Overview
The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences supports the participation and recognition of emerging scholars as part of its commitment to strengthening research mobilization in Canada through its Graduate Mobilization Awards ("the Awards”).
Purpose
The Awards aim to:
- Recognize graduate students whose participation contributes to knowledge mobilization and engagement at a qualifying Federation activity; and
- Reduce financial barriers to participation.
Description
The Awards are open to graduate students across Canada, regardless of scholarly association membership, disciplines or institutions, who participate in a qualifying Federation activity.
Each Award is worth up to $750 CAD. The number of awards are determined for each activity. Eligible Federation activities may be delivered in person, online or in a hybrid format, as specified in the relevant call for applications
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a current graduate student (Master’s or Doctoral) enrolled at a recognized Canadian postsecondary institution at the time of application, with proof of enrolment. An applicant who graduates before the Activity does not lose eligibility on that basis, provided the Federation is notified of the change;
- Register for, participate in and/or attend eligible Federation activity; and
- Submit a 200–250-word statement describing how that participation will support research mobilization.
The Federation encourages applications from individuals from equity-deserving communities as part of its commitment to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization (EDID). Self‑identification is voluntary and used solely to support equitable program delivery.
Application and review process
Applications must be submitted through the Federation’s designated online platform. Applicants must provide:
- Contact and institutional information;
- Proof of current enrolment at a recognized Canadian postsecondary institution (e.g., unofficial transcript, enrollment letter, tuition/registration confirmation, or student portal screenshot showing active status);
- Proof of participation in the activity as specified in that activity’s call for applications (e.g., proof of accepted presenter status); and
- A 200–250-word personal statement describing how that participation will support research mobilization.
- Applications are reviewed against established eligibility criteria and may be approved on a rolling basis. Where applicable, remaining funds may be distributed among eligible applicants following the application deadline.
- Applicants are notified by email of the Federation’s decision and any documentation required for payment. Incomplete applications are not considered until required information is received.
- Award decisions are final and not subject to appeal. Applicants are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all information submitted.
Funding and payment
Award funding is disbursed following the eligible activity upon confirmation of participation and receipt of required documents.
Recipients provide complete banking information for direct disbursement of the award. Recipients also provide their Social Insurance Number (SIN) for tax reporting purposes where applicable. A T4 is issued in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency requirements.
Personal and financial information collected for payment and tax-reporting purposes is used solely for those purposes and is handled in accordance with the Federation's privacy policy.
Recipients are invited to consent to promotion of their Award through Federation communications channels, at the Federation’s discretion. Consent is voluntary and declining does not affect receipt of the Award.
Administration
The Graduate Mobilization Award is administered by the Federation and applies to designated Federation activities. Applicable activities, application period, funding limits, and any additional requirements are communicated through the relevant call for applications and program materials.
The Federation may modify program guidelines, timelines, or eligibility requirements as needed to support equitable and/or effective program delivery.
Questions regarding the fund or application process are directed to the Federation’s Membership team at membership@federationhss.ca.