RAII Prairie Provinces — Non-Profit Non-Repayable Stream

Insider Tip

The 90% cost coverage for non-profits is exceptional — you only need 10% matching from non-government sources. But the total envelope is modest at $33.8M over 5 years for 3 provinces, so apply early. Projects that demonstrate a clear multiplier effect — helping dozens or hundreds of Prairie SMEs adopt AI tools — score significantly higher than single-organization technology projects. Indigenous organizations are explicitly encouraged and may face less competition in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The assessment process starts with an Expression of Interest — only highest-merit EOIs are invited to full application. PrairiesCan may engage NRC IRAP for technical assessment of novel technology proposals. Strong proposals demonstrate understanding of responsible AI regulations and data security requirements. Priority sectors include advanced manufacturing, clean resources, health/biosciences, agriculture, and critical minerals.

Success Profile

A Winnipeg-based non-profit technology association applying to run a two-year AI readiness program for 200 Manitoba SMEs, combining workshops, one-on-one advisory, and subsidized AI tool implementation, with 10% co-funding from a provincial government or industry partner. Or an Alberta-based Indigenous economic development corporation proposing an AI literacy and workforce training initiative for First Nations communities across the Prairies.

Evaluation Criteria

Projects assessed on: commercial viability and economic impact potential; management capacity to execute the project; financial sustainability beyond the funding period; regional economic benefits and job creation for the Prairies; technology maturity level for AI commercialization projects; alignment with ministerial and regional priorities (advanced manufacturing, clean resources, health/biosciences, agriculture, critical minerals). Preference for projects demonstrating a multiplier effect (helping dozens or hundreds of Prairie SMEs adopt AI). Indigenous organizations may face less competition. NRC IRAP may be engaged for technical assessment of proposals involving novel technology.

Application Steps

Required Documents 9

Eligible Expenses 11

• Labour costs (salaries and benefits for project staff)
• Capital costs (equipment and machinery purchases including installation)
• Professional and technical consulting fees
• Intellectual property protection costs
• Pre-production activities and technology development
• Subcontracting costs for specialized services
• Marketing and promotional materials
• Testing services and technical innovation activities
• Research and business networking services
• AI literacy training development and delivery costs
• AI tool implementation and integration costs for supported SMEs

Ineligible Expenses 6

• Basic and applied R&D at technology readiness levels 1-6
• Costs deemed unreasonable, non-incremental, or not directly related to the project
• Land or building purchases
• Ongoing operational expenses not tied to the AI project
• Costs incurred before April 16, 2024
• Expenses already covered by other government funding (no double-dipping)

Intake Periods

Continuous intake — applications accepted on an ongoing basis until December 31, 2028 or until funding is fully committed. Two-stage process (EOI then full application by invitation). All projects must complete by March 31, 2029. With $33.8M over 5 years (~$6.7M/year for 3 provinces), available funding is limited — early application recommended.

Deadline Notes

Applications accepted continuously until December 31, 2028 or until funding is fully committed. All projects must complete by March 31, 2029. Retroactive costs eligible up to 12 months prior to receipt of signed funding application, but no earlier than April 16, 2024. The $33.8M over 5 years means approximately $6.7M per year across three provinces — available funding is limited and early application is recommended.

Open Application Portal →

Ineligible Organizations

• For-profit organizations (must apply to the separate repayable stream)
• Organizations without an operating presence in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba
• Entities that are not legal entities capable of entering into legally binding agreements
• Organizations whose projects do not focus on AI adoption, literacy, productization, or commercialization
• Organizations proposing projects that primarily benefit provinces outside AB/SK/MB
• Individuals and sole proprietors

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Low Risk