UArctic is excited to share the 2026 Calls for Applications for three Canadian UArctic Project Funds administered through Memorial University and supported through Global Affairs Canada. The funds aim to strengthen collaboration and networking between UArctic members and their Indigenous and Northern partners by supporting projects that address priority issues in Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework while upholding UArctic values and Memorial University’s Policy on Research Impacting Indigenous Groups. These opportunities are open to Canadian UArctic member institutions.
As part of this year’s call, we are pleased to launch a new round of project funding, offering up to $100,000 over five years to support collaborative, community-driven research and education initiatives across the Circumpolar North.
Note: Funding availability for this call is subject to approval from Global Affairs Canada. Final award decisions will only be confirmed once funding has been approved. Funding cannot be applied retroactively or used for previously completed activities.
1. Indigenous and Northern Relationship Development Fund
Deadline: April 24, 2026
Funding: Up to $15,000
Project Period: September 2026 – September 2028
This fund is designed to build or strengthen relationships between academic researchers and Indigenous or Northern partners. Projects may include meetings, workshops, or other activities that establish or deepen collaborative relationships, with an emphasis on respectful, ethical, and community-led engagement in line with Memorial University’s Policy on Research Impacting Indigenous Groups.
· Open to researchers from any Canadian UArctic member
· Designed to build relationships between academic researchers and Indigenous or Northern partners
· Projects focus on relationships outcomes rather than research outcomes
· Projects must be completed 24 months from start of project activities
For more information, including funding guides: CLICK HERE
TO APPLY: CLICK HERE
2. Indigenous and Northern Collaborative Research and Education Engagement Fund (Stream A: Two-Year Projects)
Deadline: April 24, 2026
Funding: Up to $40,000 (maximum of five awards per year)
Project Period: September 2026 – September 2028
This stream supports shorter-term collaborative projects that strengthen partnerships and knowledge exchange in Northern and Indigenous research and education. Projects should address priorities within Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework and reflect UArctic’s values of collaboration, inclusion, and respect for Indigenous knowledge systems.
Who can apply:
· The lead applicant must be from a Canadian UArctic member institution.
· Collaboration between multiple UArctic member institutions (including international partners) and partners is required
· Researchers from Northern and Southern institutions are encouraged to apply.
· Only one active project award may be held at a time.
Eligible activities include:
· Developing or strengthening UArctic Thematic Networks
· Creating joint courses or programs relevant to Northern communities
· Advancing online and flexible education initiatives
· Supporting networking and collaborative research across UArctic members
For more information, including funding guides: CLICK HERE
TO APPLY: CLICK HERE
3. Indigenous and Northern Collaborative Research and Education Engagement Fund (Stream B: Five-Year Projects) *NEW*
Deadline: April 24, 2026 *five-year projects are awarded only in 2026
Funding: Up to $100,000 (maximum of six awards)
Project Period: September 2026 – September 2031
This stream supports longer-term, multi-partner collaborations designed to create sustainable research and education initiatives across the circumpolar North. Proposals should include at least three UArctic partners (with a Canadian lead) and align with UArctic values and Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework. Additional information is required for this stream; review the Funding Guide and Application Form for full details.
Who can apply:
· The lead applicant must be from a Canadian UArctic member institution.
· Collaboration between multiple UArctic member institutions (including international partners) and partners is required
· Researchers from Northern and Southern institutions are encouraged to apply.
· Only one active project award may be held at a time.
Eligible activities include:
· Developing or strengthening UArctic Thematic Networks
· Creating joint courses or programs relevant to Northern communities
· Advancing online and flexible education initiatives
· Supporting networking and collaborative research across UArctic members
For more information, including funding guides: CLICK HERE
TO APPLY: CLICK HERE
We will be hosting an information session on the funds on January 28th, 2026. For help connecting with other Canadian UArctic member institutions or identifying potential partners, please reach out to me directly: lgoulet@mun.ca
Applications for all three funds must be submitted through Memorial University’s online application portal by April 24, 2026 (23:59 CEST).
If you would like more information, please contact Miyuki.Arai@smu.ca
