Research Catalyst Grants Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply

The research catalyst grants eligibility rules are simple at heart. Every proposal needs one University of Toronto faculty member and one full-time researcher from a not-for-profit organisation in India, working as equal Co-Principal Investigators. Universities, NGOs, foundations, research centres and government bodies all qualify, while for-profit companies do not. The UofT India Foundation pays the grant in rupees directly to the Indian partner organisation, which holds and manages the funds.

What Does the Research Catalyst Grant Fund Do?

The Research Catalyst Grant is seed funding for joint research between University of Toronto faculty and Indian partners. UTIF, established in Mumbai in 2023, runs it to make Indian cities more sustainable and climate resilient. For 2027-28, 8 to 10 projects will receive INR 9 lakh to INR 15 lakh each for use between April 2027 and March 2028, covering themes such as housing, water, mobility, energy and waste.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Every proposal needs at least two co-PIs working as equal partners. One must come from the University of Toronto, and the other must work for a not-for-profit organisation based and operating in India. Both need real experience with the problem they plan to study. The Indian organisation must also provide a letter of support signed by its authorised signatory.

Which Indian organisations qualify?

• Universities and research centres
• NGOs, civil society organisations and foundations
• Government bodies
• Not eligible: for-profit companies and industry partners

What does the Indian co-PI need?

The Indian co-PI must work full-time for the partner organisation and know the proposal’s core theme well. Field experience and a record of running projects carry the same weight as academic research. Co-PIs from non-academic organisations also need project and team management skills.

What does the U of T co-PI need?

The U of T co-PI must meet the University’s definition of a Principal Investigator and hold an appointment for the entire funding period. Researchers from other institutions can join, but only as consultants.

Can Small NGOs Win Research Funding Against Universities?

Yes. Grassroots NGOs compete on equal terms with IITs and universities, which sets this scheme apart from most research grants in India. Reviewers value implementation capacity and field knowledge alongside publications. Recent grantees such as Dasra, YUVA and The Urban Lab Foundation sit alongside IIT Jodhpur, Ashoka University and BITS Pilani.

How Do I Find a University of Toronto Partner?

The Indian partner carries the responsibility for finding a U of T co-PI, so start months before the deadline. The UofT India Foundation hosts a webinar for India-based organisations on 27 October 2026 at 6:30 PM IST to explain the process. Interest in the Research Catalyst Grant jumped from 7 applications in 2024-25 to 22 in 2025-26, so early outreach matters.

• Register for the October webinar
• Email catalystgrant@uoftindiafoundation.com with your organisation’s profile
• Request UTIF’s help; 19% of 2025-26 applicants found partners this way

Do Indian Organisations Need FCRA Registration?

No. This is a non-FCRA grant, so organisations without FCRA registration can receive the money. For many smaller NGOs, that removes the biggest hurdle to international collaboration. UTIF releases funds in rupee tranches to the organisation, never to individuals. Grant money cannot cover expenses outside India, and the Indian partner books the U of T co-PI’s economy travel locally.

What Documents Are Needed to Apply?

Applicants upload two files: a single PDF and a budget spreadsheet. The PDF holds the proposal, short CVs of every co-PI and the signed letter of support. Everything must be in English and follow UTIF’s templates. Incomplete paperwork is the easiest way to fail the research catalyst grants eligibility check. The letter of support must explain:

• The organisation’s role in the project
• Its desired outcomes and how they serve its objectives
• Its experience managing grant finances

Where Should You Start?

Begin with the partnership, not the proposal. Confirm your not-for-profit status, choose a co-PI with genuine field experience and approach U of T faculty early. Teams that build trust first write stronger proposals and stand out among competitive research grants in India. For questions, the UTIF team replies within five working days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can for-profit companies or startups apply?

No. This round is open only to not-for-profit entities, academic institutions and government bodies. For-profit or industry representatives cannot act as co-PIs or hold funds. Startups interested in UTIF support can explore its entrepreneurship programmes, which run separate innovation and incubation challenges.

Can ongoing research projects apply?

Yes. Ongoing projects qualify when they match the call’s urban sustainability and climate resilience objectives. However, the requested funds must cover activities or costs not already budgeted in the original research. The grant extends existing work rather than replacing money a team has already secured.

How many applications can one organisation submit?

Each PI and organisation may submit up to two applications per call. The two proposals must be distinct, with different thematic areas or research questions. A U of T faculty member may appear on many applications but can hold only two awarded grants per cycle.

What reporting is required after winning?

Awardees submit progress reports six and nine months after the grant begins. A final report follows within two months of the grant closing, covering outcomes, impact and new collaboration opportunities. Timely reporting is a condition of receiving the award, so plan for it early.