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CIHR Mental Health and Substance Use Responses to COVID-19 Funding

Rapid funding for COVID-19 mental health research

Offered by
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Official source: cihr-irsc.gc.ca

Record updated

Funding available
$ 200,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Canadian research institutions
See full eligibility

Overview

This program provides up to CAD 200,000 per grant for one year to support rapid mental health and substance use research related to COVID-19. It funds projects on service transformation, innovative interventions, and better matching of service access to needs.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$200,000
Financing goals
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Conduct research and development activities
  • Conduct research or evaluation activities

Eligible candidates

Location
  • British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
All groups
Legal structures
All legal structures

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

Grant page changed to COVID-19 mental health initiative

The page now presents an operating grant and research initiative for mental health and substance use in the context of COVID-19, replacing the prior policy content.

See more

The page has shifted from a policy document on conflicts of interest and confidentiality to the CIHR operating grant page for Mental Health and Substance Use Needs and Services in the Context of COVID-19. The visible content now focuses on the initiative’s research and knowledge mobilization material, audience, and contact details instead of policy rules. Material funding information is also associated with the updated page set, including a new investment of 6 M$ with a 4 M$ + 2 M$ split, plus new streams for a network coordination hub and an Indigenous engagement platform. The contact endpoints now shown include 613-954-1968, 1-888-603-4178, and COVID19MH-COVID19SM@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.

Official source: cihr-irsc.gc.ca
June 14, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Canadian research institutions
  • Independent researchers
  • Research teams including knowledge users
  • Projects involving Indigenous health research

Eligible expenses

  • Knowledge user release time support, up to CAD 50,000 per grant.
  • Community engagement and participation costs.
  • Culturally appropriate materials and ceremonial items.
  • Consultant and contract fees for knowledge translation and communication.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Canada

Activities funded

  • Rapid research on COVID-19 mental health and substance use needs.
  • Service transformation and implementation science projects.
  • Innovation in mental health and substance use service delivery.
  • Studies on matching service access to population needs.
  • Projects focused on Indigenous, high-risk, or priority populations.

How to apply

  • Step 1: Create or access a ResearchNet account
    • Register through ResearchNet if you do not already have an account.
  • Step 2: Prepare the application
    • Complete the application materials in ResearchNet.
    • Ensure the required participants have completed the voluntary declaration form.
  • Step 3: Submit electronically
    • Submit the application through ResearchNet before the deadline.

Documents Needed

  • Research proposal
  • Project summary
  • CV for the nominated principal applicant and other listed participants
  • Letters of collaboration
  • Letters of support from funding partners, if applicable
  • Indigenous research statement, if applicable

Selection criteria

  • Alignment with the program objectives and research domains.
  • Feasibility, methodology, and relevance of the populations studied.
  • Quality of the team, collaborations, and knowledge user involvement.
  • Potential for rapid impact and useful knowledge mobilization.
  • Realism and justification of the requested budget.

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed through CIHR peer review.
  • Funding decisions are based on the program’s review and evaluation process.
  • The notice indicates an expected decision date for the competition.

Additional information

  • A linkage tool was available to facilitate collaboration, but it was not mandatory.
  • Information submitted through the linkage tool would appear on a public CIHR web page.
  • Applications involving Indigenous research must reflect meaningful and culturally safe practices throughout the project.
  • Projects using COVID-19 funding must support rapid sharing of research data and open-access publication.

Contacts

COVID19MH-COVID19SM@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

Official sources

Notice of upcoming funding opportunities - Mental Health and Substance Use Responses to COVID-19

Application form

Applicant profile
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Frequently Asked Questions about the CIHR Mental Health and Substance Use Responses to COVID-19 Funding Program

What is the CIHR Mental Health and Substance Use Responses to COVID-19 Funding?

This program provides up to CAD 200,000 per grant for one year to support rapid mental health and substance use research related to COVID-19. It funds projects on service transformation, innovative interventions, and better matching of service access to needs.

How much funding can be received?

CIHR Mental Health and Substance Use Responses to COVID-19 Funding Funds up to $200,000 of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the CIHR Mental Health and Substance Use Responses to COVID-19 Funding program?

To be eligible for the CIHR Mental Health and Substance Use Responses to COVID-19 Funding program, you must: Independent researcher lead Canadian eligible institution Knowledge user on team

What expenses are eligible under CIHR Mental Health and Substance Use Responses to COVID-19 Funding?

Knowledge user release time support, up to CAD 50,000 per grant. Community engagement and participation costs. Culturally appropriate materials and ceremonial items. Consultant and contract fees for knowledge translation and communication.

Who can I contact for more information about the CIHR Mental Health and Substance Use Responses to COVID-19 Funding?

You can contact Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) by email at COVID19MH-COVID19SM@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.

Where is the CIHR Mental Health and Substance Use Responses to COVID-19 Funding available?

The CIHR Mental Health and Substance Use Responses to COVID-19 Funding program is available the province of British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan.