Small Grants Awards 

Call for Proposals

Spring 2006

Goals

Value of Grants

Number of Awards

Project Timelines

Deadline

CCDS Research Priorities 2004-2006

Eligible Partnerships

Participatory Action Research Methodologies

Application Guidelines

Budget Guidelines

Goals

•  To facilitate research partnerships between researchers, consumer‑directed disability groups, and/or other community groups.

•   To encourage research on disability that uses a Participatory Action Research approach.  

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Value

A maximum of $5,000 will be awarded per grant/project. A maximum of one grant per fiscal year will be awarded per research team.

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Number of Awards

The number of awards will depend on the amount requested by the successful applicants. It is expected that three awards will be made each year assuming the proposals meet the standards of excellence sought.

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Project Time Lines

Normally, CCDS small grants are anticipated to be completed within one fiscal year, during that time an interim/financial report will be expected from the successful applicants as well as a final narrative/financial report at the conclusion of the project. Ethics approval is required within three months of notification that an applicant has been awarded a grant. If these requirements are not met, the grant may be withheld or terminated.

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Deadline

Applications should be received by CCDS no later than Friday, June 9, 2006. Applications will be accepted by mail, fax, or E-mail (please follow with three hard copies).  Awards will be announced after June 16th, 2006.

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CCDS Research Priorities 2004-2006

 The following is a list of eight priorities for research at CCDS which were developed by the Research Committee in consultation with the Board and community. Small Grants research proposals incorporating these priorities may be given priority.

 1.  Research related to aboriginal people with disabilities, particularly with respect to aboriginal women with disabilities, with an aim to influence policy development regarding the inclusion of aboriginal people with disabilities on the disability agenda.

2.    Research related to seniors’ issues, including disability and aging, and aging with a disability.

3.    Research related to youth with disabilities, particularly related to community integration/reintegration, education, and technology.

4.    Research related to transitioning to independence and community living.

5.    Research related to transitioning to independence and community          living with respect to persons with a variety of mental health or physical  disabilities, including transitioning from school to the workplace, re-entry into employment, etc.

6.    Research related to public attitudes/barriers and disability.

7.  Research related to leadership within the disability community.

8.  Research related to the development of a framework to evaluate the United Nations Convention on disability.

 For the 2006 call for proposals, CCDS will focus on the special theme of  employment and persons with disabilities within the identified research priorities.  

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Eligible partnerships

Community groups may be a non‑profit agency or one of its programs regardless of the group's size and/or budget. Community groups may also be a group of individuals who, although not in receipt of funds or not incorporated, have come together linked by a common interest/goal. Community groups should include members of the community, which is affected by the issues researched.

Researchers include both those individuals affiliated with a university or educational institution, and/or those who work in the community and have demonstrated experience with community‑based research. Researchers and community groups must demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to the use of participatory action research methodologies.

The nature of the partnership needs to be clearly identified, including roles and responsibilities. The partners need to have jointly developed (or plan to develop) a set of guiding principles. Different contributions and skills need to be acknowledged and the process must be inclusive and participatory.

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Participatory Action research methodologies:

The research process should include people with disabilities affected by the research question. It may be appropriate to use non-traditional methods of data collection such as art, storytelling, or drama.  It may also be appropriate to include other people who play roles that are important to understanding the research area being studied, such as parents of children with disabilities. Representatives from all partner groups should agree that the proposed research question(s), methodology, and projected outcomes are appropriate.

Principles:

•  include research, education, and action which result in change that will benefit persons with disabilities;

•  demonstrate prior consultation with persons experienced in the area;

•  meaningfully involve community members who have demonstrated their support for the project;

•  respond to community needs and circumstances, affecting the planning, implementation and dissemination phases of the study.

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Applications Guidelines:

1. Applications should be a maximum of 5 pages (12 point font).

2. Applications will not be considered unless they are complete.

3. Applications must include:

• A detailed description of the proposed research’s objectives and the significance for persons with disabilities, including a review of the relevant literature (not more than 750 words). {No longer than 1½ pages}

• A description of the proposed research partners including their research experience and community‑based experience. Outline each partner’s role and contribution to the proposed project. {No longer than ½ page}

• An outline of the research design and methodology, its theoretical basis, and how the research is participatory. {No longer than 1 ½ pages}

• A description of how results of research will be shared with academic, disability and other communities (e.g., service providers, corporate, government sectors). {No longer than ½ page}

• A description and justification of the budget. [See Budget sample below] {No more than 1 page} Please note that computers and other research equipment are not typically eligible for funding.

•  A cover letter containing the names of two persons well suited to review the proposal. Your letter must indicate that reviewing your proposal will not place these persons in a conflict of interest situation. Any questions about this can be clarified by CCDS Staff.  Note, however, that the reviewers you recommend may not necessarily be contacted.

• Please ensure that your name and the name of your organization (if applicable) appear on the title page of the proposal. The title of the study should appear on the top of the first page of your proposal.

• Up to three letters of support may be submitted with your small grant application.

• Please submit three hard copies of the proposal, plus one copy in electronic format (e-mailed to wattersc@mts.net and ccds@disabilitystudies.ca).

4. Applications can be mailed to Canadian Centre on Disability Studies, 56 The Promenade, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 3H9
   fax number is: (204) 284-5343.

5. All projects involving human participants will need ethical approval either through CCDS’ Ethics Review Committee or a university ethics committee. Awards will not be distributed until ethical approval has been obtained.

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Budget Guidelines

Example of the budget required with your application:
  {See also 'Justification of Expenses' below}

EXPENSE CATEGORY                                                  COST

i) Personnel: 
  Total (personnel expenses)...........................................$2,000

ii) Travel expenses:
    Total.........................................................................$1,000

ii)  Supplies and Other Expenses:
    {For example advertising, consent forms, etc.}
    Total Supplies etc.......................................................$2,000

Total funds required .......................................................$5,000  

Amount Requested from SRC Grant ($5000 maximum)......$5,000

  [We will also seek funds from other granting sources if 
   the amount we require is over and above the $5,000.]

Justification of Expenses

1. Personnel: 
   This expenditure represents a stipend for a researcher(s) to carry out project activities

2. Travel expenses: 
   This expenditure represents the cost of bringing in a consultant

3. Supplies and Other Expenses: 
   This expenditure represents the cost of purchasing and where appropriate

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