Solutions Program Innovation + Impact Grants

Eligibility

Teams must include a Saskatchewan-based Principal Applicant, a second researcher from a different discipline, and a knowledge user.

The Eligibility Check is conducted by the SHRF Program Manager. This step is mandatory. 
September 18, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. MST is the cut off for submission. 

The purpose of the eligibility check is to:

• Ensure the application is submitted to the appropriate funding opportunity, having
relevance to the grant objectives and available focus areas
• Allow SHRF Partners the opportunity to confirm relevance prior to applications proceeding
• Confirm the Principal Applicant meets eligibility requirements
• Confirm minimum team requirements are met
• Facilitate the creation of peer review committees
• Record decisions and rulings in a transparent manner

NOTE: The Eligibility Check is a rolling intake up until the cut-off; therefore, it is strongly suggested that the Principal Applicant complete this step at their earliest convenience for a timely review and response from SHRF. Eligibility checks submitted after the cut-off date will not be accepted. Any revision request must be completed by the eligibility revision deadline, or it will not be accepted, and the application will not proceed. Only teams approved at the Eligibility Check stage will have access to the full application.

Summary

The Solutions Program 
The Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) in partnership with Brain Canada is offering funding for interdisciplinary, solutions-focused health research addressing Saskatchewan’s key health challenges.

Grant Types:

Innovation Grant: Up to $50,000 for 1 year
Impact Grant: Up to $150,000 for 2 years

Focus Areas:
Brain Health
Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias
Pediatric Brain Health
Lung Health

Key Dates:
Application Opens: May 15, 2025
Eligibility Deadline: September 18, 2025
Full Application Deadline: November 13, 2025
Apply via: shrf.smartsimple.ca 

Overhead

Brain Canada does not support indirect costs, however 10% of the budget may be allocated toward academic knowledge sharing. 

Application deadlines

RSO detailed review deadline

RSO final internal review deadline

Program application deadline

NOTE: Consult your Faculty Associate Dean (Research) (ADR) regarding Faculty-specific deadlines and submission processes.

Principal Investigators: Complete a Research Management System (RMS) record, including a copy of your complete application, and submit this for approvals in RMS.

Postdocs, students, and trainees: For fellowships and externally-sponsored research training awards or opportunities, you must complete the Research Funding Application Approval (RFAA) Trainee PDF form, and submit it, along with a complete copy of the application, to Research Services at rsotrainee@ucalgary.ca. Trainees should not use RMS at this time.

Approvals: The University of Calgary requires that all funding applications be approved prior to submission. Approval requires signatures via either RMS or the RFAA Trainee form, in the following order:

• Principal Investigator
• Department Head
• Faculty ADR/Dean
• Research Services (on behalf of the Vice-President Research)

Read the Meaning of Grant Signatures policy to understand what your approval means. Please see the agency guidelines for details about which signatures are required on your application, as it may differ from internal requirements.

Late submissions: Late submissions will only be accepted in cases of medical or family emergencies, or other exceptional circumstances. If you submit your RMS record to Research Services after the internal deadline has passed, you must secure additional approvals. Please read: Late Applications Process.

Additional Resources

Using RMS:

RMS: Creating a Pre-Award LOI

RMS: Creating a Pre-Award Application

Support for projects involving Indigenous Research:

Support with the development of your grant application is available internally through the Indigenous Research Support Team (IRST). Applicants can reach out by email to IRST at IRST@ucalgary.ca in advance of the RSO internal deadline. For more information about IRST, please visit the IRST webpage.

Support for Knowledge Engagement:

Support for knowledge mobilization/engagement/translation is available internally through the Knowledge to Impact Team. Applicants can reach out by email to the KTI team at knowledge.impact@ucalgary.ca in advance of the RSO internal deadline. For more information, please visit the KTI team webpage.

Support for Research Data Management:

For information on research data management plans, processes, or best practices for your research program, please contact research.data@libanswers.ucalgary.com and/or visit https://libguides.ucalgary.ca/researchdatamanagement.

Support for EDI in Research:

RSO can provide resources and support to research teams on the integration of equitable and inclusive practices in research design and research practice. Contact Erin.OToole@ucalgary.ca for more information.