Call for Proposals – University of Toronto Teaching Grants (PDAD&C #2)

From: Susan McCahan, Vice-Provost, Innovations in Undergraduate Education
Vina Goghari, Vice-Dean, Research and Program Innovation, School of Graduate Studies
Date: July 21, 2023
Re: Call for Proposals – University of Toronto Teaching Grants (PDAD&C #2)


The Office of the Vice-Provost, Innovations in Undergraduate Education, the School of Graduate Studies and Academic, Research & Collaborative Technologies are pleased to announce the launch of the 2023/2024 teaching grant cycle, as well as workshop opportunities for interested applicants.

Learning & Education Advancement Fund (LEAF)

The focus of the LEAF program is to enrich the learning experience of undergraduate students in first-entry Divisions by supporting projects that anticipate, leverage and create positive changes in both the modes and mechanisms of undergraduate education. The program provides individual faculty, programs units and divisions with a means to develop and enhance the application of impactful teaching practices within the range of learning environments at the University.

LEAF supports two tiers of grant applications, both to a maximum of three years: 

  • Seed ($5,000 – $10,000/year) 
  • Impact ($10,000 – $100,000/year) 

The LEAF application process includes two stages; the submission of an Expression of Interest (EoI) prior to the submission of a full application. This model is intended to increase faculty engagement with the program prior to final submission and provide interested faculty with additional support as they consider potential projects.

The OVPIUE will be accepting EoIs for Fall term Seed and Impact grants on a rolling basis between June and September 7, 2023, and full proposals are due November 7, 2023 for those invited to proceed. More information about this process is available on the Application & Eligibility portion of the LEAF website.

Building an Effective LEAF Application: From Idea to Submission

If you are interested in applying to LEAF, you are encouraged to attend this workshop on developing an effective LEAF application. Our workshop will cover everything from designing a research question for the Expression of Interest to the basics of building an effective, integrated assessment strategy. Participants will gain insights into strategies and suggestions for successful applications, collaborate with peers on proposals and hear from a panel of former LEAF recipients.

The workshop will be held July 27, 2023 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. To register, please follow the link here.

Graduate Education Innovation Fund (GEIF)

The GEIF is intended to foster excellence in graduate education by supporting and promoting outstanding graduate learning and research in an environment that encourages an exceptional student experience. The fund will support projects within and across academic divisions and units that create positive, innovative changes in the design and delivery of graduate education at the University of Toronto.

An information session will be held on September 21, 2023 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. To register, please follow the this link – GEIF Info Session Registration.

The program supports ten seed grants annually, with a maximum of $5,000 per grant. Applicants are encouraged to seek out contributions from their unit or division and document it in their budget. The program supports two intake cycles with deadlines for applications on November 1, 2023 and April 3, 2024.

Instructional Technology Innovation Fund (ITIF)

ITIF supports a two-tiered granting system that is intended to provide opportunities for technology-mediated teaching and learning projects that explore and implement promising practices at various stages of their development and implementation. The grant creates a pathway for projects from their initial inception to their full realization. Recipients have up to two years to complete their project:

  • Seed Funding: Maximum $2,000 with no matching requirement.
  • Matched Funding: Maximum $5,000 with matching funds from another source.

Complete information on the ITIF program, including the application process and requirements, can be found online. Applications will be due November 7, 2023.