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ONCAT Collaboration Grants

ONCAT Collaboration Grants

Focus and activities

ONCAT Collaboration Grants support the development and implementation of learner-centric policies, practices and pathways across multiple postsecondary institutions or the entire postsecondary sector. 

In alignment with the Government of Ontario’s policy directions, the 2026–27 round of ONCAT Collaboration Grants will support projects that develop transfer pathways. 

A “transfer pathway” — as described by ONCAT — is a defined route that postsecondary students follow from one program of study to another that specifies eligibility requirements and/or how transfer credits will be accepted and applied at the receiving institution. 

Applications for the 2026–27 round of ONCAT Collaboration Grants must focus on the development of transfer pathways that fulfill the following criteria: 

  1. defined routes between two different types of institutions (e.g., a college-to-university transfer pathway or a university-to-college transfer pathway) 
  2. programs of study related to STEM and/or healthcare 
  3. evidence of student interest  
  4. evidence of labour market outcomes 

Here are examples of programs of study that align with the intended focus for the 2026–27 round of ONCAT Collaboration Grants: 

  • Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmacology, Biomedical Engineering  
  • Environmental Technician, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Environmental Management 
  • Pharmacy Technician, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacy Biochemistry, Chemistry, Health Sciences, Life Sciences 
  • Social Service Worker, Social Work, Social Development Studies, Community Social Services, Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Equity Studies 
  • Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Studies, Child Development, Child Studies, Concurrent Education, Social Work 

Eligibility

  • Applications for ONCAT Collaboration Grants must include the participation of at least six publicly assisted colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes in Ontario. 
  • Applications must include the participation of at least two institutions from two or more different types of institutions (i.e., colleges, universities, Indigenous Institutes). 
    For example, an application could include the participation of four colleges and two universities.   

Funding and budgets 

  • Each participating institution will receive $40,000. 
  • ONCAT grants are intended to support projects with defined timelines and activities. 
  • ONCAT grants are not intended to cover operating budgets for administrative departments and/or ongoing costs for permanent programs.  

Application process and deadlines

  • September 3, 2026 — ONCAT’s online funding portal will open for applicants. 
  • Applicants must submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) via ONCAT’s online funding portal. For the LOI, applicants will submit responses to multiple questions. Note: the LOI is not a formal letter expressing an intention to submit a future application.  
  • October 29, 2026 (by 4:00 p.m.) — Letters of Interest are due. 
  • ONCAT will evaluate the LOIs to determine which institutions will be invited to submit full applications.  
  • November 5, 2026 — ONCAT expects to notify applicants whether they have been invited to submit full applications. 
  • December 3, 2026 (by 4:00 p.m.) — Applications are due. 
  • ONCAT will evaluate the applications to determine which projects will be awarded funding.  
  • January 7, 2027 — ONCAT expects to notify applicants whether their project has been awarded funding.   

Applicants should allow sufficient time before the deadlines to familiarize themselves with ONCAT’s online funding portal and to secure authorizations from senior administrators at their institutions. 

Contact ONCAT

  • If you have questions about the application process or online funding portal, contact Alison Rodriguez, Grants and Projects Specialist.  
  • If you have questions about project eligibility or details, contact Nick Hanson, Vice-President, Programs, Research and External Relations.  

 

ONCAT is funded by the Government of Ontario. All programs and details are subject to change without notice.