The School of Cities has created new funding programs to support University of Toronto urban-focused education, outreach and research initiatives. Goals of the funding program include support of outstanding urban initiatives, and creation of connections with as many urban-focused faculty and students as possible. UofT faculty, staff and students are eligible to apply for these funds.
1) Small grants
Applications for education and outreach small grants (maximum award $1,000), will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the quarterly budgets have been disbursed. The small grants each have a total annual budget of $25,000. The application process is quick and easy; a response is promised with a week. A maximum of one grant per year (this year, October 2018 through August 2019) may be awarded.
2) Urban challenge research grants
Urban challenge research grant applications (maximum award $50,000; annual budget $200,000) are a three-stage process.
Stage One: Challenge Interest Group
The first stage, due December 1, 2018, requires the formation of a Challenge Interest Group including:
- Participation from at least four UofT departments
- Participation from at least three UofT faculties
- Participation from at least two UofT campuses
- Participation by at least one community group
- Participation by at least one city
- A minimum team commitment of 2 years.
Stage Two: Urban Challenge Exploration Grant
Stage 2 provides for an Urban Challenge Exploration Grant of up to $50,000 over a two-year period for the Challenge Interest Group.
Stage Three: Urban Challenge Projects
Stage 3 Urban Challenge Projects will consist of scaling up of projects carried out through the Stage 2 Exploration Grant into long-term, large scale Urban Challenge Projects.