With nearly 80 scholarly associations, the Federation represents the breadth and depth of Canada’s humanities and social sciences. Together, we advance dialogue and leadership across disciplines.
Member associations gain a collective voice in national conversations, access to shared tools and expertise, and the strength of a community working toward a more visible and valued HSS sector.
Beyond voting rights at the Federation’s Annual Meeting, associations can count on:
- Collective advocacy for your disciplines that engages with issues that are important to you and your association.
- Capacity building opportunities for your association’s leaders and members.
- Spaces to connect the HSS community across the country.
Explore your membership
Convening and community-building
Members participate in, and have support to convene at, national gatherings that strengthen collaboration and visibility across the HSS community.
Beginning in 2026, the Federation will support associations in preparing for Congress 2027, building on recommendations from the Reimagining Congress Task Force.
Federation webinars and events offer opportunities for knowledge exchange, training, and engagement across HSS disciplines.
Funding, awards, and financial support
Members have access to funding and awards that recognize scholarly contributions, as well as preferential rates that help reduce costs for association operations and activities.
Our fund awards up to $3,000 in support of association initiatives that advance equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization. Learn more.
Eligibility for publication, translation, and open access grants that recognize and support outstanding scholarship. Learn more.
Your members' scholarly books are eligible for Canada’s foremost humanities and social sciences publication award, offering national recognition that strengthens their reach and influence. Learn more.
As a nominating partner, the Federation invites members to recommend HSS innovators whose work strengthens Canada’s innovation landscape. Learn more and see our past winners.
Advocacy and policy influence
Your association benefits from a coordinated national presence that strengthens the voice of the humanities and social sciences in federal policy discussions.
We represent the HSS community in meetings with federal ministers and officials, national consultations, standing committee appearances, and federal budget processes. Explore how and where we're making your voice heard.
Members can propose policy issues requiring national attention. Submissions inform how the Federation develops positions on matters affecting Canada’s HSS community. Submit.
We work with leading postsecondary organizations to advance shared priorities and ensure HSS perspectives are reflected in national dialogue.
Communications and public visibility
Your association and its members gain access to national platforms that highlight your research and achievements to academic and public audiences.
Features in our newsletter and social media channels extend the reach of your initiatives to an audience of over 60,000 readers.
Associations are invited to share stories at communications@federationhss.ca.
Association members can be invited as guests or submit topics, offering a platform to engage public audiences with leading HSS ideas. Discover the Big Thinking Podcast and submit your ideas.
Professional services and operational support
Members benefit from practical tools that strengthen operations and support event delivery.
Preferential rates for Directors’ and Officers’ liability, errors and omissions, general liability, and one-time event policies designed for not-for-profit associations.
Initial consultation with a Not-for-Profit and Charity Law specialist at no cost to your association.
Tailored support plans—from basic through to logistics and Zoom add-ons—designed to meet the needs of associations hosting events.
Contact membership@federationhss.ca to learn more.
Leadership and professional development
Support for association leaders as they navigate governance, planning, and strategic decision-making.
Starting in 2027, the Federation will offer programming designed for association leaders. Consultations in 2026 will shape the series.
Opportunities to inform the design of future services and leadership supports.
Connect with us
Our strength is collective. To join Canada’s HSS network, visit Become a member or contact membership@federationhss.ca.