Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Partnership Development Grants 2026: Receive Up to CAD 250,000 to Build Innovative Research Partnerships

<p data-start="1242" data-end="1590">The <strong data-start="1246" data-end="1353">Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Partnership Development Grants 2026 Competition</strong> is now open for applications. This prestigious Canadian research funding opportunity provides grants ranging from <strong data-start="1468" data-end="1497">CAD 75,000 to CAD 250,000</strong> to support the development of innovative partnerships in the social sciences and humanities.</p> <p data-start="1592" data-end="1877">The funding is designed to help researchers, postsecondary institutions, not-for-profit organizations, and partner institutions establish or strengthen formal collaborations that generate impactful research, advance knowledge, promote innovation, and create meaningful societal change.</p> <p data-start="1879" data-end="2176">Projects funded through this program can run for <strong data-start="1928" data-end="1950">one to three years</strong>, providing sufficient time for teams to establish strong collaborations, conduct high-quality research, engage stakeholders, train students and emerging scholars, and mobilize research findings nationally and internationally.</p> <h2 data-section-id="4qnxhx" data-start="2178" data-end="2201">Application Deadline</h2> <p data-start="2203" data-end="2275"><strong data-start="2203" data-end="2228">Application Deadline:</strong> <strong data-start="2229" data-end="2275">November 16, 2026 (8:00 p.m. Eastern Time)</strong></p> <p data-start="2277" data-end="2313"><strong data-start="2277" data-end="2302">Results Announcement:</strong> March 2027</p> <h2 data-section-id="1duhuur" data-start="2320" data-end="2363">About the Partnership Development Grants</h2> <p data-start="2365" data-end="2601">The Partnership Development Grants form part of SSHRC&#8217;s broader <strong data-start="2429" data-end="2462">Research Partnerships Program</strong>, which aims to encourage collaborative research initiatives capable of producing lasting academic, social, economic, and cultural impacts.</p> <p data-start="2603" data-end="2643">The grants support projects that either:</p> <ul data-start="2645" data-end="2935"> <li data-section-id="1a80jag" data-start="2645" data-end="2681">Develop new research partnerships;</li> <li data-section-id="12o8f6d" data-start="2682" data-end="2742">Expand existing partnerships with new research activities;</li> <li data-section-id="19aunfy" data-start="2743" data-end="2782">Design innovative partnership models;</li> <li data-section-id="14wxbqu" data-start="2783" data-end="2846">Test collaborative approaches that can become best practices;</li> <li data-section-id="1tdvz9t" data-start="2847" data-end="2935">Develop scalable partnership models for regional, national, or international adoption.</li> </ul> <p data-start="2937" data-end="2983">The initiative also places strong emphasis on:</p> <ul data-start="2985" data-end="3108"> <li data-section-id="ahfrap" data-start="2985" data-end="3009">Knowledge mobilization</li> <li data-section-id="nh8jgc" data-start="3010" data-end="3030">Student engagement</li> <li data-section-id="1hd149d" data-start="3031" data-end="3050">Research training</li> <li data-section-id="gsqdxh" data-start="3051" data-end="3063">Mentorship</li> <li data-section-id="1wpl5u0" data-start="3064" data-end="3092">Cross-sector collaboration</li> <li data-section-id="13qsep7" data-start="3093" data-end="3108">Public impact</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="7gsz1w" data-start="3115" data-end="3130">Funding Value</h1> <p data-start="3132" data-end="3182">Successful applicants may receive funding between:</p> <ul data-start="3184" data-end="3224"> <li data-section-id="1llza4w" data-start="3184" data-end="3200"><strong data-start="3186" data-end="3200">CAD 75,000</strong></li> <li data-section-id="zfadzv" data-start="3201" data-end="3224"><strong data-start="3203" data-end="3224">Up to CAD 250,000</strong></li> </ul> <p data-start="3226" data-end="3263">Funding is provided over a period of:</p> <ul