Request for Applications: Partnership Engage Grant Program (Canada)

Deadline: 15-Jun-2026

The Partnership Engage Grant Program supports Canadian researchers in collaborating with non-academic organizations to address immediate, real-world challenges. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 for one year and emphasize stakeholder-driven partnerships, knowledge co-creation, and practical solutions. The program encourages Indigenous research, diverse methodologies, and timely, applied social sciences and humanities projects.

Overview of the Partnership Engage Grant Program

The Partnership Engage Grant Program provides funding for small-scale, partnered research activities that respond to time-sensitive challenges faced by a single non-academic organization. It fosters collaboration between researchers and partners in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors to co-create knowledge, develop practical solutions, and increase the national and international impact of social sciences and humanities research. The program emphasizes cross-sector knowledge co-creation, practical application of research, enhanced institutional capacity, and inclusive approaches, including Indigenous research and research-creation.

Purpose and Objectives

The program is designed to:

• Support partnered research addressing immediate organizational needs

• Foster collaborative problem-solving with non-academic partners

• Promote knowledge mobilization: synthesizing, applying, and sharing research in accessible ways

• Encourage innovative approaches to intellectual, social, economic, and cultural issues

Key focus areas include:

• Stakeholder-driven partnerships

• Time-sensitive challenges or opportunities

• Practical, applied outcomes tailored to a single organization

Funding Details

Grant Amount and Duration

• Funding range: $10,000 to $50,000

• Duration: 1 year

• Salary research allowance: Available for individuals from Canadian not-for-profit co-applicants to dedicate time to the project

What the Funding Supports

• Collaborative research activities

• Knowledge mobilization and dissemination

• Stakeholder engagement and practical solution development

What the Funding Does NOT Cover

• Curriculum development

• Conference organization

• Database creation

• Large-scale research projects beyond the one-year scope

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

• Researchers affiliated with an eligible Canadian postsecondary institution

• Postdoctoral researchers are eligible if maintaining institutional affiliation

• Students are not eligible to apply

Co-Applicants and Collaborators

• Co-applicants: Individuals affiliated with Canadian or international institutions or organizations

• Collaborators: Open to any sector

Partner Organizations

• Only one partner organization per application

• Must be independent and at arm’s length from the applicant and their institution

• Can be from public, private, or not-for-profit sectors

Why It Matters

The program addresses a critical need to bridge research and practice. By connecting researchers with organizations that face urgent challenges, it:

• Generates practical, actionable knowledge

• Strengthens institutional capacity

• Enhances the visibility and impact of social sciences and humanities research

• Supports inclusive, stakeholder-driven approaches, including Indigenous-led projects

How to Apply / How It Works

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Ensure affiliation with an eligible Canadian postsecondary institution

• Identify a single, arm’s-length partner organization

Step 2: Develop a Collaborative Plan

• Define the immediate challenge or opportunity to address

• Outline research activities, knowledge mobilization, and stakeholder engagement

Step 3: Prepare Budget

• Request between $10,000 and $50,000

• Include salary allowances for eligible non-profit co-applicants if needed

Step 4: Build Your Team

• Include co-applicants and collaborators as appropriate

• Ensure alignment of expertise with project objectives

Step 5: Submit Application

• Submit through the institution’s designated process

• Ensure compliance with program guidelines, deadlines, and reporting requirements

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing multiple partner organizations instead of a single eligible partner

• Focusing on activities outside social sciences and humanities

• Including curriculum development, conferences, or databases as primary objectives

• Weak stakeholder engagement or unclear partnership goals

• Failing to demonstrate time-sensitive impact or practical application

Tips for Success

• Clearly define the immediate need or challenge of the partner organization

• Highlight collaboration and knowledge mobilization strategies

• Include inclusive approaches, especially for Indigenous research

• Demonstrate practical, actionable outcomes within one year

• Secure strong support from your institution and partner organization

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main goal of the Partnership Engage Grant?

The main goal is to support small-scale, stakeholder-driven research partnerships that address immediate organizational needs while fostering knowledge co-creation and practical solutions.

2. What is the funding range and duration?

Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 for a one-year period.

3. Who can apply?

Researchers affiliated with eligible Canadian postsecondary institutions. Postdoctoral researchers are eligible if maintaining affiliation; students are not eligible.

4. How many partner organizations can be included?

Only one partner organization, independent and at arm’s length, is allowed per project.

5. Can international co-applicants or collaborators participate?

Yes, co-applicants may be affiliated with international institutions, and collaborators can come from any sector.

6. Can the grant fund salaries?

Yes, salary allowances may be requested for eligible individuals from Canadian not-for-profit co-applicants.

7. Are Indigenous research projects encouraged?

Yes, Indigenous research and research-creation approaches are welcomed and encouraged.

Conclusion

The Partnership Engage Grant Program is a strategic opportunity to bridge research and practice in the social sciences and humanities. By fostering partnerships with non-academic organizations, the program enables researchers to deliver timely, actionable solutions, strengthen institutional capacity, and increase both national and international impact of applied research.

For more information, visit Government of Canada.