Cyber Security Cooperation Program (CSCP): How to Apply in 2025

Cyber Security Cooperation Program (CSCP): How to Apply in 2025

Cyber threats are growing in Canada, and the federal government is supporting projects that help keep the country safe. The Cyber Security Cooperation Program (CSCP) funds work that builds cyber skills, awareness, and partnerships. If your organization is active in cyber security, this guide explains how to apply for the Cyber Security Cooperation Program in 2025, who is eligible, and what Canadian funders look for.

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What Is the Cyber Security Cooperation Program?

The Cyber Security Cooperation Program (CSCP) is a federal funding program managed by Public Safety Canada. Its purpose is to help Canada prevent, prepare for, and respond to cyber threats.

For the 2025 call for proposals, the Government of Canada is seeking projects that:

• Lower cybercrime rates against Canadians
• Protect critical infrastructure
• Raise cyber security awareness
• Build cyber security skills
• Boost Canada’s global cyber strength

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Key Program Details for 2025

Here are the most important facts for Canadian applicants:

• Program name: Cyber Security Cooperation Program (CSCP)
• Funding amount: Up to $300,000 per year per project
• Funding type: Non-repayable contribution
• Total funding cap: Government help cannot be more than 75% of eligible costs
  • For provincial, territorial, or municipal governments, this can be 100%
• Jurisdiction: Federal
• Application window: August 14, 2025 to September 25, 2025
• Program status: Open

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Who Can Apply for CSCP Funding?

The CSCP is open to different types of Canadian organizations, such as:

• Canadian for-profit businesses
• Canadian not-for-profit organizations
• Universities, colleges, and research groups
• Indigenous governments and organizations (First Nation, Inuit, or Métis)
• Provincial, territorial, and municipal governments or authorities

All applicants must be based in Canada and able to deliver projects that support national cyber security goals.

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What Projects Are Eligible?

CSCP does not support regular IT upgrades or tools for just one organization. Projects must create a wider benefit for Canadians or a whole sector.

Examples of eligible projects:

• Cyber security training and skill-building
• Knowledge sharing between sectors or regions
• Creating best practices, frameworks, or tools
• Projects that improve cyber resilience in key sectors
• Collaborative efforts with more than one partner

A group of Canadian government cyber security experts reviews each project.

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How to Apply for the Cyber Security Cooperation Program

Applying for CSCP is a step-by-step process. The review is competitive, and the rules are set by Public Safety Canada.

Step 1: Read the Official Call for Proposals

Go to the Public Safety Canada website and read the CSCP 2025 Call for Proposals. This document explains Canadian eligibility rules, what costs are allowed, and how your application will be scored.

Step 2: Clearly Define Your Project

Your proposal must show:

• The specific cyber security problem in Canada you want to solve
• Who will benefit (such as a sector, region, or group of Canadians)
• What results you expect and how you will measure them
• How your project supports Canada’s cyber security priorities

Step 3: Prepare a Detailed Budget

You must include:

• Total project costs
• How much CSCP funding you need (up to $300,000 per year)
• Other funding sources (confirmed or pending)
• Proof that government funding will not go over the 75% limit (unless you are a government applicant allowed 100%)

See also: Repayable vs Non-Repayable Business Funding in Canada

Step 4: Submit Your Application On Time

Send your application by September 25, 2025. The program will not consider late or incomplete submissions.

If you want to check if your project fits CSCP or other Canadian programs, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly see your options.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

When applying for CSCP, keep these Canada-specific tips in mind:

1. Proposing projects for your own IT needs only
   CSCP does not fund routine upgrades or tools for just one organization. Your project must benefit a wider group or sector.

2. Going over the government funding limit
   If your total government support is more than 75% of eligible costs (or 100% for governments), your application will likely be rejected.

3. Setting unclear or unmeasurable results
   Canadian reviewers want to see clear goals and ways to measure success. Vague outcomes lower your chances.

4. Waiting until the last minute
   You need time to gather Canadian partner letters, build a full budget, and check all requirements. Start early.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can small or mid-sized Canadian businesses apply for the Cyber Security Cooperation Program?
Yes. Any Canadian for-profit business can apply if the project benefits the public or a whole sector.

Q: Is CSCP funding repayable?
No. CSCP provides non-repayable contribution funding. You do not pay it back if you meet your agreement terms.

Q: How much funding can one project receive?
Projects can get up to $300,000 per year, as long as they stay within eligible costs and the government funding cap.

Q: How are CSCP applications reviewed?
A group of Canadian government cyber security experts reviews each proposal for its relevance, impact, feasibility, and value for money.

Q: What is the deadline for CSCP 2025 applications?
The 2025 application period is August 14 to September 25, 2025.

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Next Steps

If your organization works to improve cyber security for Canadians, the Cyber Security Cooperation Program could be a good fit. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including federal cyber security funding, and helps you find options that match your needs.

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