See the Partner module instruction video for additional guidance. Please note that the partner module has been updated since this video was created; although the instructions remain valid, there may be some small differences.
The Tri-agency College and Community Innovation (CCI) program funds applied research that provides innovative solutions for local and regional challenges faced by businesses, government and communities through the expertise of Canadian colleges, CEGEPs and polytechnics. Refer to the individual grant descriptions to learn more about specific CCI funding opportunities.
The authorized contact for each partner organization participating in a CCI grant application must complete the partner module in the Convergence Portal. The applicant is responsible for inviting the authorized contact for each partner organization via the Convergence Portal. Those invited will receive an email asking them to accept the invitation. Upon accepting, the authorized contact for the partner organization will be redirected to the Convergence Portal (to log in or create an account) and prompted to complete the relevant sections.
CCI grants support projects led by college researchers in partnership with private, public or not-for-profit organizations while encouraging collaboration with universities and/or other colleges. If you are a partner organization, your collaboration with the applicant in preparing the application lays a strong foundation for your partnership. The information you provide about your organization through the partner organization module in the Convergence Portal and the proposal submitted by the applicant confirm that your organization can contribute to the project as planned. Your organization is expected to participate actively in the project and contribute meaningfully to its success.
You are an authorized contact from the partner organization, and you have received an automated email stating that the applicant has invited you to participate as a partner. The next steps you must complete are detailed below.
Note: You will be able to see certain sections in the application’s shared information while it is being completed, such as names of collaborators, proposed budget, summary, supporting documents, etc.; however, the information may not have been fully completed by the applicant. It may be completed or updated in the future.
The following will guide you through the My information sub-sections for partner organizations of the application on the Convergence Portal.
As the authorized representative for the partner organization, confirm your information or the contact person’s information (name, family name, email address, telephone number, extension, and position or role at the organization).
Enter your organization’s name, department or branch, full street address, country or region, business number (optional), and sector (private, public or not-for-profit/other).
For private sector organizations, additional questions will be asked, such as number of employees, location of operations and headquarters, etc.
Enter the cash and/or in-kind contributions your organization is committing to the project.
Cash contributions are those made to accounts at the postsecondary institution. Other contributions are considered in-kind.
Select the check box next to As the authorized representative, I confirm the financial commitments from my organization.
Consult the College and Community Innovation program partnership guidelines for more details about partner contributions.
In the Partner documents section, upload the following items (described in detail further below):
Using a maximum of two pages, provide a letter of support that addresses details of the project you are supporting in relation to the specific funding opportunity and includes the following information:
For projects involving Indigenous Peoples or communities, contributions from Indigenous partners can include: social capital, an asset that may emphasize social and familial relationships and networks, and may affect the cost of research; and linguistic capital, the ability to engage in the community with the ancestral language(s) of the community and an official language of Canada.
Key individuals from partner organizations who will contribute to the overall intellectual direction of the research project can be part of the research team as collaborators and must bring their organization’s resources to the project. The authorized contact from the partner organization may upload CVs or biographical sketches (maximum two pages) of key staff who will collaborate on the project.
The collaborator CV must include the individual’s name, employment/affiliations, relevant education/training, research funding received (if applicable) and up to five significant contributions related to the project. Alternatively, a two-page biographical sketch may be provided for each collaborator. For Indigenous collaborators (e.g., Elders, Knowledge Keepers or Knowledge Holders), biographical sketches may include information about these individuals’ life/knowledge journey, community engagement, and planned participation in the proposed research. The contributions of Elders, Knowledge Keepers or Knowledge Holders to the project may include providing access to community networks, ethical guidance to researchers and advice in interpreting findings.
College and Community Social Innovation Fund grants only: Individuals from a not-for-profit organization requesting research salary allowance must include their CV.
A Partner organization supplemental information questionnaire must be completed by organizations in the private sector with fewer than five full-time employees.
Using a maximum of one page:
In the event that you encounter significant challenges in completing your relevant sections in the Convergence Portal, you should contact the applicant immediately so they can inform the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).
The information you provide in the application is collected under the authority of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Act.
The collection, use, disclosure, retention and disposal of your personal information are outlined in the following policy statements:
For more information, refer to the Personal Information Banks described in NSERC’s Info Source.
If you have questions about the College and Community Innovation program, or if you cannot access the Convergence Portal, contact NSERC staff via email at colleges@nserc-crsng.gc.ca.