CIHR Health Research Collaboration

Advancing health research often depends on finding the right partners and funding streams to turn strong ideas into real-world impact. For nonprofit organizations working in healthcare, medical research, or life sciences, the CIHR Health Research Collaboration opens the door to a wide range of research funding and partnership opportunities across Canada and internationally. Rather than a single grant, this initiative reflects how the Canadian Institutes of Health Research supports collaboration-driven projects that address complex health challenges.

Through CIHR, eligible organizations can access non-repayable funding that spans the full spectrum of health research, from biomedical discovery and clinical studies to health systems innovation and population health. Support is offered through multiple institutes, each focused on specific priority areas, allowing applicants to align their projects with targeted research goals. Funding levels vary depending on the opportunity and scope of the work, ranging from smaller, early-stage research activities to larger, multi-year collaborative projects. Many opportunities are ongoing, with regular intake cycles throughout the year.

For nonprofits looking to strengthen their research capacity, build national or global partnerships, or contribute to improved health outcomes for Canadians, this program can be a strategic entry point. Reviewing the available opportunities in more detail can help determine which CIHR funding streams best match your organization’s research objectives.