data-start="3265" data-end="3305"> <li data-section-id="189agd2" data-start="3265" data-end="3277"><strong data-start="3267" data-end="3277">1 year</strong></li> <li data-section-id="1qm1kx2" data-start="3278" data-end="3291"><strong data-start="3280" data-end="3291">2 years</strong></li> <li data-section-id="lrlld3" data-start="3292" data-end="3305"><strong data-start="3294" data-end="3305">3 years</strong></li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="13vy604" data-start="3312" data-end="3337">Objectives of the Grant</h1> <p data-start="3339" data-end="3403">The Partnership Development Grants support projects that aim to:</p> <ol data-start="3405" data-end="3871"> <li data-section-id="hn47e4" data-start="3405" data-end="3449">Develop innovative research partnerships.</li> <li data-section-id="zlj2j3" data-start="3450" data-end="3497">Strengthen existing research collaborations.</li> <li data-section-id="f6s1uf" data-start="3498" data-end="3535">Foster interdisciplinary research.</li> <li data-section-id="evgwch" data-start="3536" data-end="3585">Support international research collaborations.</li> <li data-section-id="15d0th3" data-start="3586" data-end="3620">Promote knowledge mobilization.</li> <li data-section-id="z8jpb8" data-start="3621" data-end="3650">Improve research capacity.</li> <li data-section-id="1gveyrk" data-start="3651" data-end="3691">Train students and emerging scholars.</li> <li data-section-id="1fl2xxx" data-start="3692" data-end="3745">Create best practices for partnership development.</li> <li data-section-id="q6mq1f" data-start="3746" data-end="3799">Generate research with measurable societal impact.</li> <li data-section-id="piw0f0" data-start="3800" data-end="3871">Increase collaboration between academia and external organizations.</li> </ol> <h1 data-section-id="1jkz779" data-start="3878" data-end="3911">Types of Partnerships Supported</h1> <p data-start="3913" data-end="3967">SSHRC welcomes numerous partnership models, including:</p> <h3 data-section-id="10pvzkl" data-start="3969" data-end="3997">1. Existing Partnerships</h3> <p data-start="3999" data-end="4125">Funding may support existing partnerships seeking to launch entirely new research initiatives beyond their current activities.</p> <h3 data-section-id="dcmleh" data-start="4127" data-end="4150">2. New Partnerships</h3> <p data-start="4152" data-end="4265">Support is available for partnerships in their early stages that are beginning collaborative research activities.</p> <h3 data-section-id="73ylzf" data-start="4267" data-end="4321">3. Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Partnerships</h3> <p data-start="4323" data-end="4421">Projects involving one or multiple disciplines in the social sciences and humanities are eligible.</p> <p data-start="4423" data-end="4466">Interdisciplinary collaborations involving:</p> <ul data-start="4468" data-end="4518"> <li data-section-id="1asdkvy" data-start="4468" data-end="4486">Natural sciences</li> <li data-section-id="1p06fqp" data-start="4487" data-end="4500">Engineering</li> <li data-section-id="15ponw3" data-start="4501" data-end="4518">Health sciences</li> </ul> <p data-start="4520" data-end="4597">may also qualify if they satisfy SSHRC subject matter eligibility guidelines.</p> <h3 data-section-id="v0p50p" data-start="4599" data-end="4640">4. Cross-Sector Knowledge Co-Creation</h3> <p data-start="4642" data-end="4662">Projects that unite:</p> <ul data-start="4664" data-end="4765"> <li data-section-id="10gwr6y" data-start="4664" data-end="4678">Universities</li> <li data-section-id="1kj0we" data-start="4679" data-end="4692">Governments</li> <li data-section-id="afk9xw" data-start="4693" data-end="4719">Non-profit organizations</li> <li data-section-id="i6xipf" data-start="4720" data-end="4745">Community organizations</li> <li data-section-id="rw7hr" data-start="4746" data-end="4765">Industry partners</li> </ul> <p data-start="4767" data-end="4837">to solve major intellectual, social, economic, or cultural challenges.