If you are a researcher or an academic in Canada, you might have heard of research grants and their importance. Research grants are financial aids given by organizations, foundations, or government agencies to support research projects. In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about research grants in Canada, including the different types, eligibility criteria, and how to apply for them.

Types of Research Grants

Research grants in Canada can be classified into two categories: government and non-governmental grants. Government grants are funded by the federal, provincial, or territorial governments, while non-governmental grants are funded by private organizations or foundations.

Government Grants

The Canadian government offers various research grants to support research in different fields, such as health, social sciences, engineering, and natural sciences. Some of the most popular government research grants in Canada are:

  1. Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC): NSERC offers research grants to support natural sciences and engineering projects. They have various funding programs, including Discovery Grants, Research Tools and Instruments Grants, and Collaborative Research and Training Experience Programs.
  2. Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC): SSHRC offers research grants to support social sciences and humanities projects. Their funding programs include Insight Grants, Partnership Grants, and Connection Grants.
  3. Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR): CIHR offers research grants to support health research in Canada. Their funding programs include Project Grants, Foundation Grants, and Priority Announcement Grants.

Non-governmental Grants

Private organizations and foundations also offer research grants in Canada. Some of the popular non-governmental research grants in Canada are:

  1. Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI): CFI offers research grants to support infrastructure and equipment for research projects. Their funding programs include Innovation Fund, John R. Evans Leaders Fund, and Cyberinfrastructure Initiative.
  2. Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute: The Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute offers research grants to support cancer research in Canada. Their funding programs include Impact Grants, Innovation Grants, and Travel Awards.

Eligibility Criteria

Each research grant has its eligibility criteria, but some common requirements include:

  1. The research project must be original and innovative.
  2. The researcher must have a strong academic and research background.
  3. The researcher must have a research team or collaborators.
  4. The research project must align with the funding organization’s priorities and objectives.
  5. The researcher must submit a research proposal that meets the funding organization’s guidelines.

How to Apply for Research Grants

To apply for research grants in Canada, follow these steps:

  1. Determine the research grant that suits your research project.
  2. Review the eligibility criteria and guidelines for the grant.
  3. Develop a research proposal that meets the funding organization’s requirements.
  4. Submit the research proposal before the grant deadline.
  5. Wait for the funding organization’s decision on your research proposal.

Conclusion

Research grants are essential to support research projects in Canada. By understanding the types of research grants available, their eligibility criteria, and how to apply for them, researchers and academics can increase their chances of receiving funding for their research projects. Keep in mind that research grants are competitive, so make sure to submit a well-crafted research proposal that aligns with the funding organization’s priorities and objectives. Good luck with your research grant applications!