Organisation Name:
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Application Deadline:
17 November 2025
About Organisation
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) is Canada’s federal research funding agency dedicated to promoting excellence in social sciences and humanities research. SSHRC supports initiatives that build understanding of individuals, communities, and societies, fostering innovation and informed decision-making. Through its various funding programs, SSHRC empowers researchers, postsecondary institutions, and partner organizations to collaborate on projects that address pressing global, national, and local challenges. Its mission is to promote and sustain a vibrant research ecosystem that connects academic scholarship with societal needs, contributing to evidence-based policies and cultural enrichment. SSHRC emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange across sectors, encouraging partnerships that bridge academia, industry, and community organizations. The agency’s global perspective ensures that Canadian research contributes meaningfully to global conversations around social equity, governance, sustainability, and innovation.
About the Grant
The Partnership Development Grant Program by SSHRC aims to strengthen research collaboration and knowledge creation in the social sciences and humanities. It provides one to three years of support for formal partnerships between Canadian postsecondary institutions and public, private, or non-profit organizations. Grants range from $75,000 to $200,000, funding activities that advance interdisciplinary research and innovative partnership models on local, national, or international scales. The program encourages projects addressing SSHRC’s 16 global challenges, including digital transformation, global health, gender diversity, and environmental sustainability. Emphasis is placed on creating meaningful training opportunities for students and early-career scholars. Both new and existing partnerships are eligible, with the expectation that projects foster new ideas, strengthen research capacity, and enhance knowledge mobilization. The grant also prioritizes co-creation, mentorship, and the integration of research with practice.
Who can Apply?
Eligible applicants include teams led by a project director affiliated with an eligible Canadian postsecondary institution. Teams may consist of co-directors, co-applicants, and collaborators from academia, government, private, or non-profit sectors. Postdoctoral researchers and PhD candidates can apply under specific institutional affiliation conditions. Partnerships may involve Canadian or international organizations that contribute to the research objectives. Applicants must demonstrate strong collaboration frameworks and commitment from all partners. Evaluation is based on three main criteria: Challenge (originality and significance of the research), Feasibility (quality of planning and governance structure), and Capability (expertise of the team and potential for impact). Institutions and partner organizations are encouraged to offer cash or in-kind contributions to support project sustainability. Proposals should include detailed documentation outlining partnership structures, strategic plans, and intended knowledge mobilization outcomes.
How to Apply?
Applicants must submit proposals through the SSHRC online application portal, including project descriptions, partnership details, budget plans, and required institutional endorsements. Proposals undergo a competitive merit review process based on SSHRC’s evaluation criteria. Only applications submitted by the institution’s designated research administrator before the deadline will be considered.
Application Deadline
Applications for the SSHRC Partnership Development Grant Program must be submitted by 17 November 2025. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
