initiative (IPEI) funding envelope created under the Indo-Pacific Strategy. GAC may fund any number of proposals, or none, up to the total funding available.
PROJECT PARAMETERS
The RCE will support Canadian non-governmental stakeholders and First Nations, Inuit, and Metis organizations’ engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, specifically their participation in or facilitation of events in Canada or in the region:
- Participation: Attending a conference/event/training or research without leading or playing a key role in its implementation.
- Facilitation: Hosting/cohosting a conference/event/training or research and playing a key role in its implementation.
Eligible activity categories include: knowledge sharing (conferences, workshops, round table discussions, panels), training, research, Indo-Pacific cultural events, and Indigenous events and reconciliation.
Proposed projects must:
- Start after April 1, 2026, and end prior to March 31, 2028.
- Value at least $20,000 and no more than $250,000 (for projects with value exceeding $40,000, the applicants’ organization is required to provide at least 15% of the total eligible direct project costs).
- Be in line with one or more of the Strategic Objectives of the Indo-Pacific Strategy.
- Identify an Indo-Pacific regional organization that is based in the region and how they will meaningfully support the project’s implementation.
- Take place in the Indo-Pacific (as defined by the Indo-Pacific Strategy), in Canada, or in both regions.
External Deadline: 12:00 pm (noon) Eastern Time, September 18, 2025
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
UBC is allowed to submit up to four (4) proposals through GAC’s new portal created for this call. The Office of Global Engagement (OGE) will coordinate UBC’s submissions. GAC will host information sessions on the program on August 14 (please refer to the section below for session times and registration details).
Starting from August 5, interested applicants can make a request for the RCE application form to OGE (global.partnerships@ubc.ca). The completed application form must be returned to OGE by 12:00 pm Pacific Time on August 22nd.
All completed application forms received by the deadline will be reviewed by a committee convened by the OGE. The selected project(s) will be announced by September 5. The OGE will support the selected teams to submit their proposals by GAC’s recommended submission date of September 15.
Key Dates:
- August 5: Internal call for applications opens. Interested units can email global.partnerships@ubc.ca for the application form.
- August 14: Online information sessions on the RCE. Please email RCE-ECR@international.gc.ca to register for the sessions and submit questions in advance.
- French Session: 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm EDT
- English Session: 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm EDT
- August 22 (12:00 pm Pacific Time): Deadline to send the completed application forms to OGE.
- September 5: Announcement of the four selected teams.
- September 15: Submission of UBC proposals to GAC.
FURTHER INFORMATION
- Indo-Pacific Regional Connectivity Envelope—Call for proposals
- Indo-Pacific Engagement Initiative (IPEI)
- Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
- Indo-Pacific Regional Connectivity Envelope-Questions and assessment criteria
For inquiries related to this opportunity, please contact the Office of Global Engagement at global.partnerships@ubc.ca