Call for Applications
Overview
The Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI) Canada Office is pleased to announce the SICI Membership Development Fund (SMDF) 2025–26 for its Canadian Members Council (CMC) Institutions in good standing. The SMDF provides support of up to CAN $500 to help publicize and promote SICI’s mandates, benefits, programs, and grants offered through its Canada and India offices.
Purpose
The fund is intended to:
- Increase awareness of SICI’s mandate and current grant opportunities within the Canadian Member Council (CMC) institutions.
- Encourage faculty, students, and staff to apply for and benefit from SICI programs and grants.
- Strengthen engagement between institutions and SICI through targeted outreach events.
- Priority will be given to applications submitted by designated representatives of SICI’s CMC institutions (or their authorized substitutes).
- View the list of CMC institutions here: SICI Canadian Members Council.
Eligible Activities
- Organizing one SICI information event within a CMC institution.
- Linking SMDF activities to broader academic or cultural public events that highlight India–Canada collaboration, provided that SICI promotion is an integral part of the program.
Note: Executive Council members who also serve as CMC representatives are eligible to apply under this call.
Value & Number of Grants
- Value: Up to CAN $500
- Number of Grants: 10
Eligibility
- Only members or authorized nominees from SICI’s CMC institutions are eligible.
Representatives may share or delegate the presentation of SICI programs to colleagues within their institution.
Acceptable Expenses
- Refreshments (tea, coffee, soft drinks, light snacks). Alcohol is not eligible.
- Travel and/or accommodation subsidies for invited speakers or panellists.
Application Requirements
- Applicants must email a completed electronic application form to maldeen@ucalgary.ca with the subject line: “SMDF 2025–26.”
Evaluation Criteria (10 points)
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Event Topic (3 points)
- Clarity of objectives (2)
- Broad appeal (1)
- Institutional Benefit (3 points)
- Link to institutional/departmental development (1)
- Clear outcomes (2)
- Relevance to India–Canada Relationship (2 points)
- Promotes India Studies in Canada (1)
- Encourages India–Canada collaborations (1)
- Visibility of SICI (2 points)
- Plans to showcase SICI activities with materials/presentations (2)
Disbursement of Funds
- Funds will be released upon submission and approval of the SMDF Project report (using the prescribed SICI report form).
Application Deadline
- Open (rolling submissions).
Selection
- Applications will be adjudicated by SICI’s Executive Council based on alignment with the stated purpose and guidelines.
Additional Guidelines
- The SICI Canada Office will provide an information package (about SICI and its grant programs) in advance of the event.
- If feasible, SICI Program Officers or an Executive Council member may participate via Zoom or video conference to present SICI programs and answer questions.
Download Forms
Contact
Mahmuda Aldeen
Program and Member Relations Officer
Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute
Canada Office, #1418 Education Tower, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary AB T2N 1N4, Canada
Email: maldeen@ucalgary.ca
Disclaimer:
Please note: SICI assumes no responsibility for applications or supporting materials that are lost, delayed, or not received, whether submitted by email, post, electronic platform, or courier.
