Updated July 2026
Purpose
The SSHRC Insight Planning Fund provides up to $1500 toward research assistant support for UTM researchers who are developing proposals for the next available SSHRC Insight Grant competition. This funding opportunity is limited to those who plan to apply in Stream B, i.e., with a budget over $125,000. By applying for and accepting this funding, the applicant commits to submit an application in Stream B to the next SSHRC Insight Grant competition.
This funding program aligns with the OVPRI’s strategic goal of improving participation rates in Tri-council funding programs in the social sciences and humanities, and the University’s goal of increasing its market-share of Tri-council funding. With this program we hope to facilitate more applications, and, in turn, more external funding for ambitious research programs in the social sciences and humanities.
We recognize that preparing proposals and budgets for these funding competitions can be time-consuming, and this funding is intended to provide additional support to reduce the demands upon applicants.
Eligibility Guidelines
Applicants have a primary appointment at UTM and eligibility to serve as a Principal Investigator according to University of Toronto policy, and must be actively preparing a Steam B application for the next available SSHRC Insight Grant competition.
Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee that one will receive funding.
Adjudication Process
Applications will be reviewed by OVPRI’s senior academic leadership team. Funding will be awarded as capacity allows.
Application Format
Applications will include the following:
- a cover sheet that includes applicant’s name, department, email, appointment status, and CC/CFC account number
- an executive summary (150-250 words) of the project for which the applicant will be seeking funding, including a working title, a brief description, a list of team members (if applicable), and a proposed end-date for the grant
- a current c.v.
Submission Instructions
Please submit application materials as a single PDF file to funding.ovpri.utm@utoronto.ca, with the subject line “SSHRC Insight Grant Planning Fund Application”. Your file na,e should use the following format: SIGPF Application - Applicant’s Last Name, Applicant’s First Name.
Conditions
Funding recipients must commit to:
- apply as a primary applicant in Stream B (for grant budgets greater than $125,000) in the next available SSHRC Insight Grant competition
- submit their grant application to the UTM OVPRI for internal editorial review and/or internal peer review, which requires submitting 2-4 weeks in advance of the regular internal deadline — more information on internal review is available here.
Application Results
OVPRI will communicate application results by email.
Questions
Please address all questions about this program to funding.ovpri.utm@utoronto.ca.