The Health Research Foundation (HRF) has launched its 2026 Health System Solutions Grant call for proposals, a national funding opportunity supporting applied research aimed at improving patient access to innovative medicines and strengthening health system performance across Canada.
Two Pillars of Research
The 2026 competition focuses on the HRF's two applied research pillars. Pillar 1 examines health system factors affecting real-world use and outcomes, including how care pathways, referral processes, system capacity, data, and implementation readiness influence access to and outcomes from innovative medicines. The priority research area is improving the patient journey through care pathways, referral, and coordination. Projects must generate new insights into how health systems can better identify patients, streamline care journeys, integrate services, and support the adoption of innovative medicines.
Pillar 2 focuses on improving the coherence and performance of review and reimbursement processes. This includes how health technology assessment (HTA), pricing, reimbursement, and funding processes interact, and how system fragmentation, delays, and inefficiencies affect patient access and health system performance.
Funding Streams and Key Dates
Funding is available through two distinct streams. Tier 1 provides up to $50,000 over 6–12 months for smaller, targeted initiatives. Tier 2 offers up to $250,000 over 18–24 months for larger applied, multi-site projects.
Key dates include: call launch on June 24, 2026; Letter of Intent (LOI) application deadline on July 22, 2026; full application deadline (by invitation) on September 16, 2026; and funding decisions on October 20, 2026.
Quote from HRF Chair
“The HRF Health System Solutions Grant program is focused on supporting research that can drive meaningful and measurable change across the Canadian healthcare system,” said Christine Elliott, Chair of the HRF Board of Directors. “We are looking for bold, practical, and collaborative projects that generate actionable solutions to improve patient access, strengthen care coordination, and help health systems better integrate innovation into routine care.”
Eligibility and Application
The HRF welcomes applications from researchers, health system organizations and providers, clinicians, not-for-profit and community-based organizations committed to advancing innovative, implementation-focused solutions for Canadians. For more information, including the full call for proposals, applicant guide, and application materials, please visit the HRF webpage.
About the Health Research Foundation
The Health Research Foundation is a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to fostering healthcare innovation and improved patient outcomes through applied health systems research. The HRF invests in research that reimagines how care is delivered, accessed, and experienced — focusing on bold, evidence-based solutions that drive system-wide transformation. Through strategic collaboration with leading academics, industry innovators, and partners, the HRF provides the resources and networks needed to accelerate meaningful, lasting change.
