Sponsor

Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC)

Program

Nutrition Research Funding Program [1] 

Description

The Dairy Farmers of Canada Nutrition Research Funding Program provides funding for research projects that advance understanding of the role of dairy products in human nutrition, health, food science and sustainable diets. The program supports research that is relevant to Canadian dairy farmers and contributes to evidence-based knowledge on the health and nutritional impacts of dairy products. Projects undergo peer review and evaluation by an expert scientific advisory committee. The current competition is accepting Letters of Intent for funding beginning in January 2028.

Researchers are encouraged to attend DFC's webinar [2] on October 21, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (EDT), to present DFC’s new research priorities and provide an overview of the Call for Proposals, as well as address questions from prospective applicants. Researchers who intend to submit a Letter of Intent are encouraged to attend. The webinar will be bilingual, with simultaneous translation. 

Eligibility

Applications are intended for researchers affiliated with eligible research institutions conducting research in human nutrition and health, food science and sustainable diets related to dairy products. Projects must have nutrition and health implications for Canadian dairy products and be relevant to Canadian dairy farmers. Applicants should consult the program guidelines for complete eligibility requirements.

Maximum Project Value

Applicants may request up to $150,000 over a maximum two-year project period. Projects requiring additional funds are encouraged to secure support from other funding sources. 

Indirect Costs

Indirect costs are not eligible expenses under this program. 

Project Duration

Projects may be funded for a maximum term of two years.

Special Notes

• The program uses a two-stage application process. Applicants must first submit a Letter of Intent (LOI). Only selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.
• Researchers may submit multiple LOIs; however, only one full proposal per Principal Investigator may proceed to final review.
• Projects must align with at least one of DFC's specified research priorities and focus on pre-competitive research. Projects intended to develop or validate commercial products, technologies or services for a private company are not eligible.
• The Principal Investigator's institution must confirm that it has reviewed the full proposal and agrees to comply with the program guidelines as part of the submission process.
• Funding is not confirmed until a Research Agreement is executed. The agreement includes provisions related to reporting, publications, confidentiality, intellectual property and commercialization rights.
• Matching funding is not required but is encouraged, particularly from federal funding agencies and complementary funding sources. 

How to Apply

Stage 1: Letter of Intent (LOI)

• Applicants must submit an LOI through DFC's Submittable platform [4].
• LOIs are reviewed for eligibility and then assessed by the independent Nutrition Expert Scientific Advisory Committee.
• DFC's Canadian Dairy Research Council makes the final decision on which LOIs advance to the next stage.

Stage 2: Full Proposal (By Invitation Only)

• Only applicants whose LOIs are selected will be invited to submit a full proposal.
• Full proposals undergo external peer review and evaluation by the Nutrition Expert Scientific Advisory Committee.
• Final funding decisions are made by DFC's Canadian Dairy Research Council.
• Funding decisions are expected in July 2027, with projects beginning in January 2028.