Collaborative Networks

Current Funding Opportunities:

Collaborative Networks – NOW OPEN. Apply by 11:59 (PDT) on January 19, 2026. Applications received after this date and time will not be accepted.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the application guide and ensure that their project responds to the updated 2025/26 MINDS Defence Policy Challenges.

Through the establishment of Collaborative Networks, MINDS is increasing and diversifying research on defence and security issues in Canada, with the aim to meet the Defence Team need for relevant and timely advice and broaden the spectrum of expert voices contributing to the conversation.

About Collaborative Networks

Collaborative Networks involve multi-disciplinary teams of experts from across Canada and abroad. They work together to research specific defence and security challenges in support of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces.

Through these networks, the Defence Team will benefit from in-depth and nuanced analysis either to complement ongoing work or gain new insights in areas where there is interest and demand but limited expertise available.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to multidisciplinary teams with interest in the domain of security and defence studies, whether they be from academic institutions, think-tanks, or non-governmental organizations.

We are looking for individuals or organizations that are engaged, dynamic, resourceful and interested in helping DND/CAF address key defence policy challenges.

The primary affiliation of the network director must be a Canadian institution. Federal and provincial crown corporations are not eligible for funding under this program.

Network Requirements

Successful network applicants will receive a maximum of $250,000 per year, for up to three years. During these three years, the networks will be required to meet a number of deliverables including creative approaches to research, conferences and workshops, written and oral briefings to a Defence Team audience, and student support. For a complete list of network criteria and deliverables, please consult the application form.

Applicants must demonstrate:

Relevance, through alignment with one to three defence policy challenges;
How the project incorporates diverse perspectives, including through the use of Gender-based Analysis Plus;
Innovation, creativity, vision; and
Plans to creatively leverage technology.

A detailed spending strategy is essential to a successful application, including an estimated budget for the project with anticipated expenditures.

Successful applicants will be required to sign a contribution agreement with MINDS that will govern the administration of funding.

Connect to our current networks!