The School of Cities Research Catalyst Grant Program provides funding for collaborative projects between University of Toronto researchers and Indian partners to enhance the sustainability and climate resilience of Indian cities. Grants of INR 9–15 lakhs support research addressing urban challenges like air quality, water, energy, mobility, and housing, with a focus on evidence-based outcomes, policy recommendations, and capacity-building. Projects run from April 2026 to March 2027 and must demonstrate equitable, impactful partnerships.

Research Catalyst Grant Program: Supporting Sustainable and Resilient Indian Cities

The School of Cities invites collaborative proposals from University of Toronto (U of T) researchers and Indian partner organizations for projects aimed at improving urban sustainability and climate resilience. This initiative encourages innovative, data-driven research that addresses India’s diverse urban contexts, from small towns to megacities.

Program Objectives

The grant program aims to:

• Support research enhancing the sustainability and climate resilience of Indian cities and city-regions

• Address key urban challenges including:

  • Air quality and pollution control

  • Water supply and sanitation

  • Infrastructure and construction practices

  • Energy systems

  • Urban mobility

  • Urban planning and housing

  • Sustainable livelihoods

  • Data-driven urban sustainability solutions

  • Waste management

• Build equitable partnerships between U of T researchers and Indian academic, non-profit, or government organizations

• Produce high-impact research outputs such as joint publications, policy briefs, interventions, or technological prototypes

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants

• A U of T Co-Principal Investigator (PI) who meets the university’s PI requirements

• An Indian Co-Principal Investigator employed by an eligible partner organization

Eligible Indian Partner Organizations

• Universities or research centers

• NGOs or civil society organizations

• Foundations

• Government bodies

Requirements

• Strong, equitable partnership between U of T and Indian PI

• Relevant experience aligned with the research focus

• Letter of support from the Indian organization describing their involvement, desired outcomes, and grant management experience

Funding Details

• Grant range: INR 9,00,000 – 15,00,000 (CAD $15,000–25,000)

• Number of awards: 3–5 projects

• Disbursement: In tranches to Indian partner organization

• Project duration: April 2026 – March 2027

• Eligible costs:

  • Fieldwork

  • Local staffing

  • Travel within India for U of T faculty and Indian partners

  • Capacity-building activities

  • Dissemination

  • Limited equipment and administrative costs

• Ineligible costs:

  • Expenses outside India

  • Replacement teaching costs

  • Scholarships or tuition fees

  • Conference attendance

How to Apply

Step 1: Form Collaborative Team

• Identify a U of T PI and an Indian partner organization

• Ensure equitable leadership and clearly defined roles

Step 2: Prepare Proposal

• Follow prescribed templates including:

  • Initiative overview

  • Background and rationale

  • Methodology or activity plan

  • Expected outputs and impact

  • Team description

  • Project sustainability plan

  • Timeline

  • Detailed budget using official Excel sheet

Step 3: Submit Application

• Combine all documents into a single PDF

• Include separate Excel budget file

• Submit before the deadline via the official submission portal

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are reviewed based on:

• Strength and equity of the partnership

• Clarity and relevance of the research problem

• Potential impact on urban sustainability and climate resilience

• Research approach and methodology

• Feasibility of proposed timeline and budget

• Potential for long-term sustainability or scalability

Reporting Requirements

• Progress reports: 6 and 9 months after project start

• Final report: Within 2 months of project completion

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incomplete or poorly structured proposals

• Lack of equitable partnership between U of T and Indian PI

• Proposing ineligible costs

• Missing required documents, including letter of support

• Failing to align research objectives with urban sustainability and climate resilience priorities

FAQ

1. Who can serve as the Indian Co-Principal Investigator?

An employee of an eligible Indian university, research center, NGO, civil society organization, foundation, or government body.

2. Can travel outside India be funded?

No, grants cannot be used for expenses outside India.

3. How many proposals can a team submit?

Each U of T PI can participate in only one proposal per call. Indian organizations may be involved in multiple proposals.

4. What is the expected duration of funded projects?

Projects run for 12 months, from April 2026 to March 2027.

5. What outputs are expected?

Outputs may include publications, interventions, policy briefs, technological prototypes, or other evidence-based deliverables.

6. Are conference fees or scholarships eligible?

No, these costs are not covered under the grant.

7. How is the funding disbursed?

Funds are disbursed in tranches to the Indian partner organization for project implementation.

Conclusion

The School of Cities Research Catalyst Grant Program provides a structured, collaborative opportunity to produce actionable research that strengthens the sustainability and climate resilience of Indian cities. By combining U of T expertise with local knowledge, this program ensures meaningful impact, equitable partnerships, and long-term solutions to urban challenges.