If you’re a Canadian academic, non-profit leader, or community organizer with a passion for research, collaboration, or public engagement, the $7,000 government grant for individuals in Canada through the SSHRC Connection Grants program may be the perfect funding opportunity to bring your ideas to life.
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This article provides a full breakdown of what the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Connection Grants are, how they work, what qualifies for funding, and how you can apply.
What Is the SSHRC $7,000 Government Grant for Individuals in Canada?
The SSHRC Connection Grant is a competitive funding opportunity that provides $7,000 to $50,000 in government support for knowledge mobilization initiatives such as events, workshops, and outreach activities in the fields of social sciences and humanities.
The minimum funding request is $7,000, and while the program is generally open to institutions, individuals—particularly those affiliated with eligible Canadian institutions—can play an essential role in leading these initiatives.
These grants are specifically designed to support short-term, targeted activities that bring researchers, community partners, and the public together to share knowledge and spark new collaborations.
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Eligible Activities for the SSHRC $7,000 Connection Grant
SSHRC offers funding for two main types of activities:
1. Events (Valued between $7,000–$25,000)
These are short-term gatherings, often completed in a week or less, such as:
- Academic conferences
- Workshops
- Forums
- Colloquiums
- Summer institutes
- In-person or virtual meetings
Events are meant to spark meaningful dialogue, showcase research, and encourage future collaboration.
2. Outreach Activities (Valued between $7,000–$50,000)
These focus on broader public engagement and can include:
- Public speaker series or debates
- Documentaries, festivals, or performances
- Media campaigns
- Online learning tools or interactive technologies
- Policy briefs, community reports, or public articles
- Virtual knowledge exchange platforms
Note: If your proposed project requires more than $50,000, SSHRC may still consider it, provided there’s strong justification and a one-year delivery plan.
Who Is Eligible for the SSHRC $7,000 Government Grant?
To apply, you must be associated with a Canadian institution that holds SSHRC institutional eligibility, such as:
- Universities and colleges
- Research centres
- Registered non-profit organizations
While only institutions can hold and administer funds, the intellectual leadership of the project can come from researchers, community leaders, or other stakeholders—including individuals affiliated with the host institution.
SSHRC encourages Indigenous research, interdisciplinary partnerships, and collaborations across sectors, including public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.
Matching Fund Requirement
SSHRC will only cover up to 66% of total project costs. Applicants must secure matching funds equal to at least 50% of the requested SSHRC amount, through:
- Cash or in-kind contributions (e.g., venue space, staffing, logistics)
- Support from sponsoring organizations (excluding individual contributions)
Example: If you apply for $10,000 in SSHRC funding, you must have at least $5,000 in confirmed support from external sources.
These contributions must be confirmed via signed letters from sponsoring organizations, included in your application.
Key Deadlines and Start Dates
Connection Grant applications are accepted four times a year with deadlines on:
| Deadline | Earliest Start Date |
|---|---|
| February 1 | April 1 |
| May 1 | July 1 |
| August 1 | October 1 |
| November 1 | January 1 (next year) |
You must plan your event or outreach activity within 12 months of the start date listed on your Notice of Award.
Ineligible Activities
While the SSHRC Connection Grant is flexible, it does not support:
- Core research activities (like data collection, fieldwork, or interviews)
- Curriculum development or textbook creation
- Annual general meetings for associations
- Past events or retroactive funding
Make sure your proposal focuses on knowledge mobilization, collaboration, and community engagement, not traditional research.
How to Apply for the SSHRC Connection Grant
- Review Eligibility: Ensure your institution is SSHRC-eligible.
- Build Partnerships: Secure sponsors and contributors for matching funds.
- Design Your Event or Outreach Plan: Clearly define goals, audiences, and deliverables.
- Submit Your Application: Apply online via SSHRC’s Research Portal by the appropriate deadline.
Don’t forget to include:
- Budget justification
- Letters of support from partner organizations
- A strong case for the proposed activity’s impact
Final Thoughts: Why Apply for the SSHRC $7,000 Connection Grant?
The $7,000 government grant for individuals in Canada through SSHRC is a powerful tool for academics, artists, educators, and non-profit leaders to mobilize research knowledge and make a lasting impact on communities, policy, and public discourse.
Whether you’re organizing a small-scale workshop or launching a community-wide media campaign, this grant provides both the financial support and credibility to bring your ideas to life.