Knowledge Mobilization Funding

OVERVIEW:

The Connected Minds Knowledge Mobilization Fund plays a crucial role in implementing the Connected Minds Knowledge Mobilization Plan. Its purpose is to support the translation of research results into action, foster sustainable relationships, and match research strengths with the needs of various stakeholders, including innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, community groups, and government sectors. The overall goal of these funds is to maximize the real-world impact of the Connected Minds Program, specifically with regards to potential end-users and the general public at large.

APPLICATION TYPES:

1) Event sponsorships

Sponsoring events allows Connected Minds to actively participate in the broader community. It demonstrates a commitment to engagement beyond organizational boundaries. Connected Minds also gains visibility among a relevant audience, including potential new members, partners, and stakeholders.

2) Member-initiated workshops/events (Internal or External)

Supporting member-initiated/organized events facilitates the exchange of knowledge and expertise within the organization and reaching new audiences. These events should encourage collaboration and the sharing of best practices, fostering a sense of community among members.

3) Other member-initiated knowledge mobilization activities

Knowledge mobilization can take many forms (e.g., artistic expression, digital storytelling, creative writing, language translation, collaborative platforms, etc.). By exploring these non-traditional knowledge mobilization practices, researchers can make their work more accessible, engaging, and impactful across diverse communities and sectors.

AWARD AMOUNT
Up to $5,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE
July 3, 2025

Click Here to Apply

Only Connected Minds members and Postdoctoral Fellows are eligible to apply.

Applicants may hold a maximum of two Knowledge Mobilization awards at a time.

PLEASE NOTE: KM Funds are issued strictly as reimbursements for eligible expenses or as direct payments for invoiced services already provided. Direct fund transfers will not be made.

Submit an application through the online link provided above. Components include:

Proposal (max 750 words, not including supplementary materials, e.g., program schedule, budget justification, references, etc.)
Applicants should submit a detailed proposal outlining the purpose, goals, and expected outcomes of the proposed activity.
Proposals must provide a clear demonstration of how the KM activity aligns with Connected Minds goals.
Please describe the community/end user/stakeholder group is being engaged in the proposed activity.
Please indicate if this KM activity incorporates content related to Indigenous communities or research that centers on Indigenous knowledge and experiences.

Budget and Resource Allocation
A detailed budget must be provided, indicating how funds will be utilized for effective knowledge mobilization. Provide clear indication of any external support or partnerships contributing to the proposed activity.

Evaluation and Approval
The KM Committee will adjudicate applications based on the criteria detailed below. Decisions will be made collectively, considering the potential impact and alignment with Connected Minds objectives.

Conference travel;
Meal per diems;
Commuting costs for faculty and members of the research team between their residence and place of employment, or between two places of employment;
Passport and immigration/visa fees;
Costs associated with thesis examination and defense, including external examiner costs;
Reimbursement for airfare purchased using personal frequent flyer points programs;

Event Sponsorships

Alignment with Connected Minds Vision and Mission: 25%
Demonstrates clear alignment with the program's vision of utilizing technology to promote social health and justice.
- Applicants are also encouraged to consider the following questions regarding Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in their Knowledge Mobilization initiatives:
  1. Describe any efforts to ensure equitable representation and participation of underrepresented groups, including but not limited to Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
    - Example: Are there targeted outreach efforts that are culturally sensitive in appropriate community settings, financial support, or presentation/leadership opportunities available to encourage participation from underrepresented groups in the initiative?
  2. In what ways does your Knowledge Mobilization plan foster collaboration and partnership with organizations or groups representing diverse identities and backgrounds?
    - Example: Are there opportunities for co-creation and co-design of initiatives and outputs with community-based organizations, grassroots movements, or advocacy groups serving marginalized populations?

Contribution to Knowledge Mobilization and Visibility: 25%
Illustrates how the proposed activity contributes to the mobilization of Connected Minds research outputs.
Highlights potential impact on societal well-being, with a focus on diversity and equity deserving groups.
Event's Potential Impact and Audience: 20%
Demonstrates a realistic plan for ensuring the event is well attended by the desired audience, what the applicant hopes to achieve by hosting the event, and how the event's success will be measured.
Engagement and Outreach Strategy: 20%
1. Are there strategies for engaging underrepresented groups or expanding CM’s reach beyond academia?
2. Are outreach efforts being made to involve a diverse audience (e.g. industry, hospital, government, community partners, etc)?
Budget and Feasibility: 10%
1. Are there strategies for engaging underrepresented groups or expanding CM’s reach beyond academia?
2. Are outreach efforts being made to involve a diverse audience (e.g. industry, hospital, government, community partners, etc)?

