Knowledge Engagement and Innovation Grant

This grant is intended to support innovation in our communities through collaborative knowledge generation, a focus on the public sphere, and real-world impact. In particular, we invite grant applications that address one or more of the following: (1) engage in a collaborative approach to the development or implementation of co-created knowledge, solutions, and opportunities through research/creation relations between members of the Faculty of Arts and non-academic partners; (2) focus on research/creation which has outreach activities to the public sphere, communities, or organizations; and, (3) have results which may inform practices, create new awareness, identify new opportunities of mutual interest, or shape public policy in order to help solve or identify problems within our communities.

Up to $15,000 per grant is available.

These activities may contribute to future applications to SSHRC Partnership Grant programs. While not required, the applications that may lead to a future Tri-Agency application will be viewed positively.

The Faculty of Arts encourages applications that reflect the diversity of its research, scholarship, and creative enterprise, and it encourages applicants from equity-deserving groups.

Application Deadline: May 1, 2023

Proposals may include projects that:

• Strengthen existing or explore new relationships or partnerships with, e.g., local communities, schools, local agencies, or cultural, creative and heritage sectors.
• Early-stage projects that mutually identify research needs of communities and think about ways to move forward together.
• Realize new knowledge that arises in community-engaged “knowledge-to-action” projects.  
• Plan community-based activities to facilitate engagement with people or organizations beyond academia (early-stage engagement, developing a shared space, etc.).
• Design new formats/platforms/media for knowledge engagement activities (e.g., social media campaigns).
• Develop tools and solutions to improve partnership.

These grants are not meant to support:

• Seed funding for SSHRC Partnership Grants and Insight Programs normally supported through the VPR Catalyst Grant.
• Outreach activities (including workshops or events) eligible for funding through the SSHRC Connection Grant Program.
• Single partner-driven research projects normally supported through the SSHRC Partnership Engage Grant Program.

Grant Conditions

• Cannot be already supported through any of the above-mentioned funding programs,
• SSHRC Insight/Insight Development Grant holders are eligible,
• 18-month award,
• Previous KE&I grant holders can re-apply for this grant every three years, e.g. if you successfully applied in the 2021 competition, you are eligible to apply for another KE&I grant in the 2024 competition.

Reporting requirements

• A final report on activities and outputs (up to 5 pages, including attachments).
• Subsequent applications will be ineligible without a final report for the previous award.

Eligible expenses

• All Tri-Agency eligible expenses,
• Honoraria,
• Consultation time (for community or organization partner),
• Travel (for PI) to facilitate engagement with non-academics.

See scoring rubric | PDF
Preview application form | PDF