SSHRC Partnership Development Grants

SSHRC Partnership Development Grants (PDG) provide support to new or existing partnerships for initiatives that advance research, provide research training, and/or knowledge mobilization in the social sciences and humanities.

Partnership Development Grants are expected to respond to the objectives of the Insight and/or the Connection programs.

Application Process

The Partnership Development Grant program follows a single application cycle each year with support beginning in October for the annual deadline on November 15.

Funding is available for projects ranging from 1 to 3 years in length, valued between $75,000 and $200,000. Applications are expected to include a plan to seek and secure cash and/or in-kind contributions for their initiative during the life of the grant.

Applications are adjudicated through a merit review process based on specific evaluation criteria. Applications involving Indigenous research may undergo a more tailored adjudication. 

Results are communicated in March of the following year. Applicants unsuccessful in a prior round of Partnership Development Grants may apply to UBC's internal bridge funding. 

Sponsor Site

Timeline

Between 6 and 12 months prior to deadline
Plan your partnership & develop your proposal
October
Submit your proposal for SPARC review
  • Submit either individual modules or full proposals for full review by SPARC. Check the SPARC calendar for relevant deadlines.
November
Finalize and submit your application (See ORS procedures)
  • View full application submission procedures for SSHRC on the Office of Research Services (ORS) page.
  • Submit your application to ORS. See relevant ORS application procedures and internal deadlines for your campus to ensure administrative review and timely submission: Vancouver | Okanagan

 

Support & Resources

Program Outreach

SPARC can meet with you or your team to discuss the project, competition, your work plan, timelines or other information to support a successful proposal.

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Proposal Development

SPARC can facilitate during meetings with partners to develop various aspects of your proposal such as:
partnership and research development strategy, project framework; team, partnership and network building and brainstorming sessions; budget and in-kind/cash contributions; training on proposal preparation

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PDG Resources

Visit our repository of tips, templates and guidelines to support a successful application. 

Learn More

Sample Grant Library

Check out our comprehensive sample grant library and additional resources curated specifically for UBC researchers. CWL is required to view.

Details

 

Contacts

Danica Kell
Research Development Officer, Social Sciences & Humanities
SPARC
604.822.8778
danica.kell@ubc.ca

SPARC support services

Dr. Lisa Sundstrom
Social Sciences & Humanities Research Advisor (SSHRC), UBC
Professor, Political Science
604.822.6331
lisa.sundstrom@ubc.ca

Advocacy and advice

UBC's Grant Facilitation Network
Research support personnel based in the faculties
See list

Various grant support

 

FAQs

1. Can I submit multiple applications or hold multiple grants through SSHRC?

SSHRC maintains strict guidelines around the submission of multiple applications or holding multiple grants in a calendar year, in order to avoid duplication of funding and optimize the use of merit review resources. Of particular concern for PDG applicants, an individual may not submit an application for a Partnership Development Grant and be the named project director in a Stage 2 Partnership Grant in the same calendar year. 

A current grant holder may submit a new application for the same type of grant, but only in their grant’s final year (year in which the grant holder receives the final installment of their grant). The grant holder may do so whether or not they intend to request or avail themselves of an extension year in order to finish work associated with the currently held grant.

2. What criteria are used to evaluate my application?

SSHRC's merit review process adjudicates applications based on three primary criteria:

  • Challenge: The aim and importance of the endeavour (50%)
  • Feasibility: The plan to achieve excellence (20%)
  • Capability: The expertise to succeed (30%)

Review SSHRC's website for full details on the evaluation and adjudication process.

3. What is the success rate for applications to the Partnership Development Grants program?

UBC researchers typically enjoy success rates at or above the national success rate for PDG competitions. See the SSHRC competition statistics page and dashboard for up-to-date details on a specific program year.

Additional resources