Closed
Source verified July 6, 2026
Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program
Funding for defence and security policy projects
Latest source updateLast Update: July 5, 2026Latest change: The MINDS NDC Fellowship is now open again, with applications due July 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM PDT, and the fellowship timing has shifted to mid-February through mid-July.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 5, 2026
Latest change: The MINDS NDC Fellowship is now open again, with applications due July 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM PDT, and the fellowship timing has shifted to mid-February through mid-July.
MINDS Fellowship reopened with new deadline
The NDC Fellowship page now shows the opportunity as open, with applications due July 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM PDT; the page also updates the fellowship window from March to July each year to mid-February to mid-July each year. The fellowship funding remains CAN$100,000, and the opportunity is still presented as a five-month fellowship in Rome, Italy. The related Funding Opportunities page was also updated to reflect the fellowship as now open and to add the same July 13, 2026 deadline. That page also no longer describes the 2026 NDC Fellowship as closed and instead points to the 2027 NATO Defense College (NDC) Fellowship listing.
Funding available
$ 50,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Provides up to $50,000 for defence policy research and engagement. Supports conferences, roundtables, workshops, publications, and other projects aligned with MINDS policy priorities.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Indigenous peoples
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Conferences and roundtables on defence and security issues
- Workshops and expert briefings
- Research projects and publications
- Collaborative network research activities
- Scholarships and fellowship research placements
Documents Needed
- Completed online application form
- CV
- Proof of citizenship, such as a passport copy
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian citizens
Who is not eligible
- Individuals or organizations employed by the Federal government, except CAF Class A Reservists
Eligible expenses
- Research costs, including subscriptions, travel, and accommodation
- Conference and seminar costs, including room rental, audiovisual rental, interpretation, and materials
- Non-administrative salaries, including research assistants
- Publications, translation, and licensing fees
- Administrative or support salaries, advertising materials, and eligible hospitality costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Insurance, interest charges, and professional services
- Utilities, amortization, rent, and office overhead
- Capital assets, honoraria, prizes, and alcohol
- Travel and hospitality for participating Government of Canada officials
- Expenses outside the approved project proposal
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- International applicants are eligible
- For Collaborative Networks, at least three Canadian regions must be represented
Selection criteria
- Relevance to one or more MINDS Defence Policy Challenges (60%)
- Diversity and GBA+ considerations (20%)
- Innovation and creative use of technology (20%)
How to apply
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit a CV and proof of citizenship, such as a passport copy, to MINDS@forces.gc.ca.
- Include the subject line NDC Fellowship Documents Submission - [Your Full Name] when sending the documents.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are complete only once the CV and proof of citizenship have been received by the deadline.
- Selected NDC Fellowship information will be made public on the DND website.
Additional information
- Successful applicants will receive an acknowledgement email.
- Results are communicated by email.
- A grant agreement must be signed before funds are released.
- Unspent funds must be returned to the Department of National Defence.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program Program
What is the Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program?
Provides up to $50,000 for defence policy research and engagement. Supports conferences, roundtables, workshops, publications, and other projects aligned with MINDS policy priorities.
How much funding can be received?
Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program Funds up to $50,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program program?
To be eligible for the Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program program, you must:
The applicant must be a Canadian citizen.
The applicant must not be currently employed by the Government of Canada or government-funded institutions, except CAF Class A Reservists.
The application must include a CV and proof of citizenship by the deadline.
What expenses are eligible under Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program?
Conferences and roundtables on defence and security issues
Workshops and expert briefings
Research projects and publications
Collaborative network research activities
Scholarships and fellowship research placements
Who can I contact for more information about the Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program?
You can contact Department of National Defence (DND) by email at MINDS@forces.gc.ca.
Where is the Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program available?
The Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program is a Grant and Funding