CCRF is pleased to offer this Spring 2026 Request for Proposals (RFP) to researchers and clinicians in the chiropractic and adjacent healthcare fields who meet the eligibility requirements. Grant awards for individual projects will range from $5,000 to $20,000.
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to review the following
This RFP is focused on funding for projects addressing women’s musculoskeletal (MSK) health issues. As stated by the leadership of the Canadian Chiropractic Association Women’s Chiropractic Caucus, “MSK health concerns, including pain, are incredibly common among women and girls and represent a significant, growing health burden in Canada. MSK conditions affect more than 25% of the population and are a leading cause of chronic pain and disability. Women are disproportionately impacted – with 55% of Canadians living with chronic pain being women. Yet, a gender health gap still exists, driven by factors such as limited awareness, stigma, and a long history of insufficient research and recognition of women’s health needs. Chiropractic care plays an important role in supporting women’s health at every stage of life – from adolescence through pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, menopause, and beyond – by helping women stay mobile and active.”
Preference will be given to pragmatic and cost-effective projects that can be completed in 6 to 12 months. Submissions including complementary financing from other sources will be prioritized.
Prospective applicants are also encouraged to review the following:
- CCRF’s National Research Priorities: Basic Science, Clinical Science, Health Systems and Population Health.
- CCRF’s FAQs: These have been updated and contain information which may impact the success of your proposal
Granting decisions will be approved by the CCRF Board of Directors based on Research Committee recommendations.
Steps to Apply
1
Letter of Intent (LOI)
Step 1: Applicants review current RFP guidelines and submit an LOI outlining proposal scope and focus.
2
Evaluation
Step 2: Following LOI evaluation, applicants will either be invited to prepare a Grant Application or notified a grant will not be offered this cycle.
3
Grant Application
Step 3: Following Grant Application evaluation, submitters will receive an approval of funding or be notified a grant will not be offered this cycle.
How To Apply
CCRF uses a three-step application process. Before applying, please review all eligibility criteria and FAQs.
Step One: Letter of Intent (LOI)
- Grant seekers submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to provide a succinct proposal overview .The LOI summarizes the project concept, anticipated outputs and the funding request.
- LOIs must follow the submission format and instructions below
- LOIs must be received by 11:59 pm on Thursday, May 14th, 2026
LOI Submission Format
- English language on your organization’s letterhead
- LOI should be no more than two pages in length, single-sided, single-spaced, Calibri 11-point
font, and 1-inch margins with page numbers at the bottom
- Page One should include:
- Project title
- General research design
- Applicant’s name, degree, contact information and professional affiliation
- Amount of grant requested
- Page Two should contain the research abstract, which describes the scope, purpose, methodology, hypothesis of your project and content of the proposed work. Please indicate the anticipated impact of this research and why it is important to further knowledge within one or more of the four CCRF Areas of Focus (Basic Science, Clinical Science, Health Systems, Population Health).
- Supporting materials, such as peer reviewed publications and biographic information, are optional and can be provided as attachments (maximum two pages)
- Proposals must be dated and signed by principal applicant
- Signed proposals must contain the following declarations: “We/I confirm, that to the best of our/my knowledge, this LOI submission is accurate. We/I also certify all identified investigators will fully participate in the proposed work. We/I have read and understood the most recent CCRF Request for Proposal and Letter of Intent Guidelines.”
Submission Instructions
- A single PDF file containing the LOI and all supporting documents should be emailed
to info@chiroresearch.ca no later than 11:59 pm on Thursday, May 14th, 2026
- PDF files should be saved as “LOI_lead submitter last name_institution_year.” (e.g.,
LOI_Harris_University of Toronto_2026)
- A confirmation email will be sent within 3 business days of receipt
Proposal evaluation is overseen and administered by the CCRF Research Committee.
• Each LOI is evaluated by the Research Committee and assessed for methodological merit and rigour
• Grant applications are provided only to selected projects that align with the objectives and areas of focus outlined in the RFP
• All submitters will be notified of the status of their project. Those who do not receive an application will be notified that a grant will not be offered this cycle.
Based on the LOI, CCRF will provide selected teams with a grant application.
- Grant applications include a cover letter, project overview, phases and timeline, monetary
request, submitter background/qualifications, references, other funding sources (projected and confirmed) and multimedia components (if any)
- For grant requests of $20,000, a 30-minute videoconference presentation may be requested
- Grant applications and LOI budgets are usually identical. If a budget change is requested during the grant application stage, it should be justified by the submitter.
- Final funding recommendations are approved by the CCRF Board
- Applicants are informed about proposal status with a letter indicating:
– A grant will not be offered during this cycle
– A grant is approved contingent on CCRF terms and conditions
To be considered for funding by CCRF your project must:
- Be executed by researchers in good standing within their professional associations and meet these eligibility requirements:
- At least one Canadian Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) team member residing in Canada is required
- A Canadian project lead is preferred but not required
- A PhD is beneficial but not required if sufficient research, publication experience and institutional support can be demonstrated
- Submissions that identify additional funding sources or financially beneficial partnerships are strongly encouraged
- Be conducted in accordance with Canadian legal, regulatory and ethical guidelines
- Be eligible for publication in an accredited, peer-reviewed journal
For funding consideration in this RFP cycle, we invite applicants to consider these guiding points when developing submissions:
- Explore gaps in current knowledge or expand on existing studies in meaningful ways
- Demonstrate fresh thinking and/or innovative use of technology, including Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
- Explore diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) factors
Important Dates
- LOIs must be received by 11:59 pm on Thursday, May 14th, 2026
- CCRF will inform applicants if a Grant Application (based on the LOI) will be requested on or before Friday, June 26th, 2026
- Final grant decisions are scheduled to be determined in November 2026
Have a question? Check Grant FAQs
For all other inquiries, please contact us at info@chiroresearch.ca