About TFC’s Research Grant Competition

The Thalassemia Foundation of Canada (TFC) invites applications for research grants to be awarded in 2026. Funding will support basic, clinical, laboratory, and psycho-social research related to thalassemia. Both research fellowships and operating grants will be considered. Eligible projects must be conducted at a recognized Canadian institution, and the principal investigator must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Please note that awarded funds cannot be allocated to institutional overhead costs.

Annual Fellowship Research Grant Competition

The Thalassemia Foundation of Canada (TFC) was established in 1982 in the Greater Toronto Area by patients, families, and friends who came together for mutual support and encouragement. Over the past four decades, it has grown into a national organization, proactively advances patient care, research, and education nationwide. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of supporters, the Foundation has awarded approximately $1.7 million to fund research and an additional $300,000 to support direct patient care.

Call for Research Grant Applications 

TFC invites applications for research grants to be awarded in 2026. Funding will support basic, clinical, laboratory, and psycho-social studies related to thalassemia. Both research fellowships and operating grants will be considered.

The primary focus of the TFC’s research support program is the Research Fellowship, offered under the mentorship of an established investigator who has earned an MD degree since 2015 or a PhD degree since 2020.

Operating Grants

TFC will also consider applications for Operating Grants, requests to supplement partial funding from other agencies, and proposals seeking seed money to initiate promising studies. Young faculty investigators are especially encouraged to apply.

Funds

Each grant will provide funding in the range of $30,000 to $40,000 per year. For Fellowships, it is expected that the majority of the award will be allocated to the Fellow’s salary, while direct research costs should be supported by the supervisor through other sources. Grants will typically be awarded for one year; however, in exceptional circumstances, renewal for a second year of support may be considered.

Constraints

The research must be conducted at a recognized Canadian institution, and the principal investigator must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Awarded funds may not be used to cover institutional overhead costs.

Peer Review of Applications

Grant applications will undergo scientific peer review by a five-member Medical Advisory Board, chaired by Dr. Jacob Pendergrast, BA, BSc (Med), MD, Associate Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto. When necessary, additional outside experts may be invited to contribute to the review process.

Application Process and Timetable

• November 30, 2025 – Invitations for full application submissions sent to medical schools and research institutions
• December 31, 2025 – Completed applications must be submitted electronically to the grants coordinator
• February 17, 2026 – Grant recipients announced; applicants notified of the Board’s decision
• April 1, 2026 – Funding begins for successful applicants

Guidelines for Grant Proposal Submission

A brief curriculum vitae (CV) for the principal investigator is required; the CIHR Common CV will be accepted. If applicable, a brief CV for the fellowship applicant must also be provided (CIHR Common CV accepted).

All application forms and supporting documents should be compiled into a single PDF and submitted by email to the TFC Grant Coordinator at nagina.parmar@thalassemia.ca no later than December 31, 2025.

For more information, please contact:

Nagina Parmar Ph.D., CCRP, MEd(c)
Grants Coordinator 
Thalassemia Foundation of Canada
nagina.parmar@thalassemia.ca