Deadline: 22-Sep-2026
The Destination Horizon Grants 2026 program supports Canadian researchers in developing international partnerships and research networks that can lead to future participation in Horizon Europe Pillar II funding opportunities. The program provides up to CAD 15,000 for one year to strengthen collaboration with researchers in European Union member states and Horizon Europe associated countries, with matching institutional funding required.
Overview
The Destination Horizon Grants 2026 program, offered by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), aims to strengthen Canada’s participation in Horizon Europe by supporting partnership-building and network development activities.
The funding helps Canadian researchers establish new international collaborations, expand existing partnerships, and prepare competitive proposals for future Horizon Europe Pillar II funding calls. The program focuses on collaboration and capacity building rather than conducting primary research.
Grant Details
- Funding organization: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
- Program: Destination Horizon Grants 2026
- Maximum funding amount: CAD 15,000
- Project duration: Up to one year
- Matching requirement: 100% cash contribution from the host institution
- Geographic focus: Canada, European Union member states, and Horizon Europe associated countries
- Funding purpose: Partnership development and Horizon Europe proposal preparation
Program Objectives
The Destination Horizon Grants program is designed to:
- Increase Canadian participation in Horizon Europe initiatives.
- Support international research collaboration.
- Build and strengthen research networks and consortia.
- Foster interdisciplinary and cross-sector partnerships.
- Facilitate scholarly and knowledge exchanges.
- Enhance collaboration between Canadian and European researchers.
- Prepare applicants for future Horizon Europe Pillar II proposals.
Key Focus Areas
Eligible activities may include:
- Capacity building
- Partnership development
- Network development
- Consortium development
- International collaboration
- Scholarly exchanges
- Research networking activities
- Intersectoral collaboration
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Horizon Europe proposal preparation
- Knowledge-sharing initiatives
- Collaborative planning activities
Projects may involve any SSHRC-eligible discipline, thematic area, methodology, or subject matter within the social sciences and humanities.
What is Horizon Europe?
Horizon Europe is the European Union’s flagship research and innovation funding program. It supports international collaboration across a wide range of disciplines and societal challenges.
Pillar II of Horizon Europe focuses on collaborative research and innovation projects that address global challenges through multinational partnerships involving researchers, institutions, industry, and public-sector organizations.
The Destination Horizon Grants program helps Canadian researchers prepare for future participation in these large-scale collaborative funding opportunities.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Be affiliated with an eligible Canadian postsecondary institution.
- Hold a primary affiliation in the social sciences or humanities.
- Demonstrate readiness to develop or strengthen international research networks.
- Secure institutional matching funds equal to the amount requested from SSHRC.
- Submit an eligible project and budget.
Applications may be submitted by:
- Individual researchers
- Teams of researchers
Who Is Not Eligible?
The following are not eligible to apply as applicants or co-applicants:
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Students
Projects are also ineligible if their primary purpose is:
- Fieldwork
- Data collection
- Interviews
- Literature reviews
- Primary research implementation
- Activities focused on executing Horizon Europe projects rather than preparing for them
Funding Requirements
Applicants may request up to CAD 15,000 from SSHRC.
A mandatory institutional cash contribution equal to 100% of the requested amount must be secured from the applicant’s host institution.
The funding is intended to support networking and partnership-building activities rather than direct research activities.
How the Program Works
The program supports researchers who are preparing for future Horizon Europe opportunities by helping them:
- Identify potential international collaborators.
- Develop research networks and partnerships.
- Build or join research consortia.
- Strengthen relationships with European partners.
- Engage in collaborative planning activities.
- Prepare competitive Horizon Europe Pillar II proposals.
- Position themselves for future international funding opportunities.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Confirm eligibility with their Canadian postsecondary institution.
- Identify potential collaborators from European Union member states or Horizon Europe associated countries.
- Develop a partnership-building or networking project plan.
- Prepare a detailed budget request.
- Obtain institutional approval and matching cash commitments.
- Demonstrate readiness for consortium and network development.
- Submit the application according to SSHRC requirements.
Why This Grant Matters
The Destination Horizon Grants program provides an important pathway for Canadian researchers to enter international research networks and strengthen global collaboration.
Key benefits include:
- Access to international research partnerships.
- Increased competitiveness for Horizon Europe funding.
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Stronger research networks and consortia.
- Enhanced global visibility and impact.
- Long-term international collaboration opportunities.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Proposing primary research activities instead of networking activities.
- Failing to secure required institutional matching funds.
- Providing unclear partnership development plans.
- Demonstrating insufficient readiness for Horizon Europe engagement.
- Submitting budgets that do not align with eligible activities.
- Focusing on project implementation rather than proposal preparation and collaboration building.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly explain how the project will lead to future Horizon Europe participation.
- Demonstrate existing or emerging international partnerships.
- Show the strategic value of proposed networking activities.
- Include realistic and well-justified budgets.
- Highlight interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration opportunities.
- Explain expected long-term partnership outcomes.
- Align activities with future Horizon Europe Pillar II opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the maximum funding available?
Applicants may request up to CAD 15,000 for a project lasting up to one year.
Is matching funding required?
Yes. Applicants must secure cash contributions from their host institution equal to 100% of the amount requested from SSHRC.
Can researchers from any discipline apply?
Projects may involve any SSHRC-eligible discipline, thematic area, approach, or subject matter within the social sciences and humanities.
Can postdoctoral researchers apply?
No. Postdoctoral researchers are not eligible to apply as applicants or co-applicants.
Can students apply?
No. Students are not eligible as applicants or co-applicants.
Can the funding be used for fieldwork or data collection?
No. Projects primarily focused on fieldwork, data collection, interviews, literature reviews, or other primary research activities are not eligible.
What is the main purpose of the grant?
The grant supports partnership development, network building, consortium formation, and preparation for future Horizon Europe Pillar II funding opportunities.
Conclusion
The Destination Horizon Grants 2026 program provides valuable support for Canadian social sciences and humanities researchers seeking to expand international collaboration and prepare for future Horizon Europe funding opportunities. By funding partnership development, consortium building, and international networking activities, the program helps strengthen Canada’s participation in global research initiatives while laying the foundation for successful Horizon Europe Pillar II proposals.
For more information, visit Government of Canada.
