Services
Expertises
Resources
Who we are
Contact us
Closed

Targeted Engagement Grants Program (including Young MINDS Initiative)

Funding for defence and security policy projects

Offered by
Department of National Defence (DND)
Official source: canada.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 50,000
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 program provides up to CAD 50,000 for defence and security policy projects. It supports conferences, workshops, roundtables, research, publications, and related activities aligned with MINDS Defence Policy Challenges.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$50,000
Financing goals
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Develop an online presence
  • Conduct research and development activities
  • Reach a new target audience
  • Raise awareness or mobilize a population
  • Conduct research or evaluation activities

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Canada
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
All groups
Legal structures
All legal structures

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

Targeted Engagement Grants now open

Targeted Engagement Grants and the Young MINDS Initiative are now open, with applications due October 26, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.

See more

Targeted Engagement Grants and the Young MINDS Initiative are now open, and applications are due October 26, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. The page also points applicants to newly updated application guides and forms before applying. The previously shown notice about a future increase to $100,000 per project is no longer displayed on the page, but the available evidence does not confirm any funding-term change.

Official source: canada.ca
October 12, 2026

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.
  • Undergraduate and master's students interested in defence and security for the Young MINDS Initiative.

Who is not eligible

  • Government of Canada employees, except CAF Class A Reservists
  • Employees of Canadian Defence Academy institutions
  • Government departments and agencies, including international government departments and agencies

Eligible expenses

  • Research costs, including subscriptions, travel, and accommodation
  • Conference and seminar costs, including room rental, audiovisual rental, interpretation, materials, travel, and accommodation
  • Research assistant salaries and other non-administrative salary costs
  • Publications, translation, advertising materials, and licensing fees
  • Administrative and support salaries, including benefits

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Insurance, interest charges, and professional services, including audits
  • Utilities, rent, amortization, office overhead, and institutional overhead
  • Capital assets, honoraria, prizes, rewards, and alcohol
  • Any expense outside the approved proposal
  • Travel and hospitality for participating Government of Canada officials

Eligible geographic areas

  • International applicants are eligible

Activities funded

  • Conferences, workshops, and roundtables
  • Research projects
  • Publications
  • Other defence and security projects aligned with MINDS policy priorities

How to apply

  • Step 1
    • Complete the correct MINDS application form.
    • Follow the application guide while preparing the form.
  • Step 2
    • Prepare the project summary, budget, and supporting information.
    • Include the required project details, participants, and funding sources.
  • Step 3
    • Submit the completed application electronically to MINDS@forces.gc.ca.
  • Step 4
    • If successful, sign and return the grant agreement within two weeks.
    • Submit the final report within 60 days after project completion.

Documents Needed

  • Completed application form
  • Detailed financial breakdown by category, including all sources of revenue and all expenditures

Selection criteria

  • Relevance to the MINDS Defence Policy Challenges, worth 60% of the total score.
  • Diversity and GBA+ considerations, worth 20% of the total score.
  • Innovation and creative use of technology, worth 20% of the total score.

Processing and Agreement

  • Applicants receive an acknowledgement email after submission.
  • Applications are reviewed and scored, and grants are awarded on a top-down basis.
  • Results are communicated by email.
  • Successful applicants receive a grant agreement to sign and return within two weeks.
  • Final reporting is required within 60 days after project completion.

Additional information

  • Calls for proposals are issued twice a year.
  • Successful and unsuccessful applicants may request a debrief within 30 days of the outcome.
  • Funding recipients must provide written recognition of MINDS support in public materials.
  • A free license must be granted for Government of Canada use of project outputs.

Contacts

MINDS@forces.gc.ca

Official sources

Targeted Engagement Grants

Program guide

Application guide: Targeted Engagement GrantsMINDS Defence Policy Challenges

Application form

DND 4742-E - Targeted Engagement Grant ApplicationDND 4743-E - Targeted Engagement Grant Application: Young MINDS InitiativeDND 4743-E - Young Minds Targeted Engagement Grants ApplicationHTML version of the form: Targeted Engagement Grant Application FormHTML version of the form: Young MINDS Targeted Engagement Grants Application Form
Add helloDarwin as a preferred source on Google

Frequently Asked Questions about the Targeted Engagement Grants Program (including Young MINDS Initiative) Program

What is the Targeted Engagement Grants Program (including Young MINDS Initiative)?

The program provides up to CAD 50,000 for defence and security policy projects. It supports conferences, workshops, roundtables, research, publications, and related activities aligned with MINDS Defence Policy Challenges.

How much funding can be received?

Targeted Engagement Grants Program (including Young MINDS Initiative) Funds up to $50,000 of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the Targeted Engagement Grants Program (including Young MINDS Initiative) program?

To be eligible for the Targeted Engagement Grants Program (including Young MINDS Initiative) program, you must: Project must address a MINDS Defence Policy Challenge. Application must be complete and use the correct form. Young applicants need accredited university enrollment and a sponsor.

What expenses are eligible under Targeted Engagement Grants Program (including Young MINDS Initiative)?

Research costs, including subscriptions, travel, and accommodation Conference and seminar costs, including room rental, audiovisual rental, interpretation, materials, travel, and accommodation Research assistant salaries and other non-administrative salary costs Publications, translation, advertising materials, and licensing fees Administrative and support salaries, including benefits

Who can I contact for more information about the Targeted Engagement Grants Program (including Young MINDS Initiative)?

You can contact Department of National Defence (DND) by email at MINDS@forces.gc.ca.

Where is the Targeted Engagement Grants Program (including Young MINDS Initiative) available?

The Targeted Engagement Grants Program (including Young MINDS Initiative) program is available across Canada.

Is the Targeted Engagement Grants Program (including Young MINDS Initiative) a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Targeted Engagement Grants Program (including Young MINDS Initiative) is a Grant and Funding