2026 Knowledge Mobilization Grants: Mental Health of Older Persons

Brain Canada and the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI, powered by Baycrest) have launched the new 2026 Knowledge Mobilization Grants: Mental Health of Older Persons program to accelerate the application of evidence into mental health practices that benefit older Canadians. 

The purpose of the program is to support projects that generate novel and practical applications of existing research evidence to enhance the mental health and emotional well-being of older persons (60+), including those living with dementia, cognitive decline, or other neurological conditions, as well as their care partners (family caregivers and formal care providers).

Supporting the mental health of older persons encompasses multiple and intersecting areas of mental health across aging, including the mental health needs of individuals experiencing changes in mood, behaviour, or psychological well-being related to dementia or other neurological conditions. Areas of focus may include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting early identification and response to mental health needs in older persons, including mood, anxiety, behavioural, or psychological changes associated with dementia, cognitive decline, or neurological disease.
• Advancing preventive, promotive, and supportive approaches that maintain or enhance mental health and quality of life in older age, including psychosocial, community-based, and care-integrated supports.
• Protecting and strengthening the mental health and well-being of care partners, including family caregivers and formal care providers supporting older persons. Funded projects will address a critical barrier to the real-world adoption of transformative mental health innovations for older persons by catalyzing change among policymakers, practitioners such as health care providers, caregivers, and individuals who experience the downstream effects of policies and practices.

Brain Canada, through the Canada Brain Research Fund, in partnership with the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), have jointly allocated $300,000 CAD to this funding opportunity to support up to four grants for one (1) year, non-renewable. Project budgets must total $100,000 CAD, with applicants required to secure 25% of the funding from eligible sponsors.

Please refer to the Request for Applications for full details. 

Deadline for receipt of Registration Forms: September 15, 2026 at 17:00 ET 
Deadline for receipt of Full Applications: October 27, 2026 at 17:00 ET