Deadline: 27-Feb-2026
The CHS Global Partnerships for Research and Innovation program provides funding of up to USD 50,000 per year for research and innovation projects focused on hearing health, hearing science, Deaf studies, and quality of life. Open to not-for-profit institutions with Canadian-based Principal Investigators, the program supports impactful projects that improve hearing care, promote Deaf inclusion, and enhance well-being across all age groups. Funding is awarded through a competitive two-stage process starting with a Letter of Intent due by February 27, 2026.
Program Overview
The CHS Global Partnerships for Research and Innovation program supports research and innovation initiatives that align with the mission and mandate of the Canadian Hearing Services (CHS).
The program funds projects that advance hearing health, strengthen sound science, promote Deaf inclusion, and improve quality of life for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Funding decisions are subject to CHS organizational policies and the specific requirements of each funding cycle.
This opportunity is designed to support applied and impact-driven research with clear benefits for Deaf and hard of hearing communities in Canada and beyond.
Key Focus Areas
Funded projects must align clearly with one or more of the following focus areas:
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Hearing Health
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Hearing Science
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Deaf Studies and Quality of Life
Priority is given to research and innovation that:
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Improves hearing care and service delivery
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Advances scientific understanding related to hearing and communication
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Promotes inclusion, accessibility, and participation for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals
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Enhances well-being across the lifespan, from children to older adults
Strong community relevance and measurable impact are central to the program’s mission.
Funding Amount and Duration
The CHS Global Partnerships program offers:
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Up to USD 50,000 per year
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A maximum project duration of two years
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Total possible funding of up to USD 100,000 per project
Budgets must be realistic, clearly justified, and aligned with the proposed project activities.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible Institutions
Applications must be submitted through a not-for-profit institution.
Eligible institutions include:
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Canadian universities
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Affiliated institutions such as teaching hospitals
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Community-based not-for-profit organizations
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CHS-recognized Deaf or hard of hearing institutions or organizations
Funding is not awarded directly to individuals.
Principal Investigator (PI) Requirements
To be eligible, the Principal Investigator must:
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Be based at a Canadian university or an eligible affiliated institution
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Lead a project that aligns strongly with CHS focus areas
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Demonstrate the capacity to deliver meaningful impact for Deaf and hard of hearing communities
Collaborative and interdisciplinary teams are encouraged where relevant.
How the Funding Process Works
The application process follows a structured, two-stage approach.
Stage 1: Letter of Intent (LOI)
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LOI submission deadline: February 27, 2026, by 8:00 p.m. EDT
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LOIs are screened for alignment with CHS focus areas and potential impact
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Results will be communicated during the week of April 20, 2026
Only applicants whose LOIs demonstrate strong relevance and impact will be invited to submit a Full Application.
Stage 2: Full Application
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Full Application deadline: June 15, 2026, by 8:00 p.m. EDT
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Applications are evaluated and ranked by the CHS Global Partnerships Grant Review Panel
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Final funding decisions are made by the CHS Board of Directors
Funding Decision and Start Date
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Funding notifications expected during the week of November 2, 2026
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Approved projects will commence on December 1, 2026
Evaluation and Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
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Alignment with CHS focus areas and mandate
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Relevance and potential impact on Deaf and hard of hearing communities
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Scientific, technical, or methodological rigor
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Feasibility of the project plan and timeline
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Budget clarity, justification, and cost-effectiveness
Projects that clearly demonstrate community benefit and practical outcomes are prioritized.
Why This Funding Matters
The CHS Global Partnerships for Research and Innovation program plays a key role in advancing inclusive and impactful research.
The program supports:
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Evidence-based improvements in hearing care and services
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Research that reflects the lived experiences of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals
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Innovation that enhances accessibility, participation, and quality of life
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Strong partnerships between researchers, communities, and not-for-profit organizations
By centering impact and inclusion, the program helps translate research into real-world benefits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
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Submitting projects that do not clearly align with CHS focus areas
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Weak or generic descriptions of community impact
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Unrealistic timelines or poorly justified budgets
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Treating the LOI as a formality rather than a competitive screening stage
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Failing to demonstrate meaningful benefits for Deaf and hard of hearing communities
Clear alignment and impact-driven design are critical for success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum funding available?
Applicants may request up to USD 50,000 per year for a maximum of two years.
Who can act as the Principal Investigator?
The PI must be based at a Canadian university or an eligible affiliated or not-for-profit institution.
Are for-profit organizations eligible?
No. Only not-for-profit institutions are eligible to apply.
What happens after the Letter of Intent stage?
Only selected applicants will be invited to submit a Full Application following LOI review.
Who reviews the Full Applications?
Full Applications are evaluated by the CHS Global Partnerships Grant Review Panel, with final decisions made by the Board of Directors.
When does funded research begin?
Approved projects are expected to start on December 1, 2026.
Does the program prioritize community impact?
Yes. Demonstrated impact on Deaf and hard of hearing communities is a core evaluation criterion.
Conclusion
The CHS Global Partnerships for Research and Innovation program offers a significant funding opportunity for not-for-profit institutions and Canadian-based researchers working to advance hearing health, Deaf studies, and quality of life. Through a structured and competitive process, the program supports research and innovation that delivers meaningful, inclusive, and lasting benefits for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals across all age groups.
For more information, visit CHS Global Partnerships for Research and Innovation.
