What we fundFinding innovative solutions to complex global problems requires engagement by researchers and practitioners in Canada, often with developing-country counterparts.
We support a variety of activities led by Canadian academic institutions, think tanks, and NGOs, as well as by professional associations, youth groups, and many more. Most grants under this program originate from unsolicited proposals for small research projects.
How we fundWe have three types of grants:
institutional grants,
project grants, and
small grants.
Institutional grants We’ve established long-term relationships with key institutions whose work is closely related to IDRC’s mission and programs. Application for these program support grants is currently by invitation only. Our partner institutions are:
Project grants Each year, we offer a small number of stand-alone project grants that explore and facilitate connections between Canada and developing countries in IDRC’s areas of interest. These grants are often for multi-year projects. Every year, we offer up to 10 grants, of $75,000 to $200,000 each.
To apply for these grants, please follow the procedure outlined in “How to Apply for Funding”.
Small grants Through this program, we offer two types of small grants.
Project funding: We support applied research, knowledge-building, and knowledge-sharing. Our objective is to take a multi-sectoral, collaborative approach to global problems. For example, some projects have addressed the effects of globalization, new approaches to food security, and the role of civil society. Each year, we approve 20 small grants of this type, ranging from $20,000 to $60,000 each.
Event funding: We also fund conferences, workshops, and other activities that reflect our belief that knowledge-sharing is critical to solving development issues. Many small grants support the participation of developing-country researchers at Canadian conferences and workshops. We particularly encourage youth involvement.
We offer up to 20 grants a year, with an average value of $12,000 each. (Note: We fund Canadians to travel to overseas events only under exceptional circumstances. Usually the traveller is a member of an IDRC-supported research team or network, and the travel is recommended by an IDRC officer.)
We have supported initiatives that
- build community connections and give a voice to the socially excluded or those marginalized due to their gender, race, or economic status
- identify how industrial growth, development, and climate change affect the health and well-being of populations
- find ways to increase the personal security and safety of at-risk groups, particularly marginalized women and youth
- organize conferences and workshops on a variety of topics, such as agriculture, security, health, the environment, law, and the world economy
- strengthen the capacity of funded institutions to deliver and expand their programs
- foster ties between industrialized and developing regions of the world
What do we look for in project proposals? Your project should:
- have strong collaboration in research and information-sharing
- show innovative thinking about current or emerging development issues
- contribute to policy and practice of development actors
- increase the capacity of Canadian institutions to learn from their experiences and to share lessons with others