Funding Opportunities
Through its various funding opportunities, MS Canada is committed to supporting research that will lead to major advances in our understanding pertaining to the causes of and potential treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS). MS Canada also supports research and training programs which cultivate a network of bright young minds and engages them in activities that fine-tune their skills and knowledge in MS research.
Research Grants
MS Canada has funded medical research into MS since the first grant of $10,000 was approved in 1949. MS Canada is one of the largest funders of MS research in Canada.
Through the administration of its research funding programs, MS Canada is committed to advancing research that investigates all aspects of MS, including causes of MS, diagnosis, repair of nerve cells, disease-modifying therapies, cognition and mental health, and progressive MS.
Discovery Research Grants
The Discovery Research Grant Program is intended to support research operations that will help generate new scientific knowledge and improve the health and quality of life of people affected by MS. MS Canada welcomes applications that are fundamental as well as applied studies, nonclinical or clinical in nature, including projects in patient management, care and rehabilitation.
***Competition now OPEN***
Catalyst Research Grants
The Catalyst Research Grant program awards seed funding that allows researchers to develop and test new and innovative research questions and pursue pioneering approaches that have high potential to advance the MS field.
***Competition now OPEN***
Targeted Competitions
In addition to general funding opportunities that encompass the breadth of topics in MS research, MS Canada administers a number of targeted research funding competitions to address priority research areas and accelerate the translation of research into outcomes that will make a meaningful impact for people living with MS. Many of these funding opportunities are available through collaborations with other organizations that allow us to leverage expertise and resources across all sectors of research. Be sure to check back often as we will be updating this section with new targeted funding opportunities as they arise.
endMS Research and Training Network Awards and Programs
MS Canada supports the next generation of talented young researchers who will take on the mantle of advancing MS research in the search for a cure. The annual studentship and fellowship award competition is a key plank of MS Canada’s research training program that allows us to build a robust network of bright minds in the field and is aimed at graduate students and postdoctoral fellows intent on furthering their knowledge and training in MS.
Training Program and Networking Activities
MS Canada provides a variety of education and networking programs to enhance knowledge and skill in MS research, foster knowledge exchange, and establish valuable connections and collaborations amongst peers in the field. These programs include endMS National Training Program and endMS Conference.
endMS Doctoral Studentship Awards
This award provides opportunities for research training and broadening the scientific understanding of MS for students currently enrolled in a Doctoral stream program.
***Competition now OPEN***
endMS Postdoctoral Fellowships
This fellowship is intended to support research for training of Postdoctoral Fellows in studies related to MS, and serves to attract and retain young researchers in the field.
***Competition now OPEN***
Michelle Ploughman Award
The inaugural Michelle Ploughman Award will recognize the highest ranked Doctoral or Postdoctoral trainee conducting research in the field of rehabilitation in MS. The award honours the memory of Dr. Michelle Ploughman, whose pioneering research, mentorship and unwavering commitment to advancing rehabilitation research transformed the field of MS in Canada and internationally. Through this award, MS Canada aims to strengthen research capacity in rehabilitation sciences by supporting emerging researchers who will drive innovation, transform discoveries into practice, and improve health outcomes for people affected by MS. To be eligible, you must submit an application for an endMS Personnel Award.
Applying Online
Virtual Information Sessions
MS Canada will be hosting virtual information sessions for endMS Personnel Awards and Discovery & Catalyst Research Grants. These sessions will include a detailed overview of application requirements and procedures, changes to this cycle’s application, the review process, and tips for a successful application. There will be a Q&A period at the end.
Register for our upcoming virtual information sessions:
endMS Personnel Awards information session on Thursday, September 10 from 1:00-2:30 PM ET. This session is for prospective applicants and existing endMS Personnel Award holders who are interested in renewing their award.
Discovery & Catalyst Grants information session on Friday, September 11 from 1:00-2:30 PM ET.
*These sessions will be offered in English only. A recording of the session will be emailed to participants afterwards.
About ProposalCentral
Applicants who are interested in applying for an MS Canada grant or award must do so through the online grants management system, ProposalCentral.
ProposalCentral is only available in English and can be accessed through the following link: https://proposalcentral.com.
All applications are submitted online; hardcopies will not be accepted. Applicants wishing to apply in French should email their request to ms.grants@mscanada.ca. Please note that if necessary, French applications will be translated into English for the review process.
Support
For questions related to site technical support, contact ProposalCentral customer support at: 800-875-2562 (Toll-free U.S. and Canada) or by e-mail at pcsupport@altum.com. Hours of Operation are Monday through Friday 9:00 to 16:00 ET.
For all inquiries regarding grant and award applications, please email ms.grants@mscanada.ca . Hours of operation for MS Canada's administrative support are Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 16:00 ET.
Review Process and Criteria
MS Canada is committed to ensuring that research of the highest quality and scientific merit is funded. Each application submitted to any one of MS Canada's research funding opportunities is rigorously scrutinized by experts in the field; their role is to identify the proposal’s strengths and weaknesses, and determine whether the research will advance knowledge in the field and/or improve health and quality of life of people with MS. Members of the public – called community representatives – also participate in the review of applications, in order to provide a public voice to the prioritization and funding of research and to ensure that the funded research is relevant and impactful to people affected by MS. Community representatives read and comment on the plain language summaries of the projects, and provide feedback on ways that researchers can communicate their work in an understandable way for the public, which is equally as important as their ability to communicate their work scientifically.
Funding Announcements
**Updated March 16, 2026
MS Canada congratulates the applicants who have been awarded funding and acknowledges the hard work and dedication to MS research of the many applicants whose applications were highly ranked but did not receive funding.
Click on the links below to view the funding decisions for 2026 - 2027:
endMS Postdoctoral Fellowships
These funding decisions are for information only. Only a fully executed Letter of Agreement will constitute the official record.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of our research funding partners: Fonds de Recherche du Québec (FRQ) and Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF).
For any questions, please e-mail msresearchgrants@mscanada.ca.
Resources for Researchers
Research Application Resources
- Plain Language Summary Resource - Writing for a Non-Scientific Audience
- CV Instructions
- CV Template
Reporting Templates
Discovery/Catalyst Grants:
Collaborative Team Grants:
endMS Fellowship and Studentship Awards:
Other Resources
- Returning Funds - Informational Guide