Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The SHRF Align Connection Grant Program provides up to $10,000 in short-term funding for health research projects in Saskatchewan that embed knowledge translation and align research with real-world impact. It supports collaborative, innovative teams to test novel ideas, develop capacity, and position projects for future external funding.
Overview
The SHRF Align Connection Grant Program offers short-term, streamlined funding to advance health research that meets real-world needs in Saskatchewan. The program emphasizes embedding knowledge translation into the research process and fostering collaboration between academic and non-academic team members. It aims to catalyze progress in human health research by supporting projects that explore new ideas, interventions, models, or protocols. Eligible activities include recruiting non-academic collaborators, identifying gaps in current practice, testing the feasibility of interventions, and developing approaches that strengthen research impact.
Funding and Grant Details
The Align Grant provides up to $10,000 in funding for a term of up to one year. The grant is intended as a catalyst rather than continuous operational support, helping teams to build momentum, enhance collaboration, implement improvements in health outcomes, create provincial research capacity, and offer training opportunities. The grant encourages teams to prepare for future funding applications and to strengthen the readiness of their projects for larger, longer-term funding.
Who is Eligible?
To apply for the Align Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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A Principal Applicant as defined in the SHRF Funding Guide, responsible for the overall direction and administration of the proposed activities.
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Each application must include at least one Saskatchewan-based trainee, either as personnel or a co-applicant, with clearly defined roles.
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Principal Investigators may submit only one application per deadline but may serve as co-investigators on other projects. Successful applicants from a previous call are not eligible to submit in the next call within the same fiscal year.
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Applications must demonstrate intent to apply for at least one additional external research funding opportunity within one year of the Align Grant funding end date.
How the Program Works / How to Apply
The application process involves:
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Eligibility Check: Confirm that the Principal Applicant and trainee requirements are met.
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Project Planning: Develop a project proposal that clearly embeds knowledge translation and aligns with real-world health impact. Include activities such as collaboration with non-academic partners, feasibility studies, and identification of practice gaps.
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Submission: Submit the application following SHRF guidelines by the designated deadline.
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Assessment: Applications are reviewed based on alignment with grant objectives, feasibility, potential for real-world impact, and readiness for future external funding.
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Award: Successful applicants receive funding for up to one year, with the expectation of advancing their project and preparing for additional research grants.
Tips for a Strong Application:
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Demonstrate clear knowledge translation strategies.
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Include concrete roles for trainees and collaborators.
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Show evidence of novelty and real-world relevance.
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Indicate plans for applying to further external funding.
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Emphasize provincial health impact and capacity building.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting an application without a Saskatchewan-based trainee.
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Failing to outline knowledge translation activities or real-world impact.
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Not clearly indicating plans for future external funding.
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Exceeding one application per Principal Investigator per deadline.
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Overestimating the grant’s ability to cover ongoing operational costs.
Why This Grant Matters
The SHRF Align Connection Grant supports short-term, high-impact projects that strengthen health research capacity in Saskatchewan. By fostering collaboration, embedding knowledge translation, and encouraging innovation, the program ensures that research projects are designed to deliver tangible benefits to the community and health systems. The grant also positions teams for larger funding opportunities and long-term sustainability.
FAQ – SHRF Align Connection Grant Program
1. What is the maximum funding available? Up to $10,000 for a term of one year.
2. Who qualifies as a Principal Applicant? Individuals meeting the definition in the SHRF Funding Guide, responsible for overall project direction and administration.
3. Are trainees required? Yes, each application must include at least one Saskatchewan-based trainee with defined roles.
4. Can Principal Investigators submit multiple applications? Only one per deadline; however, they may participate as co-investigators on other projects.
5. Is the grant intended for ongoing operational costs? No, it is intended to catalyze progress and support short-term initiatives.
6. Must applicants plan for future funding? Yes, applicants must indicate intent to apply for at least one additional external research funding opportunity within one year of the grant end date.
7. What types of activities are supported? Collaboration, feasibility studies, identifying practice gaps, embedding knowledge translation, and other activities that strengthen research impact.
Conclusion
The SHRF Align Connection Grant Program provides short-term, targeted funding to advance health research in Saskatchewan. By supporting collaborative, innovative projects that embed knowledge translation and align with real-world needs, the grant strengthens provincial research capacity and prepares teams for future external funding. Principal Investigators are encouraged to submit well-planned proposals that maximize impact for health systems, trainees, and communities.
For more information, visit SHRF.