We are pleased to announce that the 2023 College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) competition is now open. Managed by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, CCSIF grants are intended to foster community innovation by connecting the talent, facilities and capabilities of Canada’s colleges and polytechnics with the research needs of community organizations.

CCSIF proposals should facilitate collaborative and innovative research that brings together researchers, students and partners to address challenges in community innovation in the social sciences, humanities, health sciences, natural sciences and engineering research fields. The CCSIF program enables colleges to increase their capacity to work with communities, with the goal of developing partnerships that foster community innovation in areas such as the integration of vulnerable populations, community development, education and training, climate change, environmental degradation, as well as health and well-being.

Consult the new CCSIF web page for a full description of the program and instructions on how to apply. Applications must be submitted via the Convergence Portal by March 1, 2023 at 8:00 pm (Eastern Time).

NSERC and Mitacs continue to offer a joint application submission and review process for colleges seeking support for community innovation projects from both CCSIF and Mitacs Accelerate. Applicants are invited to include a request for additional support through Mitacs Accelerate internships as a component of the training of highly qualified personnel (HQP) in their CCSIF application, if relevant.

We are pleased to continue our collaboration with the Canada Council for the Arts by offering a joint application submission and review process for colleges partnering with arts organizations, groups or collectives that are eligible to receive Canada Council grants. Applicants may include a request for support from the Canada Council in their CCSIF application, if relevant.

Please consult the CCSIF program description for more information about the Mitacs and Canada Council for the Arts joint funding opportunities.

Information webinars on the CCSIF program will be held at the dates and times listed below. Sessions will be available in English and French.

English webinars

Tuesday, November 29, 2022, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm (EST)
Tuesday, December 6, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (EST)
Tuesday, December 13, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (EST)

French webinars

Thursday, December 1, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (EST)
Wednesday, December 7, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (EST)
Wednesday, December 14, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (EST)

If you have any questions, please email ccsif-fiscc@nserc-crsng.gc.ca.