Guidelines on matching fund contributions for research
Numerous funding programs now require institutional matching funds (in-kind or cash). In an effort to appropriately and fairly evaluate requests for matching funds, the Faculty of Medicine has set out some guiding principles, detailed below. All requests will be considered with respect to how they fit with the Faculty鈥檚 Strategic Research Plan. Please bear in mind that such requests must be submitted PRIOR to submitting an application to a program that requires matching funds. We are not able to commit funds to projects after they have been awarded. We will endeavour to inform the Dean鈥檚 office on a quarterly basis of upcoming opportunities that require matching funds. Should any faculty member be aware of such an upcoming opportunity, please notify the office of the Associate Dean (Research) (riac.med [at] mcgill.ca).
Due to limited available funds, not all requests for matching funds will be supported.
General principles
- Institutional matching funds are not automatic. Each request is assessed in relation to need, program requirements, external funding levels, and fit with the Faculty鈥檚 Strategic Research Plan (SRP)
- Matching funds from the Department/Unit or Research Institute should be sought first, if available
- The following questions will be considered in reviewing matching fund requests:
- Does the program require matching funds from the institution?
- What is the strategic nature of the opportunity?
- Will it position the team for future funding? Will it significantly increase the visibility of the team and its work?
- Amount of the grant
- Contributions to the project from non-academic partners (corporate & other organizations)
- Contributions to the project from other universities involved in the partnership
- Nature of Faculty of Medicine/91社区鈥檚 role in the project: lead or co-applicant, # of investigators
- Agency guidelines for eligible expenses apply to institutional matching funds, with the following exceptions:
- Institutional funding cannot be transferred outside of 91社区 at any time during the project
- Salary for the PI or co-applicants is not eligible even if faculty salary is eligible through the external funding agency
- Institutional funding cannot be used to buy teaching release
For Research Centres (FRQ-NT/SC/S Regroupements Strat茅giques, Groupes de recherche, R茅seaux)
For new Centres, the Faculty is willing to provide support towards start-up for a maximum period of three years, with the understanding that external funding will be sought. Should no external funding be awarded during that 3-year period, funding from the Faculty will be reduced and ultimately eliminated (by the end of 3 years).
For existing Centres, funds will be allocated based on the external funding awarded, the number of 91社区 faculty members involved, the productivity of centre members, fit with the SRP, and success of the Centre in meeting its objectives.
For all Centres, an annual report is required, with a review of the report and funding by the Faculty鈥檚 Committee for Oversight of Research Units (CORU).
For Training Grants (e.g., CREATE)
For fellowships funding, contact Associate Dean Elaine Davis. For additional support, a maximum of $25k/yr for 3 years may be awarded to support a coordinator/administrator, if the grant is awarded.
For Operating/Team Grants requiring matching support (e.g., CIHR Team grants; CIHR Institutesponsored initiatives)
If the application fits with the Faculty鈥檚 SRP, a maximum of $25k/yr for 3 years may be awarded to support a coordinator/administrator, if the grant is awarded.
Special One-Time Requests (e.g., Fulbright Visiting Researchers)
One-time requests will be evaluated on an as-needed basis, adhering to the general principles listed above. In most cases, no more than $25k/yr will be provided.
Review process
A committee of 3 members of the Deanery (chaired by the Associate Dean (Research)) will consider all requests for matching fund support and make recommendations to the Dean for final approval. Those requesting funds must provide sufficient lead time to permit appropriate review prior to any relevant submission deadline.