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COVID-19 and Mental Health (CMH) Initiative

Rapid COVID-19 mental health knowledge synthesis support

Offered by
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

Record updated

Funding available
$ 50,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Canada
Who can apply
Independent researchers appointed at a CIHR-eligible institution in Canada.
See full eligibility

Overview

Operating Grant: Knowledge Synthesis: COVID-19 in Mental Health and Substance Use supports rapid knowledge syntheses and related knowledge mobilization plans in the COVID-19 context, with up to $50,000 over six months. It is open to independent researchers appointed at a CIHR-eligible institution in Canada for services, delivery, guidelines, and intervention effectiveness.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$50,000
Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Develop team skills
  • Develop a new program or service
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Enhance an existing program
  • Conduct research and development activities
  • Develop workforce skills
  • Digitize or modernize organizational tools
  • Reach a new target audience
  • Raise awareness or mobilize a population
  • Conduct research or evaluation activities

Eligible candidates

Location
  • British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Canadians
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

Funding and scope updated

The page now shows revised funding details and expanded program focus for the mental health and COVID-19 initiative.

See more

The grant page now shows updated funding terms, including a total of 6 million dollars, with 4 million dollars for a coordination centre and 2 million dollars for an Indigenous platform. The program focus also appears broader, with changes to the hubs, leads, and related sites, including new Ontario and Quebec web references.

June 14, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Independent researchers appointed at a CIHR-eligible institution in Canada.

Activities funded

  • Rapid and timely knowledge syntheses and related knowledge mobilization plans to address evidence gaps and build the evidence base for the mental health and substance use response to COVID-19.

Documents Needed

  • Research Proposal, with a maximum of 3 pages for English applications and 4 pages for French applications.
  • One-page summary addressing how the proposed knowledge synthesis is aligned with the identified research areas.
  • CVs for the Nominated Principal Applicant and Principal Applicants.
  • CIHR Biosketch CV completed through the Canadian Common CV or the Applicant Profile CV.

Processing and Agreement

  • Data produced as a result of this funding must be shared in line with the Joint statement on sharing research data and findings relevant to the novel coronavirus outbreak.
  • All COVID-19 related publications must be open access, in alignment with the call from the Chief Science Advisors.

Additional information

  • Applicants are strongly encouraged to engage knowledge users throughout their activities.
  • For research projects involving First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, appropriate consideration of TCPS 2: Chapter 9 and meaningful and culturally safe practices, plans and activities throughout the research project must be demonstrated.
  • CIHR will require applicants to consider sex as a biological variable and gender as a socio-cultural factor in their research.
  • Knowledge syntheses from this funding opportunity will be made available to successful investigators in the subsequent implementation science funding opportunity.

Contacts

COVID19MH-COVID19SM@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
613-954-1968

Official sources

Program guide

A Rapid Review of the Effects of Epidemics or Pandemics on Suicide, Suicidal Behaviours and Suicidal Thoughts - CIHRCanadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Application Administration Guide (2025)COVID-19 and Mental Health (CMH) Initiative - CIHR

Application form

Applicant profileApplicant profile CV
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Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19 and Mental Health (CMH) Initiative Program

What is the COVID-19 and Mental Health (CMH) Initiative?

Operating Grant: Knowledge Synthesis: COVID-19 in Mental Health and Substance Use supports rapid knowledge syntheses and related knowledge mobilization plans in the COVID-19 context, with up to $50,000 over six months. It is open to independent researchers appointed at a CIHR-eligible institution in Canada for services, delivery, guidelines, and intervention effectiveness.

How much funding can be received?

COVID-19 and Mental Health (CMH) Initiative 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 COVID-19 and Mental Health (CMH) Initiative program?

To be eligible for the COVID-19 and Mental Health (CMH) Initiative program, you must: The Nominated Principal Applicant must be an independent researcher. The Nominated Principal Applicant must be appointed at a CIHR-eligible institution in Canada.

Who can I contact for more information about the COVID-19 and Mental Health (CMH) Initiative?

You can contact Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) by email at COVID19MH-COVID19SM@cihr-irsc.gc.ca or by phone at 613-954-1968.

Where is the COVID-19 and Mental Health (CMH) Initiative available?

The COVID-19 and Mental Health (CMH) Initiative program is available the province of British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan.

Is the COVID-19 and Mental Health (CMH) Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?

COVID-19 and Mental Health (CMH) Initiative is a Grant and Funding