Member-Initiated Workshops/Events

Alignment with Connected Minds Vision and Mission: 25%
Demonstrates clear alignment with the program's vision of utilizing technology to promote social health and justice.
- Applicants are also encouraged to consider the following questions regarding Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in their Knowledge Mobilization initiatives:
  1. Describe any efforts to ensure equitable representation and participation of underrepresented groups, including but not limited to Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
    - Example: Are there targeted outreach efforts that are culturally sensitive in appropriate community settings, financial support, or presentation/leadership opportunities available to encourage participation from underrepresented groups in the initiative?
  2. In what ways does your Knowledge Mobilization plan foster collaboration and partnership with organizations or groups representing diverse identities and backgrounds?
    - Example: Are there opportunities for co-creation and co-design of initiatives and outputs with community-based organizations, grassroots movements, or advocacy groups serving marginalized populations?

Contribution to Knowledge Exchange and Interdisciplinary Collaboration: 25%
1. Is the workshop/event designed to encourage knowledge exchange and collaboration among participants from different disciplines, organizations or communities?
2. Does the event/workshop facilitate the practical application of research outputs in real-world contexts?
Engagement of Non-Traditional KMb Methods that Foster Innovation and Challenge the Status Quo: 15%
1. Does the proposed activity utilize non-traditional knowledge mobilization practices (e.g., artistic expression, digital storytelling, community engagement)?
2. Does the proposed activity integrate multiple forms of knowledge sharing to engage varied audiences (academic and non-academic)?
Outreach and Dissemination Plan: 15%
1. Are intentional outreach efforts being made to engage/include a diverse audience at the workshop/event?
2. Are there strategies for engaging underrepresented groups or expanding CM’s reach beyond academia?
Sustainability and Long-Term Impact: 10%
1. Does the workshop/event have the potential to generate outputs (e.g., reports, publications, or toolkits) that could benefit the Connected Minds community in the future?
2. Is there a strategy to leverage the outcomes of the event to inform future initiatives or projects within the Connected Minds community and/or beyond?
Budget and Feasibility: 10%
1. Is the budget reasonable for the proposed scale of the event?
2. Are costs aligned with the potential benefits to Connected Minds?

Other Member-Initiated Knowledge Mobilization Activities

Alignment with Connected Minds Vision and Mission: 25%
Demonstrates clear alignment with the program's vision of utilizing technology to promote social health and justice.
- Applicants are also encouraged to consider the following questions regarding Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in their Knowledge Mobilization initiatives:
  1. Describe any efforts to ensure equitable representation and participation of underrepresented groups, including but not limited to Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
    - Example: Are there targeted outreach efforts that are culturally sensitive in appropriate community settings, financial support, or presentation/leadership opportunities available to encourage participation from underrepresented groups in the initiative?
  2. In what ways does your Knowledge Mobilization plan foster collaboration and partnership with organizations or groups representing diverse identities and backgrounds?
    - Example: Are there opportunities for co-creation and co-design of initiatives and outputs with community-based organizations, grassroots movements, or advocacy groups serving marginalized populations?

Engagement of Non-Traditional KMb Methods that Foster Innovation and Challenge the Status Quo: 25%
1. Does the proposed activity utilize non-traditional knowledge mobilization practices (e.g., artistic expression, digital storytelling, community engagement)?
2. Does the proposed activity integrate multiple forms of knowledge sharing to engage varied audiences (academic and non-academic)?
Dissemination and Engagement Strategy: 20%
1. Is there a robust plan for involving participants in the co-creation and dissemination of materials and outputs (e.g., collaborative report writing, joint presentations, or multimedia outputs)?
Sustainability and Long-Term Impact: 20%
1. Does the workshop/event have the potential to generate outputs (e.g., reports, publications, or toolkits) that could benefit the Connected Minds community in the future?
2. Is there a strategy to leverage the outcomes of the event to inform future initiatives or projects within the Connected Minds community and/or beyond?
Budget and Feasibility: 10%
1. Is the budget reasonable for the proposed scale of the event?
2. Are costs aligned with the potential benefits to Connected Minds?

We appreciate the interest and effort of all applicants across our funding opportunities. Due to the high volume of applications and in order to maintain a fair and efficient review process, we are unable to provide individual feedback or respond to inquiries regarding selection outcomes. All decisions are final, and we are not able to accommodate requests for reconsideration.

Successful applicants are required to submit a post-event/activity report detailing outcomes and impact within two months of the end of the event. Please include specific details such as number of attendees, profile of attendees (trainees, scholars, partners, etc.)

Note: These guidelines are subject to periodic review and adjustment by the Connected Minds Knowledge Mobilization Committee.

Last updated: 03/01/2024