Internal Research Opportunities
The Office of Research and Graduate Studies (ORGS), through the Research Assistance Committee of Senate (RAC), awards internal grants to support various forms of research and scholarly activity. This includes the administration and award of two internal research grants, the SURG and RISE Grants.
Call for Expressions of Interest: New Funding Opportunity in Healthy Aging
An external funding opportunity is available at CBU to support innovative research in the area of healthy aging with the potential to achieve high-impact improvements in health outcomes for rural and underserved populations. Funding is awarded through a competitive process that prioritizes projects capable of producing significant, measurable impact in the short term while addressing important healthcare challenges.
Researchers interested in applying must notify Dr. Erna MacLeod as soon as possible, and no later than September 15, 2026.
Deadline: Expressions of Interest are due October 13, 2026
Details: EOI Eligibility and Application Details (CBU credentials required to view)
Start-Up Research Grant (SURG)
Tenure-track faculty (CBUFA) are invited to apply for a Start-Up Research Grant (SURG) of up to $10,000 to support research activities during their first two years at CBU. Grant funds must be applied for and used within their first two years of employment.
For eligibility, application and submission requirements, and additional details, please review the SURG Application.
Research, Innovation, Scholarship and Exploration (RISE)
RISE grants provide up to $10,000 for CBU researchers who are members of the faculty unions at CBU (CBUFA or NSGEU). RISE is intended for new, self-contained research projects that can be completed within one year of the funding. The winter competition is launched in December, with grants awarded in February. In some years, a fall competition may also be offered. The RISE guidelines and application form are available below and through the MyCBU Intranet.
2026 RISE Competition Now Closed
Deadline: February 13, 2026 at 4:00 pm AST
Application Form: 2026 Competition Closed
Guidelines: RISE Policy, Instructions and Evaluation Rubric
Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI): John Evans Leadership Fund (JELF)
The Canada Foundation for Innovation’s John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) supports institutions in attracting and retaining top research talent by investing in essential research infrastructure. Institutions receive a three-year funding envelope from which researchers can request up to 40% of project costs, with the remaining 60% supported through matching or other eligible funds. CBU’s current allocation, provided through the Small Institutions Fund, runs from January 2026 to December 2028.
JELF proposals are researcher-led but require institutional endorsement, coordination, and often resource commitments. Because applications draw from a limited institutional envelope, advance planning is essential. If you have an infrastructure idea to support innovative, high-impact research, please review the details below and consider submitting an application to CBU’s internal request to apply competition.
2026 CFI JELF Internal Request to Apply Competition Now Closed
Deadline: March 16, 2026 at 4:00 pm AST
Details: The application process, instructions, and templates can be accessed here: CFI JELF Internal Request to Apply (CBU credentials required to view)
CBU’s total CFI envelope beginning January 2026 is $400,000, representing up to 40% of total project costs.
Questions: If you have any questions about CFI, contact Chandell Gosse
