Social Policy & Advocacy Initiatives Fund
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Social Policy & Advocacy Initiatives Fund?
The Social Policy & Advocacy Initiatives Fund is an internal funding opportunity that encourages academic initiatives in the areas of education, clinical care, or research to close gaps in serving and engaging equity-deserving populations in our community.
Who is eligible for funding?
All members of the Dalhousie Department of Psychiatry including psychiatry residents, fellows, AFP physicians, graduate students, research faculty, and administrative staff are eligible. Cross appointed and adjunct faculty are also eligible.
How much funding is available?
A limited amount of funding is available per grant for up to 10 grants per fiscal year. Eligibility to access the funds is subject to funds availability and according to the criteria outlined in the Expression of Interest Form.
How do I apply for funding?
Please complete and submit an Expression of Interest Form, detailing how the initiative meets specific criteria, and a proposed budget. Our Sub-Committee will review all expressions of interest within two months.
How will expressions of interest be evaluated?
Our Fund Sub-Committee will use a rubric to evaluate submissions based on the criteria outlined in the Expressions of Interest Form. If you have any questions about these criteria, please feel free to reach out to the Social Policy & Advocacy Committee at SPAC@dal.ca
Where can I get a copy of the Expression of Interest Form and evaluation rubric?
The Expression of Interest Form and evaluation rubric are available on the department’s database (login required) under the “Policies” tab. You can also email SPAC@dal.ca to receive a copy of the Expression of Interest Form and evaluation rubric.
When is the application deadline?
Applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis by the Fund Sub-Committee and quarterly deadlines will be communicated. The annual deadline for applications within a fiscal year will be on the first Friday of February of each year at Noon.
When can I expect a final decision to be communicated?
You will receive a confirmation email within one week of receiving your application. Following that, a decision will be communicated within two months.
What if my project is not funded?
Initiatives that are more appropriate for other sources of funding will be redirected accordingly. These sources include the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s NSH Mental Health & Addiction Grants and Community Grants, among others.
Is anything else required?
We ask all SP&A Initiatives Fund grant recipients to complete a final report template for submission within two months of the project’s end date. The final report template will be included with your acceptance letter.
Who do I contact for more information?
For more information about the Social Policy & Advocacy Initiatives Fund, to receive an Expression of Interest Form, or to submit your application, contact the Social Policy & Advocacy Committee Administrator at SPAC@dal.ca