</p> <h3 data-section-id="htu8h5" data-start="4839" data-end="4863">5. Research Networks</h3> <p data-start="4865" data-end="4906">Funding supports networks established to:</p> <ul data-start="4908" data-end="5020"> <li data-section-id="xhd4iw" data-start="4908" data-end="4940">Conduct collaborative research</li> <li data-section-id="1lc4oac" data-start="4941" data-end="4958">Share expertise</li> <li data-section-id="1bp7ob9" data-start="4959" data-end="4978">Train researchers</li> <li data-section-id="htamjl" data-start="4979" data-end="4999">Exchange knowledge</li> <li data-section-id="14z1liz" data-start="5000" data-end="5020">Promote innovation</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="1fxtq7s" data-start="5022" data-end="5064">6. Knowledge Mobilization Partnerships</h3> <p data-start="5066" data-end="5137">Projects may focus on making research findings more accessible through:</p> <ul data-start="5139" data-end="5261"> <li data-section-id="11t8bp0" data-start="5139" data-end="5158">Public engagement</li> <li data-section-id="11xtqt7" data-start="5159" data-end="5179">Policy development</li> <li data-section-id="u8uhoo" data-start="5180" data-end="5200">Community outreach</li> <li data-section-id="qgc40j" data-start="5201" data-end="5234">Institutional capacity building</li> <li data-section-id="1q71x8p" data-start="5235" data-end="5261">Practical implementation</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="1g14drk" data-start="5268" data-end="5289">Indigenous Research</h1> <p data-start="5291" data-end="5335">SSHRC strongly welcomes proposals involving:</p> <ul data-start="5337" data-end="5435"> <li data-section-id="1j8rs4e" data-start="5337" data-end="5358">Indigenous research</li> <li data-section-id="1bxac77" data-start="5359" data-end="5389">Indigenous knowledge systems</li> <li data-section-id="1h51umw" data-start="5390" data-end="5409">Research creation</li> <li data-section-id="1ha84e0" data-start="5410" data-end="5435">Indigenous partnerships</li> </ul> <p data-start="5437" data-end="5562">Applications involving Indigenous research will be evaluated using SSHRC&#8217;s specialized Indigenous research review guidelines.</p> <h1 data-section-id="6n9tv0" data-start="5569" data-end="5587">Joint Initiative</h1> <p data-start="5589" data-end="5628">Applicants may also participate in the:</p> <ul data-start="5630" data-end="5677"> <li data-section-id="1msbay9" data-start="5630" data-end="5677"><strong data-start="5632" data-end="5660">Mitacs Accelerate Grants</strong> joint initiative</li> </ul> <p data-start="5679" data-end="5781">This collaboration provides additional opportunities for research partnerships and talent development.</p> <h1 data-section-id="1fi0a04" data-start="5788" data-end="5812">Future Challenge Areas</h1> <p data-start="5814" data-end="5909">Applicants are encouraged to consider SSHRC&#8217;s Future Challenge Areas while designing proposals.</p> <p data-start="5911" data-end="6125">Although alignment with these challenge areas does <strong data-start="5962" data-end="5969">not</strong> affect funding decisions or provide additional funding, it can help applicants demonstrate the future relevance and broader significance of their research.</p> <h1 data-section-id="12zjszi" data-start="6132" data-end="6157">Eligible Research Areas</h1> <p data-start="6159" data-end="6324">Projects may involve virtually any eligible social sciences or humanities discipline, including interdisciplinary work that satisfies SSHRC eligibility requirements.</p> <p data-start="6326" data-end="6343">Examples include:</p> <ul data-start="6345" data-end="6598"> <li data-section-id="n0dh7m" data-start="6345" data-end="6356">Education</li> <li data-section-id="1ypifik" data-start="6357" data-end="6368">Sociology</li> <li data-section-id="c1jzmc" data-start="6369" data-end="6380">Economics</li> <li data-section-id="obvp56" data-start="6381" data-end="6390">History</li> <li data-section-id="eqbpbp" data-start="6391" data-end="6410">Political Science</li> <li data-section-id="1o99p57" data-start="6411" data-end="6423">Psychology</li> <li data-section-id="1a5fka6" data-start="6424" data-end="6444">Indigenous Studies</li> <li data-section-id="1dr0cmd" data-start="6445" data-end="6463">Cultural Studies</li> <li data-section-id="z08lux" data-start="6464" data-end="6479">Public Policy</li> <li