Canada Life Literacy Innovation Award
The Canada Life Literacy Innovation Award honours innovation in the development, implementation and delivery of adult literacy or adult-integrated family literacy programs delivered by a community organization in Canada. The adult-focused literacy program makes a positive contribution to the lives of the participants as well as the community and could serve as a model for other organizations to adapt.
The awards are as follows:
- one (1) top award of $20,000
- up to two (2) honourable mention awards in the amount of $10,000 each
The awards as granted can be invested into the program and/or applied to operating funds.
The award winners agree to participate in ABC Life Literacy Canada-facilitated Innovation Learning Labs online webinars, to talk about their programs. Please note that application content and accompanying letters of recommendation may be used to create community/learner profiles for ABC’s e-newsletter.
View the 2025 winners of the Canada Life Literacy Innovation Award.
How To Apply
Winners will be notified by July 31, 2026.
How To Apply
How To Apply
Submit your application via the online application form. You must include two (2) letters of support or impact statements. One of the two letters must be from a participant/learner in your program, but can be written with the help of your staff. The other letter of support could be from an external partner, volunteer or staff member involved with the program.
Be sure to read the award eligibility, FAQs and application questions before applying.
For more information, including tips on how to create a strong application, watch our webinar.
Winners will be notified by July 31, 2026.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be a not-for-profit or registered charitable organization based in Canada
- Nominated programs must:
- focus on helping adults improve their literacy and essential skills
- show demonstrated results (qualitative and quantitative) in helping Canadians live a fully engaged life
- offer an educational training experience for adults, teaching skills that enhance their engagement in life, community, workplace and family
- demonstrate innovation and creativity in adult literacy
- be in existence for at least 12 months
- be able to serve as a model for other communities in Canada
- serve adults (ages 18 and up) as the primary recipients of the educational experience
- Past award winners (either Top Award or Honourable Mentions) are welcome to submit other programs for consideration, but winning programs from past years will not be accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Download the FAQs to get answers to common questions.
If you have additional questions, please contact:
Julia Norcross
Programs Manager
jnorcross@abclifeliteracy.ca
Innovation Learning Labs
This year we’re hosting four Innovation Learning Labs, thanks to the support of Canada Life through the Canada Life Literacy Innovation Award. In each webinar we will discuss one topic that is important and relevant to the literacy field in 2026.
Award Winners
2025 Top Award Winner: Receiving $20,000
Canadian Immigrant Women’s Association, Calgary, AB
Program: Pebbles in the Sand
Pebbles in the Sand is a one-of-a-kind English language and life skills program for immigrant and refugee women in Calgary with fewer than seven years of formal education. Launched in 1999, it addresses a critical gap by serving women often excluded from mainstream language training due to low literacy levels. This trauma-informed, culturally responsive program integrates English instruction with life skills, digital and family literacy, health education, and community resource navigation. It also provides personalized support such as one-on-one mentorship, first-language assistance, monthly field trips, and help with childcare and transportation, removing key barriers to participation. Classes are held in familiar, accessible community locations, creating a welcoming environment where women can build confidence and adapt to life in Canada.
2025 Honourable Mention Winners: Receiving $10,000 each
KnowledgeFlow Cybersafety Foundation, Stouffville, ON
Program: Project KnowledgeNet
Project KnowledgeNet is an experiential cybersafety education program tailored for older adults. Built around realistic phishing simulations, the program helps participants learn to recognize and respond to common online scams. After each simulation, participants receive a personalized follow-up based on their interaction, weekly educational emails offering practical security tips, and access to an online discussion group. The program was developed in response to the growing number of cyber scams targeting seniors and the lack of preventative education designed for their needs. Project KnowledgeNet fills this gap with scenario-based learning that mirrors real-world threats and builds skills over time. Participants report feeling more confident, empowered, and better able to protect themselves and their families.
The Literacy Circle Society, Victoria, BC
Program: Learning for Life
Learning for Life is a literacy program created for Indigenous Elders, Residential and Day School Survivors, and Intergenerational Survivors. Each session begins with a shared meal, followed by learner-led instruction in reading, writing, storytelling, and basic math, tailored to each participant’s needs in a supportive group setting. Every learner is paired with a dedicated Learner Advocate who helps with logistics like transportation and addresses broader challenges such as housing or healthcare. Co-designed by Indigenous advisors and Settler allies, the program responds to a vital need. Many Survivors were denied education and carry trauma that makes traditional classrooms inaccessible. Learning for Life offers a safe, culturally responsive alternative that supports healing, skill-building, and reconnection to community.
About Our Sponsor
Canada Life has been a major supporter of ABC Life Literacy Canada since 1999. Through their involvement with ABC Life Literacy Canada and other national literacy programs across the country, they are helping promote literacy and lifelong learning – key needs in helping many Canadians realize their potential at work, at home and in the community.
As an Imagine Canada Caring Company, they’ve supported the principles of corporate citizenship and benchmarks for community investment established by Imagine Canada for more than three decades. In this time, they’ve contributed over $200 million in support of Canadian non-profit, charitable and community organizations.
