Applying for funding
We know that applying for funding can take a lot of time and resources. In recognition of this challenge, the program application is separated into two stages, a Letter of Intent (LOI) stage and a Full Application stage. The LOI will determine if there is enough alignment between your proposed project and the GEEK program Guiding Principles.
Refer to our GEEK Program Guide to learn more about the Guiding Principles and additional details about the application process.
Application
Our next call for letters of intent (LOIs) will open in August 2025.
Eligibility criteria
- The applicant is a community organization that seeks to increase their ability to conduct and use evaluation.
- The program or service is brain health related (includes mental health).
- The program or service is currently or has previously been offered.
- The program is community-led and takes place outside of a hospital or primary care setting.
- Funding supports activities taking place in Ontario or across Canada, with the head office or main site located in Ontario.
- The applicant is an incorporated organization with prior or existing funding.
- The applicant is not a previous GEEK Program recipient (applicants who previously applied but did not receive funding are permitted to reapply).
Preference will be given to programs or services that:
- Address a unique and/or unmet need of the community, and
- Are implementing their evidence-informed program/service in a new context or setting, or
- Are growing their capacity to deliver their program/service.
Over the course of the GEEK program, we are seeking to fund a cohort of programs that represent a range of brain disorders and challenges, and represent diverse regions and groups in Ontario
Want to learn more?
OBI hosted an Information Webinar on September 5th, 2024. The webinar provided an overview of the program, eligibility criteria, and application process. If you have any questions please email: GEEK@braininstitute.ca
Frequently asked questions
Everything you wanted to know and were not afraid to ask
What is a "community-led" program?
A community-led program is a program run by an organization that is not part of a hospital or clinical setting (i.e., outside of the formal healthcare system setting). These programs typically provide care via knowledge, support, advocacy, or access.
When does the program start?
Final selection of successful applicants will be made by the end of March each year and the GEEK program and funding will begin in April.
Do you assign evaluators? Can we suggest names of evaluators?
We have a roster of qualified evaluators that can be assigned to programs based on location and skill sets. If you have an evaluator you would like to work with, we ask that you connect us with the evaluator.
The role of the evaluator is to assist with the development of an evaluation plan, help to carry out the evaluation, and create evaluation learnings from the data collected. Through all this, they help to increase your organization's evaluation capacity.
How much is the funding and for how long?
Proposed budgets can range, and the funding term is flexible up to 2-years. We anticipate applications to range from $50,000 - $75,000 per year for 2-year funding terms but are open to budgets and timelines outside of this range. This budget includes evaluator support.
How many programs will be funded?
We anticipate funding two to four programs each year, but the exact number is dependent on each year’s applications and proposed budgets.
Who should the letter of intent come from?
The letter of intent should be signed by someone with the authority to bind the community organization, for example the Executive Director or another senior executive at your organization.
If there is a program that was developed and run in another province that could be adapted and implemented in Ontario, would it be eligible?
Absolutely. Please see our case study about importing Minds in Motion from British Columbia.
Are partnerships between community and hospital included?
Partnerships between a community-led organization and a hospital can be eligible, but the community-led organization should be the ultimate recipient of evaluation capacity building, support, and funds. The GEEK program is working to build capacity at the community level.
Can the intervention target the family rather than the person living with the brain disorder?
Yes. Supporting family members and caregivers is important for achieving improved brain health and wellness for those living with brain disorders.
Is there a preference for programs that can be carried out in a wider geographic area? Are you looking to spread your funding across regions?
The GEEK program is seeking to fund a cohort of programs that represent diverse regions and groups in Ontario. That said, a single program does not have to be carried out in a wide geographic area. We will also accept applications that support people across Canada as long as the main site or head office is in Ontario.
Is there a preference for programs that can cut across brain disorders?
A single program does not need to cut across multiple brain disorders. Over the course of the GEEK program we are seeking to fund a cohort of programs that represent a range of brain disorders and challenges.