Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ 2026 – General

Question Answer
What is the Funding Program? The Funding Program is privately funded through generous contributions to build Canada’s future by encouraging advanced study. It consists of the College Fund and the Indigenous Scholarship Awards Program.

The Authority administers and delivers the program but does not participate in funding decisions. Clear policies ensure integrity and transparency.
How is the program funded? The program is privately funded through gifts and bequests made to the Authority.
If I applied previously and was unsuccessful, will feedback be provided? Yes. Feedback is available upon request once applicants are notified. Feedback is anonymous and respects the confidentiality of the process.
Do you have an expected number of recipients? For the College Fund, five prizes are awarded annually, typically one per domain.

For other funding opportunities, between five and eight fellowships are awarded each year.

Key Dates

Question Answer
When will the Funding Program launch? The Funding Program launches on March 26, 2026. Program cycle guidelines are available on the portal.
When is the College Fund application deadline? Applications must be submitted by 23:59 (local time) on May 22, 2026.
When is the Indigenous Scholarship Awards nomination deadline? Nominations must be submitted by 23:59 (local time) on May 29, 2026.

Funding

Question Answer
What is the College Fund? The College Fund is valued at $100,000 and is intended to honour distinguished Canadian scholars engaged in research at universities, hospitals, research institutes, or similar organizations.
What is the Indigenous Scholarship Awards Program? The Indigenous Scholarship Awards Program is valued at $80,000 per year for up to two years (maximum $160,000). Funds are administered by the recipient’s institution.

An additional grant of up to $50,000 may be provided to support travel and knowledge dissemination costs, based on approved budget estimates.

Application Process

Question Answer
How is self-identification data used? Self-identification data is voluntary and confidential. It is used to understand applicant pool composition and identify participation gaps.

This data is not used in evaluation or selection decisions.
If I applied previously, can I apply again? Yes. Unsuccessful candidates may reapply in future years. There is no limit to the number of applications, but each year requires a new submission.
Should candidates exclude CV sections due to page limits? CVs are limited to 30 pages in English or 36 pages in French. Applicants should summarize content where needed but should not remove key sections such as publications, grants, awards, or presentations.

Evaluation Process

Question Answer
Can I see the evaluation rubric? Evaluation rubrics are available under the “Details” section for each funding opportunity on the program portal.
How are recipients selected? Submissions are evaluated in two stages:
  • External peer review by subject matter experts
  • Review and recommendation by the Authority Selection Committee
Recommendations are made based on consensus and aligned with program criteria.
Are applications evaluated in both French and English? Submissions are reviewed in their original language whenever possible. When necessary, unofficial translations are provided by the Translation Bureau.
How is Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion considered? The program follows DORA principles and provides EDI training to reviewers and selection committee members. Aggregate self-identification data is used to monitor fairness.

Indigenous Scholarship Awards Program – Eligibility

Question Answer
Who is eligible? The program supports mid-career researchers, typically within 15 years of completing their PhD. PhD-equivalent experience may be considered.
What is the fellowship timeline? Fellows typically begin no later than January 1, 2027. Flexibility for delays due to leave is available.
Is release time required? Yes. Funds are intended to provide release from teaching or administrative duties. Institutions must submit a release plan upon acceptance.

College Fund

Question Answer
Who is eligible for the College Fund? Eligible candidates are active Canadian scholars with a record of distinguished and sustained research contributions. Emeritus professors may be considered if they demonstrate ongoing scholarly activity.
Who can nominate a candidate? Candidates cannot self-nominate. Nominators are typically senior scholars, administrators, or research leaders able to assess the nominee’s impact.
Are metrics like h-index required? No. The program recognizes disciplinary differences and encourages nominators to describe impact using appropriate indicators.
Who submits the nomination? The nominator submits the final nomination package. Nominees complete their portion separately in the portal.