Updated: July 2026
Purpose
This program provides up to $10,000 funding to support Black and/or Indigenous researchers in the development of new research.
Eligibility Guidelines
Applicants must self-identify as Black and/or Indigenous, and must have a primary appointment at UTM and eligibility to serve as a Principal Investigator according to University of Toronto policy. Although OVPRI will not request or require documentation to support self-identification, those applicants self-identifying as Indigenous should follow the principles laid out in the Tri-Agency Policy on Indigenous Citizenship and Membership Affirmation.
These funds must be administered through a UTM academic unit.
Proposals that are similar in nature cannot be submitted to other OVPRI funding programs at the same time.
Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee that one will receive funding.
Adjudication Process
Applications to this program will be adjudicated by an interdisciplinary group of University of Toronto faculty with subject matter expertise who have training in unconscious bias. Applicants are expected to write their applications with a non-specialist audience in mind, and to avoid highly specialized or technical language.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated with reference to the following criteria:
- the clarity with which the research problem and project goals have been articulated;
- the clarity and appropriateness of the proposed methodology;
- the significance of the proposed research; and
- the appropriateness of budget (standard Tri-Council expense eligibility requirements will apply)
The adjudication committee may recommend a lower amount of funding than requested.
Application Format
Please use 12pt Times New Roman font, with margins set at a minimum of 0.75 in. A complete proposal includes the following documents:
- Cover Sheet
- Project Description (maximum 2 pages) that includes (1) an explanation of the project, situated in relation to relevant scholarship, (2) a brief discussion of methodology, and (3) an explanation of the significance of the proposed project and its expected outcomes.
- Bibliography/References/Works Cited (optional; 1 page maximum)
- Budget Justification (1 page maximum) including an itemized budget and rationale for each expense.
Submission Instructions
Please submit your application as a single PDF document, including cover sheer, using the application portal. Your file name should use the following format: 2026 BIREF Applicant's Last Name, Applicant's First Name.
Applications for the next competition are due by December 1, 2026.
Competition Results
OVPRI will communicate application results by email. Deliberations are confidential. Individual scores and rankings will not be provided, but in the case of an unsuccessful application, general feedback may be provided upon request.
Post-Award Details
Certifications: If University certifications for research using human subjects, animal subjects, or biohazards are required to conduct the proposed research, such certifications need not be provided at the time of application. However, successful applicants are required to secure any necessary certification(s) prior to beginning the research being funded (partially or wholly) by the BIREF award, and those who fail to secure the necessary certification(s) will be expected to return any OVPRI funding they received.
Participation as reviewer in future competitions: Upon acceptance of funding from the Black and Indigenous Research Excellence Fund, successful applicants will be required to participate as referees in at least two OVPRI internal funding competitions or as reviewers on an internal peer-review panel.
Final Report: OVPRI staff will reach out to successful applicants one year following receipt of funds to request a brief report describing the outcomes of this funding.
Questions
Please address all questions about this program to funding.ovpri.utm@utoronto.ca.