data-section-id="si2swg" data-start="6480" data-end="6491">Geography</li> <li data-section-id="xnb28x" data-start="6492" data-end="6519">International Development</li> <li data-section-id="dkrjhd" data-start="6520" data-end="6543">Communication Studies</li> <li data-section-id="gcw3dl" data-start="6544" data-end="6556">Literature</li> <li data-section-id="1s16kh3" data-start="6557" data-end="6569">Philosophy</li> <li data-section-id="1wof9t2" data-start="6570" data-end="6583">Linguistics</li> <li data-section-id="i8sj7o" data-start="6584" data-end="6598">Anthropology</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="1wzvoj3" data-start="6605" data-end="6637">Projects That Are Not Eligible</h1> <p data-start="6639" data-end="6673">Projects whose primary purpose is:</p> <ul data-start="6675" data-end="6806"> <li data-section-id="12qbbt2" data-start="6675" data-end="6699">Curriculum development</li> <li data-section-id="1lb1doq" data-start="6700" data-end="6720">Program evaluation</li> <li data-section-id="dq0z17" data-start="6721" data-end="6756">Preparation of teaching materials</li> <li data-section-id="pghkv1" data-start="6757" data-end="6786">Digitization of collections</li> <li data-section-id="19ns9l0" data-start="6787" data-end="6806">Database creation</li> </ul> <p data-start="6808" data-end="6860">are <strong data-start="6812" data-end="6828">not eligible</strong> under this funding opportunity.</p> <h1 data-section-id="vutqy9" data-start="6867" data-end="6883">Who Can Apply?</h1> <p data-start="6885" data-end="6944">Applications are submitted by research teams consisting of:</p> <ul data-start="6946" data-end="7023"> <li data-section-id="abgno0" data-start="6946" data-end="6976">Applicant (Project Director)</li> <li data-section-id="p8x8ga" data-start="6977" data-end="6991">Co-directors</li> <li data-section-id="i56dwm" data-start="6992" data-end="7007">Co-applicants</li> <li data-section-id="1hr6mtd" data-start="7008" data-end="7023">Collaborators</li> </ul> <p data-start="7025" data-end="7063">Eligible applicants generally include:</p> <ul data-start="7065" data-end="7274"> <li data-section-id="ql0dur" data-start="7065" data-end="7125">Researchers affiliated with eligible Canadian institutions</li> <li data-section-id="enavl0" data-start="7126" data-end="7161">Eligible postdoctoral researchers</li> <li data-section-id="1ki81dj" data-start="7162" data-end="7187">Eligible PhD candidates</li> <li data-section-id="qc955j" data-start="7188" data-end="7227">Canadian not-for-profit organizations</li> <li data-section-id="16i1jmv" data-start="7228" data-end="7274">Eligible Canadian postsecondary institutions</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="amc0ao" data-start="7281" data-end="7304">Partner Organizations</h1> <p data-start="7306" data-end="7340">Partner organizations may include:</p> <ul data-start="7342" data-end="7675"> <li data-section-id="10gwr6y" data-start="7342" data-end="7356">Universities</li> <li data-section-id="1gc6qnk" data-start="7357" data-end="7367">Colleges</li> <li data-section-id="15cimjf" data-start="7368" data-end="7389">Research institutes</li> <li data-section-id="16tuafp" data-start="7390" data-end="7416">Government organizations</li> <li data-section-id="kak3uu" data-start="7417" data-end="7440">Municipal governments</li> <li data-section-id="19am3zp" data-start="7441" data-end="7465">Provincial governments</li> <li data-section-id="2ajtln" data-start="7466" data-end="7491">Territorial governments</li> <li data-section-id="g6tby9" data-start="7492" data-end="7516">Indigenous governments</li> <li data-section-id="iu84mu" data-start="7517" data-end="7546">Indigenous governing bodies</li> <li data-section-id="afk9xw" data-start="7547" data-end="7573">Non-profit organizations</li> <li data-section-id="dxw715" data-start="7574" data-end="7601">Philanthropic foundations</li> <li data-section-id="uexw3f" data-start="7602" data-end="7615">Think tanks</li> <li data-section-id="uzcmds" data-start="7616" data-end="7644">International universities</li> <li data-section-id="17jh0pd" data-start="7645" data-end="7675">Private sector organizations</li> </ul> <p data-start="7677" data-end="7734">Partners may be located in <strong data-start="7704" data-end="7733">Canada or internationally</strong>.