MEOPAR (Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response Network) is a Canadian not-for-profit organization that supports research, training, and communication related to the ocean through funding programs. The Community-led Research Seed Funding Grant is designed to support the development of research and capacities addressing community needs and priorities related to the ocean sector.
The specific objectives of this seed funding are to support communities to:
- Identify ocean sector research priorities or develop research capacity.
- Build activities to support research projects, capacity or infrastructure in communities.
- Develop community-led research proposals.
- Co-design community-led research proposals with academics, students, other community partners, non-profits, and/or industry.
- Identify research capacity in terms of human resources and or infrastructure.
Alignment with MEOPAR Objectives and Science Strategy
MEOPAR has identified the following objectives for which targeted funding will be provided:
- Strengthen the evidence base for decision making and adaptation through development of improved tools, techniques, and strategies for ocean and coastal observation, prediction, and information sharing.
- Increase economic opportunity, coastal community resilience, and marine ecosystem protection in the face of climate and technological change through end-user-driven science and novel collaborative structures.
- Improve access to and use of ocean research infrastructures.
- Diversify, develop, and broaden deployment of Canada's ocean-related research and innovation talent.
Applicants are also encouraged to consult the MEOPAR Science Strategy 2025–2030 for further context and to ensure alignment with MEOPAR’s long-term vision and core priorities.
MEOPAR is committed to actively moving forward on the path of Truth and Reconciliation and advancing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) initiatives in all its activities. Thus, MEOPAR requires that the proposed projects engage in practices that apply an EDIA lens to all its activities. Project activities should involve a diversity of members that includes Indigenous Peoples and those from equity deserving groups in its leadership and overall organizational composition. Priority in awarding funding will be given to successful applications from diverse teams and to those that effectively demonstrate a commitment to EDIA and Truth and Reconciliation principles.
Structure of the Call:
These grants are specifically aimed at 1) support the development or reinforce relationships to co-develop research activities, 2) supporting the design of Community-led research projects, and to 3) develop new community-based research capacity.
The term ‘Research’ is defined here as research projects from any discipline related to the ocean (it encompasses Indigenous, natural, health, social sciences humanities and engineering), and/or Indigenous research and methodologies that engage with ocean experts and knowledge holders in communities.
Terms and funding level
1-year project: $25,000 – One-year projects are for communities and research teams who need resources to co-design and develop full research projects.
Your application must be submitted using the MEOPAR submission platform by 11:59p.m. ET on October 4th, 2025 available at: https://meopar.smapply.io/. If not received by MEOPAR by that time and date, the platform will not be available anymore and your application will be rejected.
Direct any questions to: maeva.gauthier@meopar.ca
MEOPAR will be arranging webinars shortly after launching the call and project proponents are encouraged to attend these to help with proposal development. MEOPAR will support a peer learning exchange for all the successful recipients and participation in this group is expected.
MEOPAR will receive proposals and provide an initial compliance screening. Proposals that do not follow these requirements explicitly will be returned to the applicant(s) and given one 1-week period to comply and resubmit. Proposals that still do not comply with these criteria will be removed from the competition and will not be considered.
Community-led Research Seed Fund 2025
MEOPAR (Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response Network) is a Canadian not-for-profit organization that supports research, training, and communication related to the ocean through funding programs. The Community-led Research Seed Funding Grant is designed to support the development of research and capacities addressing community needs and priorities related to the ocean sector.
The specific objectives of this seed funding are to support communities to:
- Identify ocean sector research priorities or develop research capacity.
- Build activities to support research projects, capacity or infrastructure in communities.
- Develop community-led research proposals.
- Co-design community-led research proposals with academics, students, other community partners, non-profits, and/or industry.
- Identify research capacity in terms of human resources and or infrastructure.
Alignment with MEOPAR Objectives and Science Strategy
MEOPAR has identified the following objectives for which targeted funding will be provided:
- Strengthen the evidence base for decision making and adaptation through development of improved tools, techniques, and strategies for ocean and coastal observation, prediction, and information sharing.
- Increase economic opportunity, coastal community resilience, and marine ecosystem protection in the face of climate and technological change through end-user-driven science and novel collaborative structures.
- Improve access to and use of ocean research infrastructures.
- Diversify, develop, and broaden deployment of Canada's ocean-related research and innovation talent.
Applicants are also encouraged to consult the MEOPAR Science Strategy 2025–2030 for further context and to ensure alignment with MEOPAR’s long-term vision and core priorities.
MEOPAR is committed to actively moving forward on the path of Truth and Reconciliation and advancing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) initiatives in all its activities. Thus, MEOPAR requires that the proposed projects engage in practices that apply an EDIA lens to all its activities. Project activities should involve a diversity of members that includes Indigenous Peoples and those from equity deserving groups in its leadership and overall organizational composition. Priority in awarding funding will be given to successful applications from diverse teams and to those that effectively demonstrate a commitment to EDIA and Truth and Reconciliation principles.
Structure of the Call:
These grants are specifically aimed at 1) support the development or reinforce relationships to co-develop research activities, 2) supporting the design of Community-led research projects, and to 3) develop new community-based research capacity.
The term ‘Research’ is defined here as research projects from any discipline related to the ocean (it encompasses Indigenous, natural, health, social sciences humanities and engineering), and/or Indigenous research and methodologies that engage with ocean experts and knowledge holders in communities.
Terms and funding level
1-year project: $25,000 – One-year projects are for communities and research teams who need resources to co-design and develop full research projects.
Your application must be submitted using the MEOPAR submission platform by 11:59p.m. ET on October 4th, 2025 available at: https://meopar.smapply.io/. If not received by MEOPAR by that time and date, the platform will not be available anymore and your application will be rejected.
Direct any questions to: maeva.gauthier@meopar.ca
MEOPAR will be arranging webinars shortly after launching the call and project proponents are encouraged to attend these to help with proposal development. MEOPAR will support a peer learning exchange for all the successful recipients and participation in this group is expected.
MEOPAR will receive proposals and provide an initial compliance screening. Proposals that do not follow these requirements explicitly will be returned to the applicant(s) and given one 1-week period to comply and resubmit. Proposals that still do not comply with these criteria will be removed from the competition and will not be considered.