Competition

* Unless explicitly noted, all times indicated for deadlines are for the appropriate NL timezone (NST or NDT)

We're looking to address the most critical challenges for the future of work in Canada by supporting partners with innovative pilot project ideas at different stages of development. Partners are invited to apply to one of two streams:

Stream 1 – Designing Solutions, $75,000 to $95,000 per project

We are looking for project ideas and concepts that are still under development but that can demonstrate clear ambition and a strong team behind them. Projects funded in this stream will focus on solution design and preparing for potential piloting and will work closely with a designated technical assistance partner to both develop their concept and document learning.

Stream 2 – Strengthening Outcomes, $350,000 to $500,000 per project

We will support initiatives that are ready for implementation, having already undergone thorough consultation and design. The initiative should demonstrate both promising results to date and capacity to carry the project forward in a short timeframe to achieve tangible outcomes. Funded projects will focus on advancing skills outcomes based on evidence of what has worked. These initiatives will be further tested through implementation and with the required support of a designated evaluation and learning partner.

Proposals should relate to our Focus Areas:

Pathways to Jobs Facilitating pathways for individuals entering, transitioning, and advancing in the labour market.

SME Adaptability Engaging Canadian employers, especially SMEs, in meaningful skills development and utilization.

Tech and Automation Preparing workers and employers for a more digital and connected world of work.

Inclusive Economy Driving labour market inclusion for underrepresented groups, including with an emphasis on Black Youth, Newcomers, and Indigenous & Northern Communities.

Sustainable Jobs Advancing skills development and transition planning for a decarbonized economy.

In addition to the external funding agency’s submission procedures, this opportunity must also be submitted for Departmental, HSS Faculty, and Research Initiatives and Services (RIS) institutional reviews and approvals via Memorial's Researcher Portal (RP). In order to facilitate the HSS Faculty’s administrative review, please ensure "Heather C. O'Brien (Grants Facilitator)" and “Matthew Milner (Grants Facilitator)” are added as "Team Members" on your RP file. 

In accordance with University-wide approval protocols, all tabs of the RP file must be completed, the completed application must be uploaded to the “Attachments” tab, all supporting documentation including support for cash and in-kind commitments and/or letters of support must also be uploaded, and “Submit” must be pressed prior to the HSS internal deadline listed below. HSS cannot guarantee completion of an administrative review for application files that are incomplete and/or are submitted after the HSS deadline. For more detailed submission instructions and information, please consult the HSS Research Support Services website.

If you plan to apply to this competition or other research funding opportunities (as either PI or CI), e-mail an HSS Grants Facilitator, Heather C. O’Brien (HSSResearchAdmin@mun.ca or 864-8603) or Matthew Milner (HSSResearchGrants@mun.ca or 864-8050), to notify the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of your intent to apply. E-mailing the intent to apply as early as possible will help to facilitate an efficient review. A Grants Facilitator can answer any questions you may have about internal or external submission procedures and may also be able to help with proposal development.