</p> <h1 data-section-id="rq4tex" data-start="7741" data-end="7774">Student Training and Mentorship</h1> <p data-start="7776" data-end="7890">One of the major strengths of the Partnership Development Grants is the emphasis on developing future researchers.</p> <p data-start="7892" data-end="7952">Applications are expected to provide high-quality plans for:</p> <ul data-start="7954" data-end="8099"> <li data-section-id="xmtch0" data-start="7954" data-end="7975">Student supervision</li> <li data-section-id="gsqdxh" data-start="7976" data-end="7988">Mentorship</li> <li data-section-id="tsbr2n" data-start="7989" data-end="8010">Research experience</li> <li data-section-id="d7rttc" data-start="8011" data-end="8037">Professional development</li> <li data-section-id="1c9x9bc" data-start="8038" data-end="8053">Employability</li> <li data-section-id="fkcxk1" data-start="8054" data-end="8074">Knowledge exchange</li> <li data-section-id="19a9p1e" data-start="8075" data-end="8099">Leadership development</li> </ul> <p data-start="8101" data-end="8183">The quality of these plans forms an important component of the evaluation process.</p> <hr data-start="8185" data-end="8188" /> <h1 data-section-id="1ciz6kq" data-start="8190" data-end="8219">Institutional Contributions</h1> <p data-start="8221" data-end="8357">Although no minimum financial contribution is required, applicants are expected to demonstrate meaningful institutional support through:</p> <ul data-start="8359" data-end="8470"> <li data-section-id="1cmlzpg" data-start="8359" data-end="8379">Cash contributions</li> <li data-section-id="iz6azj" data-start="8380" data-end="8403">In-kind contributions</li> <li data-section-id="o09h2f" data-start="8404" data-end="8438">Existing partnership commitments</li> <li data-section-id="1g4hkzz" data-start="8439" data-end="8470">Strategic collaboration plans</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="8vko7r" data-start="8477" data-end="8498">Application Process</h1> <p data-start="8500" data-end="8575">Applications must be completed using SSHRC&#8217;s electronic application system.</p> <p data-start="8577" data-end="8621">Most applications must be submitted through:</p> <ul data-start="8623" data-end="8771"> <li data-section-id="ao8o8i" data-start="8623" data-end="8696">An authorized research grants office at the applicant&#8217;s institution; or</li> <li data-section-id="1qzyjgd" data-start="8697" data-end="8771">An authorized representative of an eligible not-for-profit organization.</li> </ul> <p data-start="8773" data-end="8877">Eligible postdoctoral researchers and eligible PhD candidates may submit applications directly to SSHRC.</p> <p data-start="8879" data-end="8952">Applicants are encouraged to begin preparations well before the deadline.</p> <h1 data-section-id="17s224j" data-start="8959" data-end="8980">Evaluation Criteria</h1> <p data-start="8982" data-end="9051">Applications are reviewed through a competitive merit review process.</p> <p data-start="9053" data-end="9101">The assessment is based on three major criteria.</p> <h2 data-section-id="xr3988" data-start="9103" data-end="9124">1. Challenge (50%)</h2> <p data-start="9126" data-end="9145">Reviewers evaluate:</p> <ul data-start="9147" data-end="9323"> <li data-section-id="cnexw5" data-start="9147" data-end="9160">Originality</li> <li data-section-id="zsibo7" data-start="9161" data-end="9175">Significance</li> <li data-section-id="zxmxqf" data-start="9176" data-end="9203">Contribution to knowledge</li> <li data-section-id="1vrhqeb" data-start="9204" data-end="9221">Research design</li> <li data-section-id="1u6855v" data-start="9222" data-end="9241">Literature review</li> <li data-section-id="b1a4" data-start="9242" data-end="9264">Research methodology</li> <li data-section-id="1cw9ugx" data-start="9265" data-end="9283">Student training</li> <li data-section-id="10l3h1w" data-start="9284" data-end="9301">Expected impact</li> <li data-section-id="zif3wn" data-start="9302" data-end="9323">Progress indicators</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="2twgh0" data-start="9325" data-end="9348">2. Feasibility (20%)</h2> <p data-start="9350" data-end="9370">Assessment includes:</p> <ul data-start="9372" data-end="9527"> <li data-section-id="nta5d2" data-start="9372" data-end="9390">Project timeline</li> <li data-section-id="15430g9" data-start="9391" data-end="9412">Partnership quality</li> <li data-section-id="1l0q11t" data-start="9413" data-end="9425">Leadership</li> <li data-section-id="12sqtie" data-start="9426" data-end="9438">Governance</li> <li data-section-id="1yt6sx0" data-start="9439" data-end="9455">Team expertise</li> <li data-section-id="ey0xn1" data-start="9456" data-end="9478">Budget justification</li> <li data-section-id="ahfrap" data-start="9479" data-end="9503">Knowledge mobilization</li> <li data-section-id="fnkiu6" data-start="9504" data-end="9527">Institutional support</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="1d14xwv" data-start="9529" data-end="9551">3. Capability (30%)</h2> <p data-start="9553" data-end="9572">Reviewers consider:</p> <ul data-start="9574" data-end="9724"> <li data-section-id="1ueus3u" data-start="9574" data-end="9596">Applicant experience</li> <li data-section-id="1op0duv" data-start="9597" data-end="9611">Publications</li> <li data-section-id="1suam9r" data-start="9612" data-end="9630">Creative outputs</li> <li data-section-id="ahfrap" data-start="9631" data-end="9655">Knowledge mobilization</li> <li data-section-id="12bc4ie" data-start="9656" data-end="9676">Previous mentoring</li> <li data-section-id="efil2e" data-start="9677" data-end="9700">Previous partnerships</li> <li data-section-id="1m4s679" data-start="9701" data-end="9724">Research achievements</li> </ul> <p data-start="9726" data-end="9826">Applications must score <strong data-start="9750" data-end="9767">3.0 or higher</strong> in each evaluation category to be recommended for funding.</p> <h1 data-section-id="12rw36s" data-start="9833" data-end="9857">Reporting Requirements</h1> <p data-start="9859" data-end="9917">Successful grant recipients will be required to report on:</p> <ul data-start="9919" data-end="9996"> <li data-section-id="1o7bcmz" data-start="9919" data-end="9937">Fund utilization</li> <li data-section-id="1x94ra" data-start="9938" data-end="9958">Project activities</li> <li data-section-id="adg9ip" data-start="9959" data-end="9969">Outcomes</li> <li data-section-id="18v9p3k" data-start="9970" data-end="9996">Partnership achievements</li> </ul> <p data-start="9998" data-end="10080">SSHRC will communicate detailed reporting requirements after awards are announced.</p> <h1 data-section-id="1lvoun4" data-start="10087" data-end="10111">Why This Grant Matters</h1> <p data-start="10113" data-end="10300">The SSHRC Partnership Development Grants provide an outstanding opportunity to establish transformative research partnerships capable of generating long-term academic and societal impact.</p> <p data-start="10302" data-end="10613">By supporting collaboration among universities, governments, Indigenous organizations, communities, industry, and non-profit organizations, the grants encourage innovative research that addresses pressing social, cultural, economic, and intellectual challenges while training the next generation of researchers.</p> <p data-start="10615" data-end="10793">Researchers seeking to launch impactful partnerships and expand collaborative research networks should strongly consider applying for this highly competitive funding opportunity.</p> <p data-start="10615" data-end="10793"><a href="https://sshrc-crsh.canada.ca/en/funding/opportunities/partnership-development-grants/2026/competition.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>APPLY HERE</strong></a></p> <p dir="ltr">Discover more Global Grant Opportunities on OFY <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=grant" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/07/13/social-sciences-and-humanities-research-council-partnership-development-grants-2026-receive-up-to-cad-250000-to-build-innovative-research-partnerships/">Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Partnership Development Grants 2026: Receive Up to CAD 250,000 to Build Innovative Research Partnerships</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>