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Community-Led Research Program
Community-led research funding for Indigenous partnerships
Funding available
$ 50,000
Location
Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Canada
Overview
This program supports community-led research that builds respectful relationships between Indigenous or Indigenous-linked communities and TCA partner institutions. Tier 1 provides up to $25,000 or $50,000 per project, depending on the institution, for early-stage relationship-building activities.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Quebec
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- New or early-stage relationship-building between Indigenous or Indigenous-linked communities and TCA partner institutions.
Documents Needed
- Completed Tier 1 application form
- Proposed budget
- Optional community support letter or video
- Optional applicant short biography or multimedia submission
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
Community-Led Research Program updated
The program now includes Tier 2 details, revised Tier 1 eligibility language, updated contact information, and new funding and timeline information.
The Community-Led Research Program now shows fuller Tier 2 information, including a $500,000 funding ceiling, a multi-year project expectation, and a completion date of December 31, 2029. Tier 1 also now specifies that projects must include at least one researcher who can hold university funds as a co-applicant, and the Dalhousie contact email has changed. Other wording has been clarified across the Tier 1 overview, application instructions, and supporting materials, including minor updates to section labels and the application form text. The core Tier 1 structure, funding caps, and open-until-allocated timeline remain in place.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous communities
- Indigenous-linked communities
- Community members acting as primary applicants
- Projects with TCA partner institutions
Eligible expenses
- Travel and preliminary meetings
- Events such as meetings, workshops, and community activities
- Honoraria
- Other costs related to relationship development
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Overhead costs
Eligible geographic areas
- Dalhousie University
- Université du Québec à Rimouski
- Université Laval
- Memorial University
Selection criteria
- Community leadership and alignment with community priorities
- Relationship-building plan and respect for Indigenous protocols
- Partnership structure and fund management plan
- Feasibility and budget justification
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact the designated institutional representative
- Reach out to the appropriate contact before applying.
- If several TCA institutions are involved, submit through the institution where the lead partner or co-applicant is based.
- Step 2: Prepare the application package
- Complete the Tier 1 application form.
- Include applicant, partner, project, team, objectives, outcomes, timeline, and budget information.
- Attach any optional support materials if desired.
- Step 3: Send the application to the institution contact
- Compile the materials into one PDF document.
- Submit it directly to the designated institutional contact.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed jointly by the scientific and executive departments of the TCA program at each partner institution.
- Decisions are made after the review process.
- A collaborative agreement is developed before funds are transferred to the community.
- A short report must be submitted at the end of the grant period.
Additional information
- Tier 2 is expected to launch in Spring 2026.
- Applications remain open until funds are fully allocated.
- Applicants are encouraged to self-identify if they belong to underrepresented groups.
- A collaborative agreement is required to transfer funds to the community.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community-Led Research Program Program
What is the Community-Led Research Program?
This program supports community-led research that builds respectful relationships between Indigenous or Indigenous-linked communities and TCA partner institutions. Tier 1 provides up to $25,000 or $50,000 per project, depending on the institution, for early-stage relationship-building activities.
How much funding can be received?
Community-Led Research Program Funds up to $50,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Community-Led Research Program program?
To be eligible for the Community-Led Research Program program, you must:
Tier 1 project only
Partnership with a TCA institution
Led or co-led by an Indigenous community member
What expenses are eligible under Community-Led Research Program?
Travel and preliminary meetings
Events such as meetings, workshops, and community activities
Honoraria
Other costs related to relationship development
Who can I contact for more information about the Community-Led Research Program?
You can contact Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI) by email at Weishan.Wang@dal.ca.
Where is the Community-Led Research Program available?
The Community-Led Research Program program is available the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Quebec.