CCRF Research Request for Proposal (“RFP”)
I. Objective

The Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation (“CCRF”) is currently seeking grant proposals from Canadian research organizations, health institutions and university faculty. This call also includes collaborative projects headed by recognized professional leaders.

The CCRF is a world leader in chiropractic research with a vision to help everyone live their life without the burden of musculoskeletal pain and disability.

To fulfil this vision, CCRF is dedicating funding to support research to improve the lives of people burdened with musculoskeletal pain and disability. These grants are available thanks to the very generous support of the Canadian Chiropractic Association and our Provincial Associates, representing clinicians from across Canada.

II. Areas of Focus

At the conclusion of a series of local and national consultations, the CCRF confirmed future funding will be directed towards four national research priorities: Basic Science, Clinical Science, Health Systems and Population Health. The core questions associated with each area have been vetted by the chiropractic research community and are provided below.

  • Basic Science
    What are the physiologic mechanisms contributing to the clinical manifestation and therapeutic responses to interventions commonly used by chiropractors in the management of chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain?
  • Clinical Science
    What are the effects of interventions commonly used by chiropractors on clinical outcomes in the management of acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction?
  • Health Systems
    Does the inclusion of chiropractors in an interdisciplinary healthcare setting to address musculoskeletal conditions improve healthcare resource management and patient outcomes?
  • Population Health
    What impact does the inclusion of chiropractors, or the interventions commonly used by chiropractors, have on the musculoskeletal health outcomes of specific sub-groups of the population, such as the elderly and children/adolescents?
III. Response Requirements
  • Step One: Letter of Intent (LOI)
    • Please submit a brief LOI (see LOI Guidelines). Include a short overview of the project concept, the anticipated output and the amount of funding requested.
    • CCRF staff and volunteer leaders will review the LOI and provide a Grant Application if the project aligns with the objectives and areas of focus previously outlined. 
  • Step Two: Grant Application
    • At the request of the CCRF, based on the LOI, please submit the Grant Application, which will include a cover letter, project overview, phases and timeline, funding request, submitter background/qualifications, references, other funding sources (projected and confirmed) and any multimedia components.
    • For grant requests over $10,000, a 30-minute videoconference presentation may be requested. 
IV. FAQs
  • What’s the deadline for applications?
    • LOI must be received by midnight on Friday, May 15, 2020. If a Grant Application is requested by CCRF based on the LOI, it must be received by midnight on Friday, July 31, 2020. Grant decisions will be determined on or before midnight on Tuesday, September 15, 2020.
  • Is there a range of grant amounts the CCRF will consider?
    • Individual project grants range from $10,000 to $200,000.
  • How often do you issue RFPs?
    • The CCRF’s intention is to issue two RFPs per year: a general call in the spring followed by a more focused opportunity in the fall
  • Will CCRF assist us with our application?
    • CCRF staff will be pleased to provide technical assistance upon request. However, we will not influence LOI and/or Grant Application content to ensure our evaluation process is fair and transparent.
  • Who is eligible to apply?
    • Any researcher with a professional doctoral degree or the highest recognized designation for their profession. A Canadian project-lead is preferred but not mandatory. All projects must include at least one investigator from Canada to be eligible. See LOI Guidelines for more details.
  • How is the best way to submit our LOI?
  • To whom should we address our LOI?
    • LOIs, cover letters and other correspondence can be addressed to The CCRF Research Committee
  • What is the maximum time for project completion?
    • CCRF is generally interested in projects that can be completed in up to 36 months. However, our RC will not disqualify proposals recommending a longer time frame if suitable justification is provided.
  • What are the criteria against which prospective proposals will be evaluated?
    • Our RC carefully reviews all proposals and deploys a proprietary assessment tool to assist with the process. At this stage in our development, CCRF does not intend to publish our specific criteria, as we’re interested in receiving proposals with a range of perspectives and designs.
  • What is the composition of the proposal review committee?
    • Our RC team is comprised of five (5) volunteer leaders: Dr. Richard McIlmoyle (Chair), Dr. Shawn Thistle, Dr. Aaron Puhl; Dr. Katherine Hood and Dr. Peter Shipka. They are supported by CCRF Executive Director, Robert Harris and Marketing and Communication Specialist, Lisa Denvir.
  • Are there restrictions regarding the purchase of equipment, travel, salary, etc.?
    • No. The RC understands each submission is unique and important outcomes can be delivered through a variety of investments.
  • Are project leads required to be members of the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA)?
    • No. The CCRF accepts applications from all researchers in good standing with recognized professional associations.
  • What is the total envelope of funding available in this round?
    • The available pool for this call is $250K. We will entertain projects of various types and sizes.
  • Will feedback be provided for unsuccessful submissions?
    • Feedback will not be provided for LOIs. Upon request, CCRF will provide succinct written feedback to grant applicants who did not receive funding as a result of this call.
  • Are there areas the CCRF will NOT consider funding?
    • We do not consider requests:
      • that are part of a general fundraising campaign
      • to reduce accumulated capital or operating deficits
      • for endowments
      • for annual operating funds or other recurring costs, unless directly linked to a project that meets our other granting priorities
      • involving partisan political activities
      • involving strictly religious purposes or activities
      • for emergency needs

Thank you for considering this call for proposals. We invite all potential applicants to contact us at info@chiroresearch.ca or (416) 585-7902 ext. 238 if you have further questions or comments.

 

 

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