Closed
Digital Citizen Research Program - Joint Initiative for Digital Citizen Research
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Canada
Supports Canadian research on online disinformation and digital citizenship
Grant and Funding
Overview
The Joint Initiative for Digital Citizen Research offers up to $50,000 in funding to support short-term, targeted knowledge mobilization events and outreach activities addressing online disinformation and related harms in Canada. The program aims to advance Canadian research, promote evidence-based policy, and strengthen collaboration in the digital citizenship field through workshops, conferences, and similar initiatives.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Research and experimental development
- Raise awareness and mobilize the public
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
- Minimum amount : 7,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Other Racialized Persons
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Activities funded
- Organizing workshops, conferences, or forums focused on online disinformation and its impacts in the Canadian context.
- Hosting colloquiums or summer institutes to mobilize knowledge on countering online disinformation and related online harms.
- Conducting outreach events addressing the creators and spread of online disinformation in Canada.
- Facilitating targeted activities exploring the effects of online disinformation on Canadian society, mental health, or democratic institutions.
- Launching initiatives to examine and share effective government responses to online disinformation and online harms.
Eligibility
- Applications may be submitted by institutions, individual applicants, or teams (including one applicant or project director and one or more co-applicants and/or collaborators).
- The project must align with the objectives of developing understanding and countering online disinformation or related online harms within the Canadian context.
- The proposed activities must focus on one or more of the following areas: creators and propagators of online disinformation, digital techniques used in spreading disinformation, impacts on vulnerable or marginalized groups, effects on beliefs and mental health, impacts on democratic institutions, or government responses.
- All activities must be completed within 12 months from the indicated start date.
- Applicants must secure additional eligible cash and/or in-kind contributions from sponsoring organizations equivalent to at least 50% of the amount requested.
Who is eligible?
- Research institutions
- Individual researchers
- Research teams
Eligible expenses
- Expenses associated with the organization of events (workshops, symposiums, conferences, forums, summer institutes, or other outreach activities) aimed at the short-term mobilization of knowledge.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Alignment with the broad objectives of the Joint Initiative for Digital Citizen Research, including promoting research on online disinformation, building research capacity, and fostering a research community in digital citizenship.
- Relevance to one or more specific areas such as creators and propagators of online disinformation, digital techniques for spreading disinformation, impacts on vulnerable or marginalized groups, effects on beliefs and mental health, impacts on democratic institutions, or government responses.
- Ability to justify the requested funding amount and demonstrate management capacity for the proposed activities within a one-year timeframe.
- Inclusion of eligible cash and/or in-kind contributions from sponsoring organizations that meet the minimum co-funding requirement of 50% of the requested amount.
- Commitment to prepare a summary report addressing the Joint Initiative's policy objectives and practitioner community.
How to apply
1
Confirm eligibility requirements
- Review the eligibility criteria for Connection Grants and the Joint Initiative
- Verify project alignment with eligible topics and objectives
- Ensure your institution, applicant, or team is eligible
2
Prepare project details
- Identify the specific objectives and areas your project will address
- Prepare supporting details on knowledge mobilization and targeted outcomes
- Gather required information and documentation
3
Initiate application online
- Log in to the SSHRC’s application portal
- Select the Connection Grants funding opportunity
- Choose the Joint Initiative for Digital Citizen Research under the "Joint or special initiative" field
4
Complete application form
- Complete the application form with all required details
- Outline how your proposal addresses the objectives of the Joint Initiative
- Attach supporting documents as required by SSHRC
5
Prepare financial details
- Request a minimum of $7,000 and ensure your funding request matches eligible ranges
- Include evidence of matching contributions (cash and/or in-kind) covering at least 50% of requested amount
- Ensure all financial details meet SSHRC requirements
6
Review and finalize application
- Carefully review and finalize your application
- Ensure all sections are complete and accurate
- Seek assistance from SSHRC if clarification or support is needed
7
Submit the application
- Submit your application through the SSHRC portal before the deadline
- Confirm the submission and receive an acknowledgment of receipt
8
Wait for results
- Wait for assessment by SSHRC and review by governance committees
- Monitor email and portal for updates on the application status
Additional information
- Applicants must prepare a short paper summarizing findings and targeting policy and practitioner communities after project completion.
- Proposals must specifically address one or more focus areas such as disinformation impact on marginalized, minority, and Indigenous communities, or effects on democracy.
- The exact application deadline will be announced at a later date; applicants should monitor the official webpage for updates.
- Applications will be evaluated by SSHRC peer review and Digital Citizen Initiative governance committees for relevance and quality.
Contacts
icn-dci@pch.gc.ca
1-855-275-2861
