New research funding opportunities: navigating post-service services; influence of occupational culture in help-seeking; economic analysis of supports for Family members

Research funding opportunities aim to enhance knowledge and research capacity for Veterans and Families

For the fourth year in a row, the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families is proud to offer new research funding opportunities in three critical areas, designed to enhance understanding and support the mental health and well-being of Veterans and their Families. This year, based on input from Veterans and Families identifying areas and issues of priority to them, Atlas will fund research on:

• The experience of navigating post-service supports and services for Canadian Armed Forces Veterans
• The influence of occupational culture on help-seeking and mental health care for former uniformed members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
• An economic analysis of supports for Veteran Family members in their own right

The funding program, led by the Research Partnerships team, contributes to a key objective of the organizational strategic plan, which involves building trusted relationships and fostering collaborations with researchers, as well as Veteran and Family groups across Canada. The goal is to consistently explore and advance research questions related to health and well-being, rethinking trauma and traumatic stress, while incorporating the experiences of minorities within military and Veteran communities.

Our aim is to provide equitable, transparent and competitive funding opportunities while expanding our understanding of the diverse topics related to the mental health and well-being of Veterans and their Families. This program of funding underscores our commitment to encouraging innovation and collaboration within the research community.

Applicants seeking funding through the program will need to demonstrate how their project aligns with the Atlas Institute’s overarching mission. Applicants are also encouraged to consider the topic area broadly and should not be discouraged from applying if their proposed research does not align precisely with the areas of inquiry outlined above. Priority will be given to proposals that clearly demonstrate a need grounded in the experiences, priorities, or knowledge of the Veteran and Family community and make a strong case for how the proposed research will address that need.

The Atlas Institute will accept proposals via a request for proposal (RFP) process, launched October 26, 2026. Proposals will be accepted until 11:59 p.m., Eastern time on December 7, 2026, with the anticipated notice of decision in early 2027.

For more information about the funding program, visit the Atlas Institute’s research funding opportunities webpage, or contact the Research Partnerships team at research@atlasinstitute.ca for inquiries.