External Grant Opportunities

    Requirements for External Grants

    Notice of Intent to Apply

    All Island Health employees or affiliates who plan to submit an external grant application must complete a Notice of Intent to Apply. Once we receive your notification, we can connect you with the right people and departments, help you develop your budget, and request letters of support on your behalf.

    Notifications must be submitted as soon as possible and are requested at least:

    • Two months in advance of the first deadline in the application process that requires approvals or letters from Island Health (whether pre-application, letter of intent, draft, or full application) for grants over $100,000
    • One month in advance of the first deadline in the application process that requires approvals or letters from Island Health (whether pre-application, letter of intent, draft, or full application) for grants under $100,000.
    Requesting Letters of Support

    We can assist external researchers in requesting letters from Island Health to support grant applications aligned with our strategic priorities.

    Requests must be made at least three weeks in advance of the application deadline. All notifications and requests must be submitted online through this form. 

    Current Funding Opportunities

      Canadian Institutes of Health Research
      Health Research BC
      • CANTRAIN Clinical Research Internships
        • Applications accepted on a rolling basis until March 2025.
        • 6 awards of $10,000 each are available.
        • The program is for clinical research professionals and new investigators, integrating online training with experiential learning opportunities and expert mentorship.
        • Internships can be in-person, virtual or hybrid engagements. 
        • Funding may be used for protected time and/or travel expenses for in-person training. 
        • Successful applicants will have up to 12 months to complete the internships.
      BioTalent Canada
      • Science Horizons Youth Internship Program
        • a wage subsidy that helps graduates acquire work experience in an environment-related STEM field. It covers the cost of a participant’s salary by 80% up to a maximum of $25,000.
      New Frontiers in Research Fund
      • 2026 Transformation Competition (Notice of Intent to Apply deadline: Apr. 15, 2025; Letter of Intent deadline: Jul. 17, 2025; Full Application deadline: Mar. 3, 2026)
      • The New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) Transformation stream supports large-scale, Canadian-led interdisciplinary research projects that address a major challenge with the potential to realize real and lasting change. The challenge may be fundamental, leading to a scientific breakthrough, or applied, with a social, economic, environmental or health impact. Projects are expected to be world-leading, drawing on global research expertise, when relevant.
      • Transformation grants are valued at between $2,000,000 and $4,000,000 per year for six years.
      BC Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research

      Contact

      For a targeted grant search

      Email: Isabel.Moore@islandhealth.ca

      Additional Resources
      Health Research Funding Announcements from the University of Victoria