Deadline: 15-Jul-2026
The Sur Futuro FutureWORKS Call for Proposals invites organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean to develop innovative communication products, campaigns, and practical tools that help workers, youth, and civil society organizations understand and respond to the changing world of work. Selected projects can receive up to CAD 17,000 for initiatives lasting up to 12 months.
The programme is part of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) FutureWORKS initiative and aims to transform research on the future of work into accessible, actionable resources that support informed decision-making and resilient employment across the region.
Overview
Sur Futuro is seeking innovative proposals that mobilize knowledge about the future of work and make research findings accessible to non-specialist audiences.
The initiative supports projects that help people understand the impacts of technological, climate, and demographic changes on employment while promoting evidence-based decision-making and inclusive labour market development.
Programme Objectives
Core Objectives
- Strengthen understanding of labour market transformations.
- Increase the use of research evidence in decision-making.
- Improve workforce resilience.
- Support decent and sustainable employment.
- Promote informed public dialogue on the future of work.
- Equip key stakeholders with practical knowledge and tools.
Focus Areas
The programme addresses major trends shaping employment, including:
- Technological transformation.
- Artificial intelligence and automation.
- Climate transition.
- Demographic change.
- Workforce resilience.
- Skills development.
- Labour market inclusion.
- Future employment opportunities.
Eligible Project Categories
Projects must fall under at least one of the following categories.
Category A: High-Impact Outreach Content
Projects may include:
- Educational multimedia content.
- Videos and documentaries.
- Podcasts.
- Interactive digital content.
- Storytelling initiatives.
- Visual communication materials.
- Knowledge translation products.
The objective is to simplify complex research and make it accessible to broader audiences.
Category B: Awareness-Raising and Engagement Campaigns
Projects may involve:
- Public awareness campaigns.
- Community engagement activities.
- Advocacy initiatives.
- Public dialogue events.
- Digital communication campaigns.
- Citizen participation strategies.
These activities should encourage discussion and engagement around labour market changes.
Category C: Practical Tools and Resources
Projects may develop:
- Decision-making tools.
- Planning resources.
- Digital applications.
- Training toolkits.
- Career guidance resources.
- Employment planning tools.
- Practical learning materials.
The focus is on helping target audiences take informed action.
Funding Information
Grant Amount
- Maximum funding: CAD 17,000 per project.
- Projects funded: Up to two projects.
Project Duration
- Maximum duration: 12 months, including implementation and dissemination.
Target Audiences
Projects must target at least one of the following groups.
Workers
Projects may support:
- Employees adapting to technological change.
- Workers affected by climate transitions.
- Women in vulnerable employment.
- Entrepreneurs.
- Unemployed individuals.
- Workers at risk of job displacement.
Youth
Projects may help young people:
- Understand emerging labour markets.
- Make informed education and career decisions.
- Develop future-ready skills.
- Prepare for changing employment opportunities.
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
Projects may strengthen organizations that:
- Deliver employment support.
- Provide workforce training.
- Offer career guidance.
- Support job placement.
- Work with vulnerable populations.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include legally registered organizations in Latin America or the Caribbean, such as:
- Non-profit organizations.
- Private organizations.
- Media organizations.
- Content production companies.
- Communications agencies.
- Research centres.
- Knowledge mobilization organizations.
- Other organizations with relevant communication or participation experience.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be legally established in a Latin American or Caribbean country.
- Have the legal capacity to receive and manage grant funding.
- Demonstrate experience in communication, outreach, or related fields.
- Submit only one proposal as the lead applicant.
- Ensure the proposed team has appropriate technical expertise.
- Include a gender-responsive or gender-transformative approach.
- Target at least one eligible audience.
- Address at least one eligible project category.
- Identify a specific labour market challenge.
Consortium Applications
Applicants may:
- Partner with additional organizations.
- Include government agencies or multilateral organizations as consortium members.
However:
- The lead applicant must remain legally and financially responsible for the project.
- Government and multilateral organizations cannot serve as the lead applicant.
Expected Outcomes
Funded initiatives should contribute to:
- Greater public understanding of labour market changes.
- Increased use of research evidence.
- Better employment decision-making.
- Improved workforce preparedness.
- Stronger youth engagement.
- Enhanced capacity of civil society organizations.
- More inclusive and resilient labour markets.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Supports the Future of Work
The programme helps communities prepare for technological, environmental, and demographic changes affecting employment.
Promotes Evidence-Based Decisions
It transforms research into practical knowledge that people can apply in everyday career and employment decisions.
Strengthens Workforce Resilience
Projects help workers and organizations adapt to changing labour markets.
Encourages Inclusive Development
The initiative promotes gender equality, accessibility, and opportunities for vulnerable populations.
How to Apply
Step 1
Confirm that your organization meets all eligibility requirements.
Step 2
Identify a labour market challenge affecting workers, youth, or civil society organizations.
Step 3
Select at least one eligible project category.
Step 4
Develop a proposal describing:
- The problem being addressed.
- Target audience.
- Planned activities.
- Expected outcomes.
- Communication strategy.
- Gender-responsive approach.
Step 5
Assemble a qualified project team with expertise in communication, outreach, research, or audience engagement.
Step 6
Prepare a detailed project budget not exceeding CAD 17,000.
Step 7
Submit the completed proposal according to the programme guidelines.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on practical impact rather than research alone.
- Use innovative and accessible communication formats.
- Clearly define your target audience.
- Demonstrate experience reaching non-specialist audiences.
- Include measurable outcomes.
- Integrate gender equality throughout the project.
- Show how the project will improve decision-making and workforce resilience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to target an eligible audience.
- Not selecting an eligible intervention category.
- Submitting multiple applications as the lead organization.
- Proposing research without a knowledge translation component.
- Omitting a gender-responsive approach.
- Presenting unclear implementation plans.
- Requesting funding above the programme limit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Sur Futuro FutureWORKS Call for Proposals?
It is a funding programme supporting projects that translate research on the future of work into practical communication products, campaigns, and tools for audiences in Latin America and the Caribbean.
How much funding is available?
Each selected project can receive up to CAD 17,000.
How many projects will be funded?
Sur Futuro expects to support up to two projects.
Who can apply?
Legally registered non-profit and private organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean, including media organizations, communications agencies, research centres, and content producers.
What types of projects are eligible?
Projects must focus on high-impact communication content, awareness campaigns, or practical tools that help workers, youth, or civil society organizations respond to labour market transformations.
How long can projects last?
Projects may run for a maximum of 12 months, including implementation and dissemination.
Is a gender-responsive approach required?
Yes. Every proposal must incorporate a gender-responsive or gender-transformative approach.
Conclusion
The Sur Futuro FutureWORKS Call for Proposals supports innovative initiatives that transform research on the future of work into practical resources for workers, youth, and civil society organizations across Latin America and the Caribbean. By funding accessible communication products, awareness campaigns, and decision-making tools, the programme strengthens workforce resilience, promotes informed action, and helps communities adapt to the rapidly changing world of work.
For more information, visit Sur Futuro.