The UBC Department of Orthopaedics is pleased to launch Ortho Catalyst Grants, a new funding opportunity supporting orthopaedic surgeons across British Columbia to advance patient care.
The program offers two funding streams:
- Orthopaedic Knowledge Exchange Grant (OKE): Up to $5,000 to pursue specialized training and bring new techniques and expertise back to clinical practice and the broader B.C. orthopaedic community. Up to 25 grants will be awarded.
- Orthopaedic Quality Improvement Grant (OQI): Up to $10,000 to develop and implement projects that improve patient care, safety, experience, provider well-being and system efficiency. Up to 10 grants will be awarded.
Together, Ortho Catalyst Grants support our shared vision of pain-free mobility for all through collaboration, learning and innovation.
Applications open September 23rd, 2026 and close October 31st, 2026.
For any questions about Ortho Catalyst Grants, please email: orthopaedics.admin@ubc.ca
Timeline
| Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | Launch call for Catalyst Grant proposals |
| Saturday, October 31 | Deadline for Proposals |
| December 2026 | Funding decisions are finalized and communicated to all applicants. Successful applicants receive award information and funding instructions. |
| January 2027 | Approved OQI and OKE projects to launch |
| – June 30, 2027 – December 31, 2027 – June 30, 2028 – At project termination | Key Milestone for expense submission by each deadline: 1. Spreadsheet of expenses (what was purchased, when, and purpose); and 2. Invoice & Receipts |
| March 2028 | OKE activities to be completed. |
| December 2028 | OQI projects are to be completed. |
| Within 3 months after project termination or OKE activity | 1. Submit a one-page final report summarizing outcomes, learnings, challenges, and sustainability considerations 2. Submit a financial report to account for how funds are spent. 3. Share key findings through departmental forums such as Grand Rounds, presentations, or written summaries. UBC Orthopaedics will publish the written summary or final report on its website. 4. OKE: Share new technique or knowledge with BC Orthopaedic community, as per their project plan. |
Purpose
The Ortho Catalyst Grants Program is an initiative of the UBC Department of Orthopaedics, designed to advance excellence in orthopaedic clinical care, education, and system improvement.
The Orthopaedic Quality Improvement Grant is one of two funding streams of the Ortho Catalyst Grants Program. The other is the Orthopaedic Knowledge Exchange Grant (OKE). These grants support the department’s shared vision of pain-free mobility for all and reinforce the principle that we are stronger together through collaboration, learning, and innovation.
Eligibility
- The primary applicant must be an orthopaedic surgeon practicing in British Columbia, whose primary professional activity is clinical practice.
- Project teams may include interdisciplinary team members from eligible BC health authorities, including hospitals, public clinics, and private clinics.
- Residents and fellows may participate as team members but may not serve as the primary applicant.
- Applications and funding must align with UBC policies, health authority requirements, and departmental priorities.
- Applicants are unable to apply if they have already received an Academic Excellence Award, Ortho Seed Grant, or other UBC Orthopaedics grants.
- Applicants can apply for both OQI and OKE grants, and receive both.
Program Structure
OQI are intended to support project initiation and early implementation over a defined time period. Teams can also generate pilot data that may inform future expansion or external funding.
- Up to 10 grants awarded per funding cycle
- Up to $10,000 per grant
- Projects must be completed by December 2028
- Awardees will be required to submit a report and share findings when the project is complete. See section 5.3 below for additional information.
Funding Parameters and Eligible Expenses
4.1 Allowable Expenses
Subject to budget approval, OQI grant funds may generally be used for:
- Project delivery and capacity building
- Tools, technology and infrastructure for improvement
- Patient and community-centred engagement
- Project support
4.2 Ineligible Expenses
- Conference or registration fees
- Alcohol
- Travel expenses
- Gifts and gift cards
- Salary or compensation of the recipient
4.3 Funding Process
Grant funds will be reimbursed. Recipients must maintain accurate records of all grant-related expenditures and receipts within their approved budget and grant amount.
- Submission schedule: Recipients must submit an expense spreadsheet and receipts to request reimbursement by June 30 and December 31 of each year, or upon project completion.
