2026 Knowledge Mobilization Grants: Mental Health of Older Persons (Canada)

Deadline: 15-Sep-2026

The Knowledge Mobilization Grants: Mental Health of Older Persons program provides funding to help researchers turn existing research evidence into practical tools, resources, and solutions that improve the mental health and well-being of older adults in Canada. Each successful project can receive $100,000 CAD for one year, with projects focusing on people aged 60 and above, their caregivers, and formal care providers. What Are the Knowledge Mobilization Grants? The Knowledge Mobilization Grants are designed to reduce the gap between research evidence and real-world application. Research on aging, mental health, dementia, and neurological conditions can take years to reach clinical practice, community services, and caregivers. This program supports projects that actively translate existing knowledge into usable approaches that can benefit older persons and the people who support them. The Mental Health of Older Persons funding stream specifically focuses on improving mental health and emotional well-being among older adults across Canada. What Does the Program Support? Projects should focus on mobilizing existing research evidence rather than primarily generating new research. Projects can address several aspects of mental health and well-being in later life. Early Identification and Response Projects may help improve the ability of health and community systems to identify mental health needs among older adults at an earlier stage. This can include practical approaches for recognising concerns and connecting individuals with appropriate support. Prevention and Support The program supports approaches that help maintain mental health, emotional well-being, independence, and quality of life. Projects should demonstrate how existing evidence can be transformed into practical preventive or supportive interventions. Care-Partner Well-Being Mental health challenges can also affect family caregivers and professional care providers. Projects may therefore develop resources or strategies that help care partners protect their own mental health and strengthen their ability to provide support. Why Knowledge Mobilization Matters Knowledge mobilization helps close the gap between what research demonstrates and what people actually use in practice. A successful knowledge mobilization project can: Translate complex research into accessible information. Connect researchers with communities. Support evidence-informed decision-making. Improve clinical and community practices. Strengthen caregiver resources. Increase the practical impact of existing research. Help older adults receive better-informed mental health support. The program therefore prioritizes the application and translation of knowledge, rather than simply producing additional academic research. How Much Funding Is Available?

Each grant provides:

$100,000 CAD for one year.

The funding is:

Non-renewable. Intended for a one-year project. Subject to the program’s sponsor contribution requirement. Up to four grants will be awarded. The overall program allocation is $300,000 CAD, jointly provided by Brain Canada and the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) through the Canada Brain Research Fund. Sponsor Funding Requirement Applicants are required to secure 25% of the funding from eligible sponsors. This means applicants should identify appropriate eligible sponsors and account for the required contribution when developing their project budget and funding strategy. Who Is Eligible? The program is intended for established independent researchers working within Canada’s academic research system.

Eligible applicants must:

Be full-time independent researchers. Be affiliated with a Canadian academic institution for the duration of the grant. Hold a position at the level of: Assistant Professor. Associate Professor. Full Professor. The applicant must remain affiliated with the eligible Canadian academic institution throughout the grant period. What Expertise Should the Research Team Have? Projects should be supported by teams with the expertise necessary to move research evidence into practical use. The program also encourages applicants to involve trainees where appropriate. What Is Co-Creation? Co-creation means developing knowledge products or solutions collaboratively with the people who will use or benefit from them. For this program, this could involve working directly with: Older adults. Family caregivers. Health professionals. Community organisations. Care providers. Other relevant stakeholders. Co-creation can help ensure that the final tools or resources are practical, accessible, relevant, and responsive to real-world needs. Project Duration and Timeline

Projects are expected to:

Begin: March 2027.

Duration: One year.

Completion: Within one year of the project start.

A no-cost extension of up to six months may be possible if approved. A no-cost extension provides additional time without increasing the original grant amount. How the Knowledge Mobilization Grant Works

Step 1: Identify an Evidence-to-Practice Gap

Applicants should identify an existing research finding, body of evidence, or evidence-informed approach that is not being effectively used in practice. The problem should be relevant to the mental health or well-being of older persons.

Step 2: Define the Target Population

Clearly identify who will benefit. This could include older adults aged 60+, people living with dementia, caregivers, or formal care providers.

Step 3: Develop the Knowledge Mobilization Approach

Explain how research evidence will be translated into practical resources, tools, strategies, or other usable solutions.

Step 4: Build a Multidisciplinary Team

Bring together the expertise required for: Knowledge translation. Co-creation. Content development. Stakeholder engagement. Implementation. Impact evaluation.

Step 5: Develop an Impact Evaluation Plan

Applicants should explain how they will determine whether their knowledge mobilization