Funding opportunity
Overview
Value: Up to $100,000 per year
Duration: Up to one year
Opens: June 11, 2026, 8:00 am (ET)
Deadline: September 4, 2026, 8:00 pm (ET)
Dimensions Canada grants are a new funding opportunity designed to help postsecondary institutions strengthen the competencies that they need to increase equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). These grants also seek to foster transformational change in the Canadian research community. They will support projects that create tools and resources for the benefit of the postsecondary research ecosystem.
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Description -
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Resources
The
Dimensions Canada grants are designed to strengthen institutions’ competencies in building EDI and to facilitate the creation of tools and resources to:
- build and cultivate a research community in which all members can thrive
- evaluate the impacts and sustainability of EDI initiatives
- encourage innovative collaborative projects that bring together colleges, organizations, industry partners, researchers, students and universities to address systemic problems related to EDI
- promote constructive partnerships with equity-deserving groups so that they support the initiatives taken to eliminate obstacles and fight discrimination
- provide training to institutions’ staff and management, including training on accessibility and anti-ableism
- build institutions’ capacities to effect organizational and systemic change.
* Equity-deserving groups include women, Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis), persons with disabilities, members of visible minority or racialized groups, and members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities, as well as individuals who identify as or belong to more than one of these groups. The term “equity-deserving groups” was chosen when the Dimensions Canada recognition program was co-developed.
Dimensions Canada grants are aligned with the three principles of the Dimensions Canada recognition program’s
- centrality of voices of equity-deserving groups
- mutuality and co-operation
- context-specific evidence.
The objective of the Dimensions Canada program is to strengthen the Canadian research ecosystem by advancing EDI through collaboration and mobilization of resources to optimize the sharing of knowledge. This program is based on the premise that institutions’ EDI commitments extend beyond their own communities. Dimensions Canada grant applications must clearly show how the members of the project team will collaborate over the course of one year and co-create resources to maximize impact on the entire research community and contribute more broadly to transforming the culture of this ecosystem.
The project teams must develop projects that:
- are based on evidence (data collection, research, lived experiences, literature reviews, etc.)
- may benefit the entire postsecondary research ecosystem
- will create tools and resources to fill known gaps and meet known needs, or will develop and apply existing tools and resources
- involve multiple disciplines within the natural sciences and engineering, social sciences and humanities, or health sciences
- strengthen organizations’ and institutions’ EDI competencies.
To submit an application for a Dimensions Canada grant, postsecondary institutions must form a group composed of at least two institutions. At least one institution must be a current or former member of a Dimensions Canada recognition program cohort.
All member institutions of this group must:
- agree to the
terms and conditions for applying (through their respective representatives) - sign the
Dimensions Charter , (if they have not already done so) - collectively designate one (and only one) institution as the lead applicant (this institution must appear on the
list of NSERC-eligible postsecondary institutions and cannot be the lead applicant for another Dimensions grant).
The co-applicant institutions in the group must appear on the list of eligible postsecondary institutions for at least one of the three federal granting agencies:
Canadian Institutes of Health Research Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada .
Every grant application must have the support of the lead-applicant institution. A senior member of the administration of this institution, such as the Vice-President (Research), must therefore approve and sign the
Notes:
An institution can only be the lead applicant on one application per competition cycle. There are no restrictions for co-applicants, as long as the co-applicant institution is actively involved in the project.
The Dimensions Canada program encourages institutions to select the members of their group to reflect the diversity and realities of the institutions in Canada’s postsecondary research ecosystem. The goal is to encourage greater consideration of the value added to the project by forming a diverse group of institutions among which equitable participation and shared decision-making are encouraged.
Eligible activities
A wide range of activities are eligible, but all projects must be evidence-based and fill a gap or meet a need on the EDI landscape. Project teams may either innovate or expend on existing activities. In the latter case, the activities to be expanded on must benefit a community broader than the individual institutions composing the group, have a regional or national scope and be fully accessible to all Canadian institutions, in both official languages.
Examples of eligible activities include:
- creating and delivering hybrid workshops for institutions participating in the Dimensions Canada program
- developing, implementing and delivering an ongoing mentorship program
- creating, developing and managing a network that administers the communities of practice and a centralized inventory of resources
- creating and presenting webinars on various issues related to EDI culture, ableism in the research community, reconciliation and other subjects
- developing documents that supplement and enhance the Dimensions handbook.
Projects may focus on only one specific theme or one equity-deserving group so long as it meets a need within the postsecondary EDI landscape.
Applications must demonstrate how the proposed projects will meet the objectives of the Dimensions Canada grants program. Regional or provincial projects must also identify the expected benefits at the national level.
Branding and open access
The resources and tools developed in the projects funded by this program will bear the Dimensions Canada brand, with credit lines identifying the project teams that developed them. These resources and tools must be produced in both official languages, in formats accessible to a wider audience, so that institutions do not have to create their own versions themselves.
