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. 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. For more information, see the program description.

To be complete, an application file must comprise the following:

1. the application document, signed by the Vice-President (Research) or another senior official of the lead-applicant institution
2. a completed, signed Dimensions Charter Endorsement form from each of the institutions submitting the application
3. a completed, 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 Dimensions Secure Upload Site.

The institutions applying for the grant must prepare the 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.

1. Applications must not exceed the specified maximum word count; otherwise, they may be rejected.
2. Applications should include only a limited number of links.
3. Selection committee members will be asked not to seek additional information from other sources.

We recommend that Dimensions grant applications use plain language and simple terminology (see Summary of Standard CAN-ASC-3.1:2025 – Plain Language) and include a brief description of the nature of the proposed project.

Before the institutions submit an application, they must endorse the Dimensions Charter. When submitting the application, the institutions must attach either copies of all the signed endorsement forms or a list stating the names of the officials who signed them and the dates that they signed them.

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.

Upon receiving the application, NSERC will send the person representing each of the applying institutions instructions on how to complete the self-identification questionnaire, which this person must then complete. This questionnaire covers age, gender identity, sexual orientation, Indigenous identity, identifying as a member of a visible minority group or as a person with a disability, and language. Please note the following.

1. In the ID field, the person completing the questionnaire must either provide their NSERC personal identification number (PIN) or enter Unknown.
2. Although completion of the questionnaire is mandatory, each question includes the option Prefer not to answer.
3. The information provided in this questionnaire will not be communicated to the selection committee and will not be used in reviewing grant applications.

For more information about this questionnaire, see Frequently Asked Questions about the Self-identification Questionnaire.

The title must describe the objectives of the project and may be used for publication purposes.

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 (if different from the person mentioned above): name, position, contact information and NSERC personal identification number (PIN)
• Representatives of the co-applicant institutions (one per institution; give each representative’s name, position, contact information and NSERC PIN).

The summary must describe the objectives and the expected outcomes of the project. This summary may be made public.

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 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.

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.

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 grant. If for some reason this requirement cannot be met, you must provide a detailed justification in the budget.

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).

The application must be signed by the Vice-President (Research) or another senior official of the lead-applicant institution.

The funds must be used in accordance with the directives set out in the Tri-agency Guide on Financial Administration.

Any expense directly related to the project is eligible. Here are some examples:

• 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.

The Dimensions Canada terms and conditions of applying form must be completed and signed by a representative of every institution participating in the project.

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.

The application must be submitted by 8:00 p.m. (ET) on January 21, 2026.

For more information about this funding opportunity, send an email to dimensionsEDI@nserc-crsng.gc.ca.

For help with technical problems, contact the Helpdesk by email at webapp@nserc-crsng.gc.ca or by telephone at 613-995-4273, or fill out an On-line Services Support Request.