Research grant programs in Canada finance extensive disciplines. Although the Canadian government is largely responsible for grants, private organizations also deliver financial assistance.
As with all scholarships and fellowships, research grant programs do not use one procedure in assessing those who deserve their grants. Each institution has its detailed guidelines, policies and conditions that applicants have to meet. Requirements may stipulate that applications are open only to Canadian or US citizens, or perhaps even broadened to urge international hopefuls to apply.
Citizens of Canada studying abroad can qualify for research grants, with grant programs offering as much as US$20,000. Studies grant programs also offer free financial assistance to students with intent to study in Canada. There are also grants for entrepreneurs who are seeking financial support for business research and development.
Grants can be promoted "in-house" within universities for its students and faculty members, who in receipt of these scholarly grants can make contributions towards the development of Canada, in areas such as academics, technology, energy or security.
In academic-related research grants, the grants are usually allocated under Canadian universities. However, other institutions can also contribute in funding research grants, in regards to what special program(s) they support. Grants can be awarded to either individual or group researchers, in relevance to the regional, national or international programs that the institution fosters. Research grants can as well be solely given out by private institutions, or they can be a collaborative effort between the private sector and the Canadian federal government, running from months to a couple of years.
Partnership-based research grants, for instance in health research, work in a harmonious structure towards nation building and growth. The resources that aid in the recipients' research come from the two parties, such that they cost-share the funding of the programs and projects they are active in.
These research grants co-funded by the government are a great way to encourage innovation and development. The research collaboration between institutions also serves an informational ripple effect that permits the transfer of information from these universities to the industrial sector; it becomes a mutually beneficial and valuable relationship.
Many of the research grants in Canada over the years have been distributed towards medical and scientific research. For example, in medical research funding, since 1949, The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada has sponsored research grants for the deeper understanding of multiple sclerosis. The MS Society of Canada's annual research grant encourages young and innovative researchers in their master's or doctoral levels to apply.
Pre-selection committees or granting councils award research grants to teams or individuals to offer their expertise towards the economic development of Canada. As research is carried out, progress, monitoring and evaluation is done collaboratively, with the findings resulting in creation of opportunities for researchers and industries.
With the aim to advance the life of Canadians, find solutions and meet with the demand for progression, there are multiple online resources readily available to assist those seeking research grants in Canada. Grantcanadian.ca, grants.ca and grantscanada.org are popular websites that have established databases that provide links to grants open for application, including tips on how to apply for these grants.
By firstly identifying the type of research grant you're seeking, and provided you meet the stipulations of the grant application, you may be able to qualify for that grant opportunity you're after.