Value: Up to $100,000 per year
Duration: Up to one year
Dimensions Canada grant funds must be used in accordance with the directives set out in the
Any expense directly related to the project is eligible. Examples include:
- production of documents in alternative accessible formats, such as Braille, large print, audio or digital formats compatible with screen readers
gifts, honoraria and incentives for designated project participants- simultaneous interpretation, American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, Quebec Sign Language (QSL) interpretation, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) and other accessibility supports
- remuneration for people contributing to the project, such as project-team members, students, experts and Knowledge Keepers
- translation expenses
- travel expenses
- rental of venues for project activities.
To be complete, an application file must comprise the following:
- the application document, signed by the Vice-President (Research) or another senior official of the lead-applicant institution
- a completed and signed Dimensions Canada
terms and conditions of applying form from each of the institutions submitting the application.
All of the documents from the lead-applicant and co-applicant institutions must be combined into a single PDF file, which must then be uploaded to the
The institutions applying for the grant must prepare a free-form application document, making sure not to exceed the maximum word count specified for each of the sections described later in these instructions. By submitting the application, these institutions authorize NSERC to communicate its contents to staff of the three federal research-funding agencies and to the members of the selection committee.
- Applications must not exceed the specified maximum word count; otherwise, they may be rejected.
- Applications should include only a limited number of links.
- Selection committee members will be asked not to seek additional information from other sources.
We recommend that Dimensions Canada grant applications use plain language and simple terminology (see
Before institutions submit an application, they must endorse the
Note: No letters of support are required.
Every group of institutions submitting a Dimensions Canada grant application must:
- include at least two postsecondary institutions
- include at least one institution that is or has been a member of a Dimensions Canada recognition program cohort*
- designate one and only one of its member institutions as the lead applicant; this institution must appear on the
list of NSERC-eligible postsecondary institutions .
*To receive the list of the institutions that is or has been a member of a Dimensions Canada recognition program cohort, email:dimensionsedi@nserc-crsng.gc.ca .
Project title
The title must describe the objectives of the project and may be used for publication purposes.
General information
The following information must be provided:
- Lead applicant: institution name, mailing address, website address and name and contact information for a senior member of the institution’s administration, such as the Vice-President (Research)
- Resource person or main contact of the lead institution (if different from the person mentioned above): name, position and contact information (email address)
- Representatives of the co-applicant institutions (one per institution): each representative’s name, position and contact information (email address)
Summary for publication purposes (maximum 125 words)
The summary must describe the objectives and the expected outcomes of the project. This summary may be made public.
Project description
Section 1: Project outline (maximum 1000 words)
This section must include the following elements.
- Objectives: Describe the project’s objectives and explain the impacts that it will have on the postsecondary research ecosystem.
- Evidence: Show how the project is based on evidence of gaps and needs in this ecosystem, how it responds to the lived experiences of equity-deserving groups and to data collected through constructive collaboration with them, and how it draws on relevant literature (references are not included in the word count). If you are building on a current or previous project, explain how you will use existing resources to enhance knowledge for the benefit of the entire postsecondary research ecosystem.
- Timeline and milestones: Provide a full project timeline that includes milestones feasible in one year linked to the project’s objectives.
- Sharing of results: Describe how you plan to measure the project’s results and impact, communicate its achievements and the problems that it encountered and promote best practices that might benefit other institutions. Explain how you will disseminate and promote the tools and resources developed in this project, both during and after the term of the grant.
Section 2: Collaboration and implementation of project (1500 words)
This section must include the following elements.
- Collaboration structure: Describe how the members of the project team will work together to achieve the objectives stated in Section 1. Show how their complementary roles and skills will benefit the project. Explain how the team members will participate in making decisions for and carrying out the project and in recruiting any EDI experts who may be needed to complement the team. Describe how the team members will work together to implement strategies that will maximize the project’s impacts and align with the objectives of the Dimensions Canada grants program.
- Expertise and experience: Describe the strengths and experience of the project-team members, the institutions submitting the application and partner not-for-profit organizations. Explain how, in design and implementing the project, you plan to draw on the expertise of members of these institutions (such as EDI specialists and early-career and established researchers) and the lived experiences of their faculty and staff. Without compromising confidentiality, list the skills, practices and knowledge systems that are relevant to the project.
- Implementation plan: Describe how the project will be organized, launched, carried out, monitored and completed. For each phase, list the steps that will be taken to ensure smooth operation and maximum accountability for the project. Define responsibilities clearly, avoid overburdening particular individuals or equity-deserving groups, and explain how the institutions will recognize and compensate the team members for their work.
If the project will require the participation of Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) individuals, communities or organizations, make sure to:
- establish productive relationships with these individuals, communities or organizations
- ensure that the project meets the needs and objectives of the participating Indigenous parties
- promote the participation of the members of the Indigenous communities or organizations and foster an environment that is equitable, inclusive, accessible and respectful of cultural specificities
- respect Indigenous knowledge systems and consider them throughout the project
- recognize the roles of Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Knowledge Holders and remunerate them appropriately for their contributions
- read the
CCI guide for research involving Indigenous Peoples and communities .
