Investing in targeted research and knowledge exchange to optimize the health and well-being of Canadian military personnel, Veterans and their families.
About this program
The research funding program aims to enhance the well-being of Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, and their families by supporting Canadian research focused on supporting these populations.
The program’s objectives are to:
- Drive progress on new knowledge and understanding of military members, Veterans and well-being of their families
- Foster the development and implementation of policies and strategies on programs and benefits that address identified priorities for Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans and their family well-being
- Identify, assess, and promote new approaches, models, and best practices, leading to improved well-being for military members, Veterans and their families
- Build capacity within the research field engaged in studying Veterans’ issues
- Foster partnerships and networks with research institutions
Funded research tasks may include, but are not limited to: literature reviews; surveys; experimental and clinical studies; field studies and data analysis; population statistics; workshops and presentations to government and health care system stakeholders, and the development of tools and treatments.
The program is a partnership between:
Canadian Forces Health Services
Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research
Funding opportunities
(Application Deadline: 6 May 2024)
If you want to be notified when new opportunities are posted, contact us by email to be added to our email list.
Previously funded projects
2023 – 2024
| Funding opportunity | Funding recipient | Funding source | Project dates | Project status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Scan: Best Practices and Approaches to models of care for aging populations | Perley Health (The Perley and Rideau Veteran’s Health Centre) | VAC | November 2023 to March 2024 | Complete |
| Biophysical assessment of Canadian Armed Forces clothing with a sweating thermal manikin | University of British Columbia | DRDC | March 2024 to June 2024 | In progress |
| Exploring the biopsychosocial impacts of pelvic health issues for women Veterans | University of Ottawa | VAC | March 2024 to September 2025 | In progress |
| Exploring the experiences and impacts of interpersonal violence affecting Veterans and their families | Mount Saint Vincent University | VAC | March 2024 to October 2025 | In progress |
| Comprehensive literature review of pelvic floor dysfunction in Canadian Armed Forces women | Université de Sherbrooke | DRDC | March 2024 to March 2025 | In progress |
| Development of a functional test battery for concussion/brain injury to promote recovery and reduce future risk of potential brain and musculoskeletal injuries | The Governing Council of the University of Toronto | DRDC | March 2024 to March 2026 | In progress |
| Feasibility of IV Ketamine for the treatment of traumatic brain injury and depression | Keenen Research Centre for Biomedical Science at St. Michael's Hospital | DRDC | March 2024 to March 2026 | In progress |
| Operational colour vision requirements for RCAF pilots | University of Waterloo | DRDC | March 2024 to March 2026 | In progress |
| Experiences of LGBT purge survivors with Veterans Affairs Canada Programs and Services | Lawson Research Centre | VAC | September 2024 to September 2025 | Upcoming |
Who can apply
The following types of organizations may apply for funding opportunities:
- Non-profit organization
- Educational institution
- Research organization
- Public health and social services institution
- Indigenous organization
- Provincial, territorial, and local government
- International organization (e.g., Not-for-profit, academic institutions, Veteran health research organizations)
The following types of organizations are not eligible to apply for funding opportunities:
- Individuals
- For-profit organizations
How to apply
Each funding opportunity will include a link to an application form which can be submitted via email by the posted deadline.
Upon receipt, applications will be screened for program eligibility and relevance to the posted funding opportunity. Applications that are retained will then be assessed through an internal and/or peer review process on scientific merit, depth of expertise of the research team, proposed budget and proposed timeline.
Applicants will be notified of final decisions and project teams that are selected for funding will be posted on this website.
Not all submitted applications will be selected for funding, as funding is limited. Please note that decisions are final and there is no appeal process.
Frequently asked questions
How often are funding opportunities posted?
There is no set schedule for funding opportunities to be posted. As projects are identified and funded, they will be added to the “Funding Opportunities” page. If you want to be notified when new opportunities are posted, contact us by email to be added to our email list.
How are topics selected for research projects?
Research projects are identified based on policy priorities and evidence requirements.
How much funding is available?
Amounts will vary for each funding opportunity based on the size and scope of the project. The intended scope of each project is determined by the sponsoring department and will be stated in the funding opportunity.
How much funding can be retained as institutional overhead?
The maximum rate that can be retained by funding recipients as institutional overhead costs is 10%. Veterans Affairs Canada may, at its sole discretion, consider a request to apply a higher rate in exceptional circumstances.
Will methods and results from research projects be shared publicly?
An overview of each funded project will be posted on the funding opportunities page once funding has been awarded. Project summaries will also be posted upon completion.
Will GBA Plus be assessed?
Applicants are asked to describe how their project will meaningfully consider, involve, and represent the full range of diversity and intersectionality across the study population, such as age, sex, gender, race, indigeneity, family status, and other life circumstances and vulnerability characteristics.
Can research teams propose their own research projects?
Recommendations for research topics for future funding opportunities can be submitted by anyone at any time. These suggestions will be reviewed and will help to inform future planning. Eligible organizations may propose research projects outside of advertised funding opportunities, noting that unsolicited proposals may not always be reviewed.