Community-led Research Seed Fund – Summer 2025

Community-led research projects are strengthened by relationship-building activities, fostering trust and collaboration, yet opportunities for this important phase in research are often underfunded. MEOPAR is pleased to announce a Call for Proposals for the Community-led Research Seed Fund to help Canadian communities and research teams increase research capacity, infrastructure, co-design initiatives, and address community identified priorities in the ocean sector.

This grant can assist in early relationship building activities and cover certain expenses, such as travel costs for in-person workshops, language translation for enhanced accessibility, honoraria, grant coordinator/writer, needs assessment, etc.

MEOPAR expects proposed projects to demonstrate strong sustainability and EDIA initiatives, as well as Truth and Reconciliation principles, in all practices and activities. Project leadership and membership should be diverse and have cross-sector engagement, involving Indigenous Peoples, equity-deserving groups, academics, early career researchers and professionals, NGOs, policymakers, and communities.

Priority in awarding funding will be given to successful applications from diverse teams and to those that effectively demonstrate a commitment to EDIA and Truth and Reconciliation principles.

This grant supports 1 year of project funding up to $25,000.

Applications are due 4 October 2025 at 11:59PM ET. You can submit your proposal here. The application portal will be ready early August. In the meantime, you can use the project documents available on this site to prepare your application.

Please direct any questions to .

Watch the recording of the webinar in English or register for the upcoming webinar in French to receive assistance with proposal development.