SSHRC Partnership Grants - Stage 1

The Partnership Grant Program is a two-stage application process. Those invited to submit a Full Proposal (Stage 2) will have submitted a successful Stage 1 application. The information provided here offers a general overview of SSHRC’s Partnership Program. Researchers who are seriously considering applying to this program should contact Research Development well ahead of time to discuss their strategy and plans.

Value and Duration

  • Value: $20,000
  • Western Research deadline for final proposal draft & ROLA: February 3, 2021
  • Sponsor deadline: February 10, 2021
  • Note: If a deadline falls on a weekend or a Canadian public holiday, the online application system will remain open until 8 p.m. (eastern) on the next business day.

Program Overview

This is a two-stage program where Stage 1 applications are submitted and successful proposals will be invited to submit a Full Proposal (Stage 2). Partnerships must advance research and/or knowledge mobilization in the social sciences and humanities through mutual co-operation and sharing of intellectual leadership, as well as through resources, as evidenced by cash and/or in-kind contributions. Partner organizations may be Canadian or international institutions or organizations (public, private, not‑for‑profit) of any type. Proposals must meet the objectives outlined in one of the following programs, or may include a combination of the two programs:

Insight Connection
To build knowledge and understanding about people, societies and the world by supporting research excellence in all subject areas eligible for funding from SSHRC. To realize the potential of social sciences and humanities research for intellectual, cultural, social and economic influence, benefit and impact on and beyond the campus by supporting specific activities and tools.

Application Process

  • The application is completed on SSHRC’s website (Web CV, application and instructions are located here). The application consists of online forms and text documents that are uploaded to the application in the system.
  • Partners and participants (co-applicants and collaborators) must create a SSHRC User ID in order to accept the on-line invitation that will be generated when they are added to the proposal. This includes the creation of a SSHRC CV in most cases. It is important to advise your partners and participants of this requirement, particularly those who are unfamiliar with SSHRC and its online application system. Please plan enough time in advance to complete these activities.
  • Western applicants must complete a ROLA proposal online.

Specific Requirements

  • Applicants are encouraged to present a compelling proposal that explains the need for a partnership approach for the proposed project. Details of the partnership are to be included in a formal partnership document. This document can be created in a variety of formats and Western Research can advise PIs on this requirement. Applicants must include a robust plan for knowledge dissemination and mobilization to all current and potential stakeholders.
  • Applicants at Stage 1 are expected to include a proposed plan to secure, over and above the budget requested from SSHRC, a minimum of 35 per cent in additional resources from sources other than SSHRC during the life of the grant (four to seven years). As an example, if $1 million is requested from SSHRC, a minimum of $350,000 in additional cash and/or in-kind support must be secured from partner organizations, resulting in an actual total project budget of $1,350,000. SSHRC recognizes that the project can grow beyond that amount as additional partner organizations become involved over the life of the grant.
  • Co-applicants and participants can be from all sectors:  academic, government, community-based organizations, industry, domestic and abroad.
  • Partners must provide a letter of support that explains their interest and role in the project and any commitments of cash or in-kind support they are offering (if applicable.)
  • As with all SSHRC programs, a plan for training students is essential.
  • The proposal must present a governing structure for managing the project and its various activities.

Important Dates

Western Research and Agency Deadlines

September – December
  • Meet with Research Development Officer (RDO) to discuss proposed partnership and project planning needs. It's helpful to provide the RDO with a brief summary of your proposed partnership.
  • Provide information and requirements for the PG program to your partner organizations on the project.
January 18, 2021
  • Western as lead institution: Draft institutional letters of support submitted to Western Research for institutional approval and signature.
  • Inter-institutional (Western co-applicants on other institution’s application): Draft institutional letters of support submitted to Western Research for institutional approval and signature.
  • For PIs and co-applicants (inter-institutional): If your department or faculty is making commitments to the proposal (as outlined in letters of support), provide confirmation from the person authorizing those commitments. The confirmation can be sent by email or scanned document(s).
January 27, 2021
  • Draft of full application submitted to Western Research for internal review and feedback from RDO
February 3, 2021
  • Final full application due to Western Research for administrative review.
  • Western Research returns signed institutional letter of support to applicant.
  • ROLA proposal completed.
February 8, 2021
  • Applicants release full application to SSHRC system. 
  • Research Services to perform compliance review.
February 10, 2021
  • Sponsor deadline. Research Services forwards application to SSHRC.
Note: If a deadline falls on a weekend or a Canadian public holiday, the SSHRC online application system will remain open until 8 p.m. (eastern) on the next business day. 
Western Research will complete an administrative review of the application to confirm eligibility of the applicant and Western co-applicants. In addition, we will review your application to confirm all cash/in- kind contributions.  Once complete, we will submit your application to SSHRC.

Support & Assistance

For Western applicants, Western research can provide services and supports to strengthen your proposal as it is developed, including editorial review and written feedback. Western Research will work closely with you and identify the support you require, and a suitable timeline in order to provide those services. Contact an RDO to discuss the timelines.

Resources

Sample Documents

Webinar Slides (November 2020) Partnership Grant - Stage 1 

Additional Resources