Section 3: Budget and budget justification (1000 words)
Provide a detailed budget for the entire project, indicating which activities will be funded by the grant and identifying the contributions in cash or in-kind from the participating institutions, such as matching funds, travel allowances, salary support, use of facilities, and time allotments. The budget must also include the remuneration of the project-team members for the work that they do.
The participating institutions must make cash or in-kind contributions totalling at least 20% of the amount of the Dimensions Canada grant. If for some reason this requirement cannot be met, you must provide a detailed justification in the budget. Full-time staff or professors’ time dedicated to the project can count towards in-kind contributions.
Explain and justify each line item in your proposed budget, specifying how it relates to the project’s objectives. You must also explain any financial or conceptual relationship or overlap with other projects that have received funding from any of the three federal research-funding agencies.
Submit the budget in the following table (which is not included in the allowed word count).
| Expenses | Dimensions Canada grant | Cash contributions | In-kind contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salaries | |||
| Professional, technical and external training services or contracts | |||
| Other expenditures | |||
| TOTAL |
Signature
The application must be signed by the Vice-President (Research) or another senior official of the lead-applicant institution.
The Dimensions Canada
In the case of the lead-applicant institution, the form must be signed by the Vice-President (Research) or another senior official of that institution.
Unless specified otherwise, your application must be received at NSERC by 8:00 pm (ET) on the deadline date. If it is not received by NSERC by the deadline, it will be rejected.
In cases of systems interruptions, refer to the Service standards for NSERC and SSHRC’s online application systems policy on
Once an application has been submitted to NSERC, it cannot be updated or modified, either before or after the deadline date.
Opens: June 11, 2026, 8:00 am (ET)
Deadline: September 4, 2026, 8:00 pm (ET)
All eligible applications will be reviewed by a committee of experts. These committee members must respect the confidentiality of the review process and documents and must declare any real, potential or apparent conflicts of interest.
The committee will evaluate all applications according to the following selection criteria.
A. Potential impact (40%)
- The proposed project will eliminate obstacles, fill gaps or meet needs that have been demonstrated and have been reported by equity-deserving groups.
- The project team plans on finding constructive, appropriate ways of engaging experts, staff and equity-deserving groups in identifying gaps, planning and executing the project and then measuring its impacts.
- The project proposal describes how the tools and resources created or developed can be adapted to the various institutions in Canada, whatever their size or type.
- The proposal includes communication, networking and assessment plans that will maximize the project’s impacts on institutions, provinces and territories and on Canada as a whole.
- The proposal clearly articulates the appropriateness of the proposed budget in relation to the activities, expected outcomes and overall impacts of the project.
B. Collaboration (40%)
- The proposal shows that the project-team members are familiar with the Canadian postsecondary research ecosystem and aware of current EDI initiatives and that they will apply existing knowledge and practices to carry the project out successfully and meet its stated objectives.
- The proposal shows how the lead-applicant and co-applicant institutions, project-team members, associated equity-deserving individuals and groups and other participating organizations will collaboratively mobilize their communities, experience, knowledge and resources to achieve the desired outcomes, without overburdening these equity-deserving individuals and groups.
- The proposal shows how the members of equity-deserving groups will play a leading role in the project and work collaboratively to fill the gaps and meet the needs identified in the research ecosystem.
C. Commitment and knowledge (20%)
- The proposal shows how the commitments and the contributions in cash or in kind from the institutions submitting the application (which must total at least 20% of the grant amount) will contribute to the organization, smooth operation and success of the project.
- The proposal shows that the institutions submitting the application have a commitment to meeting the needs of equity-deserving groups within the Canadian postsecondary research ecosystem through evidence-based inquiry and practices.
- The proposal shows the extent and relevance of the applying institutions’ knowledge and experience in developing and supporting EDI initiatives within the research ecosystem and presents the lessons learned through their participation in such initiatives.
One payment
Successful institutions will be notified in December.
Institutions that receive grants will have to implement their strategies rapidly and, at the end of their projects, submit reports to NSERC presenting the tools and resources that they have developed.
The table below shows the last 5 years of funding recipients by the year they applied.
You can find older results by searching
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View funding decisions
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Handbook for postsecondary institutions applying for recognition / Dimensions: equity, diversity and inclusion Canada -
Equity, diversity and inclusion (Dimensions pilot phase) -
Evaluation of the Dimensions Program (pilot phase) -
NSERC guide on integrating equity, diversity and inclusion considerations in research -
Best practices in equity, diversity and inclusion in research practice and design -
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Post-Secondary Research System
For program-related information, email
For technical matters related to the Research Portal, contact the online services helpdesk by email at