Closed
Source verified August 6, 2026
Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program (MINDS))
Support for defence policy research and events
Get notified when Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program (MINDS)) reopens
Latest source updateLast Update: October 4, 2026Latest change: MINDS now shows updated funding opportunities, a new October 26, 2026 application deadline for Targeted Engagement Grants and Young MINDS Initiative, and revised Defence Policy Challenges.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: October 4, 2026
Latest change: MINDS now shows updated funding opportunities, a new October 26, 2026 application deadline for Targeted Engagement Grants and Young MINDS Initiative, and revised Defence Policy Challenges.
MINDS program updated with new open deadline and funding details
The Targeted Engagement Grants page now says applications are open and must be submitted by October 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM PTD, with newly updated application guide and form links for both Targeted Engagement Grants and the Young MINDS Initiative. The page also no longer shows the earlier note that the maximum would increase to $100,000 beginning with the Fall 2026 competition. The MINDS homepage now lists updated funding details, including up to $100,000 for Targeted Engagement Grants, up to $10,000 for undergraduate- and master's-level student projects, and up to $750,000 for Collaborative Network Funding, while also adding current open/closed status labels and the program email. The Defence Policy Challenges page was substantially revised to shift the focus toward sovereign capabilities, procurement, defence industrial collaboration, and related research questions.
Funding available
$ 250,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Individuals applying on behalf of the organization with which they are affiliated, such as a university, not-for-profit organization, or research institution
See full eligibility
Overview
The Targeted Engagement Grant program is a MINDS initiative that provides non-recurring financial support of up to $50,000 CAD for projects aligned with DND/CAF policy priorities. It supports conferences, workshops, roundtables, research, publications, and other defence and security activities.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Conferences, workshops, roundtables, research, publications, or any other project that aligns with Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces policy priorities
Documents Needed
- A proposed budget
- A breakdown of spending by category
- A list of additional funding sources
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Individuals applying on behalf of the organization with which they are affiliated, such as a university, not-for-profit organization, or research institution
- International applicants
- Members of existing MINDS Collaborative Networks, provided the project is distinct in scope from that Network
- Undergraduate and master’s students interested in defence and security through the Young MINDS Initiative
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, materials, travel and accommodation
- Non-administrative salary costs, including research assistants
- Publications, provided proper credit is given, translation costs, and licensing and other fees
- Administrative and support salary costs, including benefits, and advertising/promotional material for funded activities
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Insurance, interest charges, professional services including audits, utilities, amortization, rent, office overhead including university/institutional and stationery costs, and institutional overhead
- Capital assets, honoraria, prizes/rewards/accolades, and alcohol
- Purposes other than those stated in the 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% of total score
- Diversity and Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+), 20% of total score
- Innovation and leveraging technology, 20% of total score
How to apply
- Complete the Targeted Engagement Grant Application Form or the Young MINDS Targeted Engagement Grants Application Form.
- Submit the completed application electronically to MINDS@forces.gc.ca.
Processing and Agreement
- Only complete applications that stay within the form parameters, including word or character limits where applicable, will be reviewed
- A detailed budget consistent with the Treasury Board of Canada guidelines is required, and failure to provide one may result in rejection
- You will receive an acknowledgement email from MINDS upon receipt of your funding request
- DND/CAF may request receipts or other documentation to assess how funds are used
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 (MINDS)) Program
What is the Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program (MINDS))?
The Targeted Engagement Grant program is a MINDS initiative that provides non-recurring financial support of up to $50,000 CAD for projects aligned with DND/CAF policy priorities. It supports conferences, workshops, roundtables, research, publications, and other defence and security activities.
How much funding can be received?
Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program (MINDS)) Funds up to $250,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program (MINDS)) program?
To be eligible for the Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program (MINDS)) program, you must:
The project must respond to at least one MINDS Defence Policy Challenge.
The project must fall within the scope of the MINDS program.
What expenses are eligible under Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program (MINDS))?
Conferences, workshops, roundtables, research, publications, or any other project that aligns with Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces policy priorities
Who can I contact for more information about the Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program (MINDS))?
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 (MINDS)) available?
The Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program (MINDS)) program is available across Canada.
Is the Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program (MINDS)) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security Program (MINDS)) is a Grant and Funding