Digital Research Alliance of Canada: Research Software Maintenance Fund

Sponsor’s Website

Visit the Digital Research Alliance of Canada website for more information on the Research Software Maintenance Fund (RSMF).

Internal Contact

Andrew Schoenrock: Andrew.Schoenrock@carleton.ca

Deadlines

Overview

Software is embedded in nearly every aspect of modern research, yet finding dedicated resources to maintain, secure and sustain it remains one of the biggest challenges facing research teams across Canada. The RSMF addresses this gap. It provides targeted funding to help teams keep the research software that Canadian researchers depend on every day reliable, secure and sustainable for the long term.

Value and Duration

• Small Maintenance Grants provide an Alliance contribution of up to $150,000 for projects lasting up to 12 months.
• Large Sustaining Grants provide an Alliance contribution of up to $500,000 for projects lasting up to 24 months.

Eligibility

The lead applicant must be based at an eligible Canadian institution (university, research hospital or not-for-profit organization). The software must be existing, actively used and have users beyond the originating team. The team must include at least one software developer with experience in code quality practices. International collaborators may participate, but the project must demonstrate clear benefit to the Canadian research community

Submitting Your Application

1. Submit an LOI to Andrew Schoenrock by Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
2. Submit an internal Approval Form through our central awards management database cuResearch. Consult the user’s manual for guidance.
3. Submit an external application to the Digital Research Alliance of Canada by following their submission guidelines.