Call for Proposals: Connecting Indigenous Research and Leadership in Canada and the Global South
Submission Deadline: September 23, 2025
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) announces a new funding opportunity to support Indigenous-led research collaborations between the Global South and Indigenous communities in Canada. This initiative complements the Tri-agency Strategic Funding Opportunity: Indigenous Capacity and Leadership in Research Connection Grants, led by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).
This call specifically targets Indigenous organizations or those supporting Indigenous-led research based in the Global South. Organizations based in Canada are encouraged to consult the Tri-agency funding opportunity directly.
About IDRC and Indigenous Research
Established by the Parliament of Canada in 1970, IDRC is a Crown corporation that supports the generation and application of knowledge to solve pressing challenges in low- and middle-income countries. With a strong history of engaging in Indigenous research, IDRC has worked with partners to strengthen Indigenous health systems, support Indigenous scientists in STEM, promote climate resilience, and expand research leadership through education, network access, and capacity development.
IDRC embeds gender equality and inclusion across all programs, with a firm commitment to supporting Indigenous-led knowledge creation and leadership.
Purpose and Context of the Call
This call, developed in partnership with SSHRC, advances a shared commitment to fostering inclusive, equitable, and collaborative research. Realizing the rights of Indigenous Peoples is vital to global sustainability and justice. In line with Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, and IDRC’s mission to advance local, Southern-led development solutions, this funding opportunity seeks to amplify Indigenous knowledge, leadership, and voices.
The program aims to facilitate knowledge exchange between Indigenous researchers and communities in the Global South and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit researchers in Canada. It seeks to foster collaboration, address shared colonial legacies, and generate transformative, interdisciplinary research rooted in Indigenous priorities.
Key Objectives
This funding opportunity is designed to:
- Support research priorities defined by Indigenous communities.
- Champion Indigenous leadership, self-determination, and capacity in research.
- Promote visibility of Indigenous researchers, students, and communities in global policy and academic fora.
- Recognize Indigenous knowledge systems as valid, integral research frameworks.
- Uphold Indigenous data sovereignty, intellectual property rights, and culturally respectful research practices.
Funded initiatives are expected to advance a shared, interdisciplinary Indigenous research agenda, laying the groundwork for long-term partnerships and potential future research projects. Activities may include knowledge-sharing events, community visits, roundtables, cultural exchanges, and joint strategy development sessions.
Scope and Themes
Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that are holistic, distinctions-based, and interdisciplinary, reflecting the diversity and depth of Indigenous knowledge systems. Proposals should reflect collaboration across multiple disciplines and subject areas. Projects must align with at least one of IDRC’s five thematic areas:
- Climate resilience and sustainable natural resources
- Inclusive governance
- Global health
- Education and science
- Sustainable inclusive economies
The proposed work must reflect the principles of mutual respect, equity, and reciprocity. The intention is to build sustained connections that can lead to future collaborative research, capacity building, and policy impact.
Eligibility
This call is open to:
- Indigenous organizations based in the Global South
- Organizations supporting Indigenous-led research programs in the Global South
Canadian organizations should apply through the Tri-agency Connection Grants.
Submission and Evaluation
Proposals must be received by September 23, 2025, at 23:59 EDT. Submissions will be reviewed based on:
- Alignment with the call’s objectives
- Strength and clarity of the research agenda
- Representation and leadership of Indigenous Peoples
- Ethical research practices, including respect for Indigenous knowledge and data sovereignty
- Potential for long-term collaboration and impact
Further details, including proposal format and evaluation criteria, are available in the full call document. Proposals must follow the required format and address all listed components.
Information Session and Contact
An information session will be held to address questions about this funding opportunity. Please refer to the IDRC website for the date, registration details, and frequently asked questions. For all inquiries, contact IDRC through the official channels listed in the call documentation.
Timeline
- Launch Date: May 30, 2025
- Deadline for Submission: September 23, 2025
- Evaluation Period: September–November 2025
- Results Announcement: Late 2025
- Project Start Date: Early 2026
Learn More
For full eligibility details, application templates, and submission instructions, visit the official IDRC.CRDI website.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the awarding organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
