MAPS Canada Research Grant

The goal of the MAPS Canada Research Grant is to provide low-barrier support for Canadian psychedelic research including clinical trials, nonclinical research, and knowledge translation activities.

2026 MAPS Canada Research Grant

Announcing the 2026 MAPS Canada Research Grant

The 2026 MAPS Canada Research Grant supports Canadian psychedelic researchers and students across three streams: project grants, travel & professional development grants, and student grants. We welcome proposals that present a genuine commitment to generating and sharing knowledge that advances safe, legal, and equitable access to psychedelics in Canada.

MAPS Canada is particularly interested in funding initiatives that advance one or more of the following priorities:

Expanding patient access: Research that supports safe, legal, and equitable access to psychedelic-assisted therapies in Canada for those who need them
Supporting the next generation of researchers: Projects led by or substantially involving emerging researchers, including graduate students and early-career professionals
Building the evidence base: Smaller-scale and observational studies that contribute to our understanding of psychedelics in real-world contexts
Knowledge dissemination: Activities that bring Canadian psychedelic research to broader audiences, including presentations at international conferences and the preparation or publication of research findings

Funding Available

In 2026, MAPS Canada will distribute $20,000 across two grant cycles, with $10,000 per grant cycle, allocated across the three grant types (see below).

The individual grants vary in size based on the strength of applications and demonstrated need. Applicants may request up to $5,000; however, due to high demand, available funds may be distributed across multiple recipients. As a result, more focused and modest funding requests are more likely to be successful. Funding will be provided through reimbursement. Funding is to be spent within one year of award.

Application

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the remainder of the year. There will be two grant cycles in 2026.

Applications for the first grant cycle are open until July 1st, 2026. Applications received before this date will be considered for that cycle’s awards. Award decisions will be made in September. Applicants who apply for the first grant cycle and are unsuccessful can re-apply for the second grant cycle.

Applications received after July 1st and before October 1st will be considered for the second grant cycle. Award decisions for the second grant cycle will be made in December.

Applications must be submitted via the linked Application Form.

Eligibility

For project grants and student grants, research must take place in Canada and/or be led by a Canadian researcher.
The research purpose must align with MAPS Canada’s mission to expand safe, legal, and equitable access to psychedelics in Canada.
The research project scope and planned use of funds must be clearly defined.
Travel and professional development grants must be related to psychedelic research.

Grant Types

Travel & Professional Development Grant
Supports researchers and students seeking funding to present at or attend conferences, workshops, or training programs related to psychedelic research.
Student Grant
Supports Master’s and PhD students seeking supplemental funding for research-related expenses—such as participant honoraria or specialized materials—not fully covered by existing lab or supervisor funding in the field of psychedelic science.
Project Grant
Supports principal investigators and lead researchers seeking funding for a comprehensive research project in psychedelic science. Research includes clinical trials, nonclinical research, and knowledge translation activities.

For questions, contact researchgrant@mapscanada.org.

2025 MAPS Canada Research Grant

For our inaugural MAPS Canada Research Grant funding round, we prioritized two Canadian-led clinical trials where our financial support will go directly towards helping eligible participants get access to psychedelic assisted therapy in a safe and legal setting. Both recipients have clinical trial protocols that have been reviewed and approved by a Research Ethics Board and Health Canada, and are overseen by qualified investigators with no financial ties to the psychedelic substance being studied.

The MAPS Canada Research Grant is made possible by donors like you. Click here to help support Canadian psychedelic research. Thank you!

Learn More

EMPOWER Psychedelics

Granted: Q2 2025

Study title: Assessing the feasibility of a psychedelic-assisted group program for depression in first responders

Use of funds: With a grant of $20,000, MAPS Canada supported the initiation of the clinical trial, and enrolment of 2 cohorts of 6-8 first responders.

REMEDY Institute