Innovation and Implementation Program

Overview of the Innovation and Implementation Program program:

The Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) is a national network of researchers, clinicians, community organizations, and families focused on improving the lives of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. The 2025 Call for Proposals invites applications for research projects that emphasize real-world impact, cross-sector collaboration, and inclusive practices. This funding opportunity is designed to support projects that: Translate research into practice Co-create solutions with families, service providers, and community partners Promote equitable access to interventions and services for children with NDDs Improve diagnosis, treatment, and support across developmental stages KBHN strongly encourages proposals that include co-leadership by people with lived experience, use inclusive and equity-based research designs, and demonstrate readiness for knowledge mobilization. Priority research themes include: Early identification and intervention Transition to adulthood Inclusive education Mental health supports Culturally appropriate services for Indigenous and marginalized communities This program provides not only funding but also access to KBHN’s national research and knowledge mobilization infrastructure.

Benefits of the Innovation and Implementation Program program:

• Supports high-impact research that directly benefits children with NDDs
• Encourages family- and community-led research approaches
• Promotes knowledge mobilization to ensure findings influence policy and practice
• Facilitates cross-sectoral partnerships with service providers and education systems
• Builds capacity for culturally responsive and inclusive practices in NDD research
• Offers integration into KBHNs national network and dissemination platforms

Eligibility criteria of the Innovation and Implementation Program program:

• Eligible applicants must:
• Be affiliated with a Canadian post-secondary institution or eligible health/research institution
• Assemble interdisciplinary teams, including lived-experience partners, service providers, and community organizations
• Demonstrate alignment with KBHNs mission and priorities
• Be able to show potential for real-world impact and research uptake
• Include a plan for equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA)
• Projects must be feasible within a 3-year timeframe and budget
• Strong preference is given to applications that:
• Address urgent, under-resourced needs in neurodevelopmental care
• Include knowledge users (e.g., parents, service providers, educators) as co-investigators
• Are rooted in collaborative or co-production models
• Serve marginalized or underserved populations