- First Six-Month Reimbursement: Reimbursements until June 30, 2027 will be limited to a maximum of 50% of the total approved grant amount.
- Financial Reimbursement Guide: Recipients will receive a financial reimbursement guide outlining documentation requirements, submission procedures, timelines, and other reimbursement requirements.
- All expenses must be eligible, appropriately documented, and aligned with the approved grant activities and budget.
All expenses must comply with the UBC Business Expense Policy and related UBC travel and financial guidelines where applicable.
Application and Selection Process
5.1 Application Requirements
By October 31, applicants must submit a complete application package, including a project summary and problem statement.
Please upload the files below in one PDF.
- One-page proposal: project description outlining objectives, risks and benefits, alignment with priorities, expected outcomes, and sustainability considerations.
- Project Timeline and budget, including proposed expense breakdowns
- A sponsor letter signed by the applicable Hospital Head(s), head of the local division, or the head of the department of surgery that oversees the division of orthopaedics. Sponsor letter template
5.2 Review and Selection
The Steering Committee will review and adjudicate applications using a selection rubric. Criteria may include:
- Alignment with program objectives and priorities.
- Anticipated impact and value to B.C. orthopaedic sites, clinics, and programs to benefit patient outcomes.
5.3 Reporting and Evaluation
Within 3 months after the project ends, recipients are required to:
- Complete funded activities within the approved timeframe and budget.
- Submit a one-page final report summarizing outcomes, learnings, challenges, and sustainability considerations.
- A financial summary of grant expenditures.
- Share key findings through departmental forums such as Grand Rounds, presentations, or written summaries. UBC Orthopaedics will publish the written summary or final report on its website.
Failure to present will result in ineligibility to apply for future UBC Orthopaedic grants and funding.
5.4 Professional Development
Eligible participation may be claimed for Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada – Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program credits.
Purpose
The Ortho Catalyst Grants Program is an initiative of the UBC Department of Orthopaedics, designed to advance excellence in orthopaedic clinical care, education, and system improvement.
The Orthopaedic Knowledge Exchange Grant is one of two funding streams of the Ortho Catalyst Grants Program. The other is the Orthopaedic Quality Improvement Grant (OQI). These grants support the department’s shared vision of pain-free mobility for all and reinforce the principle that we are stronger together through collaboration, learning, and innovation.
Eligibility
- The primary applicant must be an orthopaedic surgeon practicing in British Columbia, whose primary professional activity is clinical practice.
- The funded knowledge exchange activity must be undertaken by the grant recipient only.
- Knowledge exchange activities must be led by a recognized expert in the applicant’s area of practice and be relevant to their clinical work. It must be complementary to the skill set of the hospital, and the knowledge transfer must be reasonably achievable.
- Applications and funding must align with UBC policies, health authority requirements, and departmental priorities.
- Applicants are unable to apply if they have already received an Academic Excellence Award, Ortho Seed Grant, or other UBC Orthopaedics grants.
- Applicants can apply for both OQI and OKE grants, and receive both.
Program Structure
OKE supports activities that enhance clinical expertise and adopt innovative practices, primarily including the support of travel and accommodation for orthopaedic surgeons engaging in observerships, training opportunities, or other knowledge exchange environments.
- Up to 25 grants awarded per funding cycle
- Up to $5,000 per grant
- Activities must be completed by March 2028
- Awardees are required to submit a report and share findings when the activity is complete. See section 5.3 below for additional information.
Funding Parameters and Eligible Expenses
4.1 Allowable Expenses
Subject to budget approval, OKE grant funds may support:
- Transportation (e.g., airfare, ground travel, car rental)
- Hotel or short-term accommodation directly related to the exchange activity
- Per diem as per UBC guidelines
4.2 Ineligible Expenses
- Conference, course, or registration fees
- Alcohol
- Gifts or gift cards
- Expenses for individuals other than the grant recipient
4.3 Funding Process
Grant funds will be reimbursed. Recipients must maintain accurate records of all grant-related expenditures and receipts within their approved budget and grant amount.
