Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Breakthrough T1D Canada (T1D)

Breakthrough T1D Canada, formerly known as JDRF Canada, is a national non-profit charity focused exclusively on type 1 diabetes (T1D). It plays a central role in Canada’s research and innovation ecosystem by raising funds from donors and redistributing them through competitive grant programs. These programs support laboratory and clinical research, trials of new therapies and technologies, and real-world projects that aim to improve the lives of people living with T1D.

The organization typically funds external researchers and institutions at universities, hospitals and research centres, as well as selected community partners working on education, psychosocial support and youth-focused initiatives. Funding can take the form of multi‑year project grants, career development or fellowship awards, strategic research partnerships and targeted funds created with specific donor families or trusts.

Breakthrough T1D Canada’s research investments are generally peer‑reviewed and based on scientific excellence, relevance to type 1 diabetes, and potential for impact on prevention, treatment or cure. Calls for proposals and partnership opportunities are published through the organization’s communications channels, and applications are assessed with the support of expert reviewers and advisory committees.

Beyond laboratory science, the organization may support translational and clinical projects, including trials of new insulins, devices, closed‑loop systems, cell therapies and immunotherapies, as well as health-services or quality-of-life research. In addition, donor-directed funds and trusts can be administered through Breakthrough T1D Canada to channel support to youth programming and community-based initiatives for people affected by T1D.

Primary beneficiaries of the funding are academic researchers, clinician‑scientists, trainees, and research institutions across Canada, along with non-profit or community organizations running T1D-related programs. Through these grants, Breakthrough T1D Canada aims to accelerate scientific breakthroughs, reduce the burden of living with type 1 diabetes, and move closer to a world without T1D.