Closed
Research Challenge
Support for new VCH clinical practice research
Last Update: April 27, 2026
Funding available
$ 8,000 - $ 10,000
Timeline
- Closing date : February 23, 2026
Location
British Columbia
Overview
This program supports health care teams to develop new clinical practice research projects at VCH, with up to $10,000 in operating support. It also offers an optional $1,000 top-up for patient-family partner honorariums and prioritizes applied, patient-oriented projects.
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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 : 10,000 $
- Minimum amount : 8,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : February 23, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Applied health research.
- Community-based research.
- Patient-oriented research.
- Clinical practice projects to improve patient care within VCH.
Documents Needed
- Research Module
- Research Proposal
- Project Timeline
- Mentoring Plan
- Biographical Sketch
- Program/Department Manager Statement of Support
- Research Project Team and Signatures
- Patient Engagement Module, if applicable
- Letters of Support, if applicable
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- VCH clinicians and health care professionals.
- Point-of-care nursing and allied health staff.
- Teams with an experienced researcher as Co-PI.
Who is not eligible
- Medical residents.
- Clinical or academic research fellows.
- Academic researchers.
- Casual, contract, or consulting staff.
- Applicants with external peer-reviewed research funding as PI or Co-PI.
Eligible expenses
- Operating expenses for the project.
- Patient-family partner honorariums up to $1,000.
- Patient engagement-related transportation, accessibility, and care attendant costs.
- Costs for patient engagement planning, training, events, or meetings.
- Small equipment that does not require ongoing maintenance costs.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Travel costs for investigators, including mileage and conference travel.
- Research equipment costs that require ongoing maintenance.
- Honorarium payments to staff, subjects, or participants.
- Projects already started before funding is awarded.
Eligible geographic areas
- Vancouver Coastal Health sites.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by a multidisciplinary selection committee, including patients.
- Funding decisions are announced in spring 2026.
- Successful applicants must obtain required ethics and VCH approvals before funds are released.
- Funds are released after September 1, 2026 once approvals are in place.
- Projects must be initiated before December 31, 2026.
Additional information
- Registration is mandatory and must be completed through Survey Monkey Apply.
- One-on-one grant development sessions are recommended.
- Notification of results is expected in late spring 2026.
- A final project report and annual financial reporting are required.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Research Challenge Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Research Challenge. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Research Challenge?
This program supports health care teams to develop new clinical practice research projects at VCH, with up to $10,000 in operating support. It also offers an optional $1,000 top-up for patient-family partner honorariums and prioritizes applied, patient-oriented projects.
How much funding can be received?
Research Challenge Funds up to $10,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Research Challenge program?
To be eligible for the Research Challenge program, you must:
New practice-based research project
Directly applicable to VCH care
Experienced researcher as Co-PI mentor
What expenses are eligible under Research Challenge?
Applied health research.
Community-based research.
Patient-oriented research.
Clinical practice projects to improve patient care within VCH.
Who can I contact for more information about the Research Challenge?
You can contact Municipality of West Elgin by email at education.award@vch.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the Research Challenge available?
The Research Challenge program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the Research Challenge a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Research Challenge is a Researchers And Facilities