Applications open March 3, 2025 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis with three review periods each year:

• April 4, 2025
• September 15, 2025
• January 15, 2026

Applications will be assessed on the following:

• Alignment and fit with the four key research objectives
• Excellence and creativity of the proposed research and community collaboration
• Potential for the project to continue to deliver value to the community partner after the funding ends
• Leadership and professional development opportunities for the student lead
• The project’s plan to foster and support respectful engagement, the removal of systemic barriers, and equitable access considerations

Projects are intended to create new lines of research or collaboration with a community partner and are not intended to be incremental to an existing funded research project.

• Salaries of highly qualified personnel, honoraria, equipment, materials and supplies, travel, and workshops.  Funding cannot be used for the salaries of the principal investigators (PI).
• Expenses must be administered in accordance with the university guidelines of the lead applicant PI.
• OFI does not accept responsibility or obligation for funds expended more than the amount provided through the Community Climate Adaptation Fund, or for funds expended before or after the term of the Community Climate Adaptation Fund.

• Independent reviewers who have no conflicts of interest will evaluate and score applications based on scientific merit and alignment with program goals.
• Following this, a review panel discussion, including OFI’s executive team and independent reviewers, will be held to determine the final award decisions.