- Submission schedule: Recipients must submit an expense spreadsheet and receipts to request reimbursement by June 30 and December 31 of each year, or upon project completion. Funds will be reimbursed when knowledge exchange activity is complete.
- First Six-Month Reimbursement: Reimbursements until June 30, 2027 will be limited to a maximum of 50% of the total approved grant amount.
- Financial Reimbursement Guide: Recipients will receive a financial reimbursement guide outlining documentation requirements, submission procedures, timelines, and other reimbursement requirements.
- All expenses must be eligible, appropriately documented, and aligned with the approved grant activities and budget.
All expenses must comply with the UBC Business Expense Policy and related UBC travel and financial guidelines where applicable.
Application and Selection Process
5.1 Application Requirements
By October 31, 2026, applicants must submit a complete application package, including an activity summary and problem statement.
Please upload the application in one pdf.
- One page proposal: activity description outlining objectives, alignment priorities, expected outcomes, and how you plan to apply your learnings.
- Activity timeline and budget, including proposed expense breakdowns.
- A sponsor letter signed by the respective hospital, department, or divisional head, indicating how the OKE will be complementary within the skill set of the hospital. Sponsor letter template
- Email confirmation from the host surgeon where the training will take place.
5.2 Review and Selection
The Steering Committee will review and adjudicate applications using a selection rubric. Criteria may include:
- Alignment with program objectives and priorities.
- Anticipated impact and value to B.C. orthopaedic sites, divisions, and programs to benefit patient outcomes.
5.3 Reporting and Evaluation
Within 3 months after the project ends, recipients are required to:
- Complete funded activities within the approved timeframe.
- Submit a one-page final report summarizing outcomes, learnings, and sustainability considerations.
- A financial summary of grant expenditures.
- Share key findings through departmental forums such as Grand Rounds, presentations, or written summaries. UBC Orthopaedics will publish the written summary or final report on its website.
- Share new techniques or knowledge with the BC orthopaedic community, as per their application
Failure to present will result in ineligibility to apply for future UBC Orthopaedic grants and funding.
5.4 Professional Development
Eligible participation may be claimed for Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada – Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program credits.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I apply to both funding streams?
Yes, orthopaedic surgeons practicing in BC may apply to both funding streams. Applicants will not qualify for the Ortho Catalyst Grants if they have already received an Academic Excellence Award, Ortho Seed Grant, or other UBC Orthopaedics grants.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be orthopaedic surgeons practicing in British Columbia with clinical practice as their primary professional activity. Trainees and allied health professionals may participate in projects supported by the OQI stream but not serve as the primary applicant.
Additional eligibility requirements may apply depending on the funding stream.
What if I can’t finish my project or activity in time?
You can submit a request for an extension to orthopaedics.admin@ubc.ca.
What is the general financial reimbursement process?
Recipients must submit an expense spreadsheet and supporting receipts every six months for reimbursement. Reimbursements during the first 6 months are limited to 50% of the approved grant amount. We will publish and distribute a financial reimbursement guide to recipients.
What if I have to spend more than what my approved budget allows?
Please contact orthopaedics.admin@ubc.ca to request changes to the approved budget or scope before spending.
What if I have funds left over after my project or activity is complete?
Any unspent funds will stay with the UBC Department of Orthopaedics. Grant funds may only be used for approved project or activity expenses and cannot be repurposed for unrelated or alternative activities.
Can grant funds be used to support research?
No. The OQI and OKE grants are to support quality improvement and knowledge exchange activities rather than traditional research projects.
If I receive Catalyst Grant funding once, can I apply again for other UBC Orthopaedics grants in the future?
Yes, unless otherwise specified in future program grants. Recipients must be in good standing and have fulfilled all reporting requirements.
What happens if reporting requirements are not completed?
Failure to meet reporting obligations may affect eligibility for future UBC Orthopaedics funding opportunities.
Questions & Support: For questions and more on eligibility, eligible expenses, reporting, or changes to your approved project or activity, please reach out to the Ortho Catalyst Grant Administrator at orthopaedics.admin@ubc.ca