International Development Grant Program - Maternal and Child Health is a grant from the Peter Gilgan Foundation that funds initiatives improving health outcomes for women, newborns, and children in the Global South. The program partners with Canadian charities and community-based organizations to reduce maternal mortality, improve nutrition, expand access to clean water and sanitation, and strengthen health systems.

It also supports education and economic empowerment for women and girls, funding vocational training, school access programs, and leadership opportunities. Eligible applicants are Canadian charities with deep community roots and a commitment to sustainable, measurable impact.

International Development - Peter Gilgan Foundation International Development Strong local partnerships are the foundation of lasting change. Through collaboration with Canadian charities and community-based organizations in the Global South, we invest in initiatives that improve maternal and child health, expand opportunities—especially for women and children— and help communities build resilience for the future.

The International Development grant program aims to create healthier, more equitable futures by addressing the needs of women and girls. We partner with organizations that are deeply connected to their communities and committed to sustainable, measurable impact. By centring equity, amplifying local leadership, and fostering resilience, this program seeks to break cycles of poverty and open opportunities for generations to come.

Maternal and Child Health We fund initiatives that improve health outcomes for women, newborns, and children. Reducing maternal mortality and preventable deaths of newborns and young children Improving nutrition for pregnant women, new mothers, and babies Expanding access to clean water, safe sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure as a pathway to better health outcomes.

Strengthening health systems and ensuring essential care is available to better support maternal and child health Education and Empowerment Opportunities for Women and Girls We invest in programs that create opportunities for women and girls to learn, grow, and lead.

Expanding access to quality primary and secondary education Removing barriers that prevent girls from enrolling in or completing school Supporting skills training, vocational programs, and pathways to employment, including small-scale agriculture and the informal economy Strengthening women’s economic empowerment, leadership, and participation in decision-making As we receive reporting from partners who were awarded grants in fiscal 2024, early results show: 122,000+ people reached directly, including more than 79,000 women and girls 9,700+ women supported to generate income for their families, start new businesses, or expand small-scale enterprises 63,000+ people with increased access to clean water, safe sanitation, and/or hygiene (WASH) resources Important Information for Prospective Partners At this time, we’re not accepting new applications for international development grants.

Over recent months, we’ve been listening deeply to our partners, learning from others in the field, and refining how our resources can drive outcomes more effectively. We are shifting toward a more focused, relationship-based approach—one where clarity, trust, and long-term impact guide our decisions.

During this transition, we remain fully committed to supporting our current partners and honouring our shared purpose: helping every child and family thrive. Curious who makes up our newest International Development cohort? Explore the partners who are leading with courage, creativity, and aligned impact—turning shared purpose into real change in their communities.

See our International Development Grant Recipients Learn how we invest in bold, outcomes-oriented initiatives across our priority areas. Our Approach to Partnership Discover what it’s like to be a partner of the Foundation—from how we build relationships to what applicants and partners can expect from us.