Deadline: 23-Sep-2025
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) has launched a call for proposals aimed at connecting Indigenous research and leadership in Canada with Indigenous communities in the Global South. This initiative complements the SSHRC-led Indigenous Capacity and Leadership in Research Connection Grants. It is specifically for Indigenous organizations in the Global South that are interested in building relationships with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities in Canada through knowledge-sharing activities.
The goal of the initiative is to co-develop a shared Indigenous research agenda and foster future joint research projects. It supports Indigenous self-determination and leadership in research while promoting awareness and recognition of Indigenous knowledge systems. It also addresses data sovereignty and intellectual property rights in Indigenous research.
IDRC’s thematic priorities include climate-resilient food systems, democratic and inclusive governance, education and science, global health, and sustainable inclusive economies. The funded research is expected to help communities adapt to climate change, strengthen education and health systems, support women’s leadership in science, and promote sustainable economic opportunities.
Up to CAD700,000 in total funding is available through this call, with individual projects eligible for up to CAD100,000 each. Each project will last 12 months. Funding will support events such as workshops and community gatherings that encourage dialogue, knowledge exchange, and interdisciplinary research approaches. The outcomes are expected to include new research agendas or action plans that build Indigenous research leadership and capacity.
Applicants can target outcomes such as increased support for Indigenous researchers, especially graduate students and postdocs, and inclusion of Elders and knowledge holders. Projects should aim to remove barriers to participation, support Indigenous knowledge systems, strengthen Indigenous data control, and encourage ethical, community-led research. They should also promote reconciliation and address gender and other intersecting social factors.
To be eligible, the lead applicant organization must be based in an eligible region, legally recognized, and capable of managing funds. It must be Indigenous or support Indigenous-led research programs. Preference goes to those with established connections to Indigenous communities in Canada, though new partnerships are also welcomed. Research teams must include Indigenous researchers, with a focus on including women and gender-diverse individuals.
For more information, visit IDRC.
