Kids Brain Health (KBH+) is announcing 14 projects with over $4 million in funding across Canada to help scale and spread innovative solutions designed to improve outcomes for children and youth with neurodisabilities (NDs) and their families — made possible through funding from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Strategic Science Fund.

This transformative investment is delivered through three Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) funding streams: Indigenous Stream, the Innovation and Implementation program, and Strategic Opportunities. The Indigenous Stream and Innovation and Implementation programs are in partnership with Brain Canada through the Canada Brain Research Fund, an innovative partnership between the Government of Canada, through Health Canada, and Brain Canada.

“For too many children and youth with NDs access to the care and support they need is still out of reach,” says Geoff Pradella, Chief Executive Officer, KBH+. “Through strong partnerships, KBH+ leverages federal investment and trains highly qualified personnel (HQP) who support families across Canada. That adds up to increased access to the services and programs our kids need. These 14 projects will scale proven solutions, reach families faster, and create real change in communities nationwide, turning research into action and unlocking brighter futures for thousands of children and their families.”

Together, these funding programs reflect KBH+’s commitment to advancing collaborative, inclusive, and high-impact research that improves the lives of children and youth living with NDs and their families.

Funding for KBHN’s Indigenous Stream and the Innovation and Implementation programs is provided in partnership with Brain Canada. These two funding programs are designed to match and leverage federal funding, maximizing their overall impact.

Brain Canada’s Chief Research and Program Officer, Dr. Pamela Kanellis, emphasized the importance of translating research into tangible outcomes through strong national partnerships, noting both the Indigenous Stream and the Innovation and Implementation programs play key roles in advancing this goal.

“Brain Canada is proud to partner with Kids Brain Health Network to support projects that are accelerating the translation of research into meaningful, real-world impact,” says Dr. Kanellis. “Brain Canada believes in the importance of supporting research that recognizes and honours the knowledge, priorities, and leadership of Indigenous Peoples. By supporting the Indigenous Stream and investing in innovative and implementation-ready solutions, we are helping improve access to effective care and supports for children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families across Canada.”

Every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive. Yet, for the one in 10 children and youth in Canada living with a neurodisability, that opportunity is often out of reach. Families face years-long waitlists for diagnosis, limited access to essential services, and out-of-pocket costs, such as supports and therapy, can reach up to $80,000 annually.

While research has advanced significantly for children and youth with NDs, many discoveries and solutions still do not reach the families who need them most. KBH+ exists to change this.

KBH+ programs leverage federal investment by matching and mobilizing additional funding from partners across Canada, significantly increasing the impact of public investment. KBH+ also trains HQPs, preparing the next generation of experts, clinicians, and innovators to support children and youth with NDs nationwide.

“Canadian researchers and innovators are helping build a stronger, more inclusive future for communities across the country,” says the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. “Through the Strategic Science Fund, the Government of Canada is supporting organizations like Kids Brain Health as they turn research into practical solutions for children and youth with neurodisabilities. These projects will help more families access the care and services they need, while ensuring research and innovation are delivering real results for Canadians.”

The 14 newly-funded projects represent a diverse range of innovative approaches—from community-based supports and culturally grounded programs to new tools and interventions designed to improve care and services for families. These projects and solutions demonstrate a growing national effort to ensure research breakthroughs translate into real-world impact, helping reach families faster and at greater scale.

“Investing in children’s brain health is an investment in Canada’s future. By supporting Canadian researchers that focus on early research, prevention, and access to care for young people with neurodisabilities, we are ensuring that children have the resources they need to learn, grow, and thrive,” said the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health. “This is helping children and youth succeed in school, build independence, and reach their full potential, while giving families the support.”

Together, these projects will help bridge the gap between discovery and real-world impact—ensuring innovative research reaches the children, youth, and families who need it most. By accelerating the spread and scale of proven solutions, KBH+ is helping unlock brighter futures for thousands of families across Canada.

 

About KBH+:

Since 2009, KBHN has led transformative projects and real-world solutions that improve outcomes for children and families. In 2016, the Kids Brain Health Foundation (KBHF) was established to mobilize philanthropy, partnerships, and public support, amplifying the reach and impact of our work. Kids Brain Health Innovation Fund (KBH-IF) further strengthens our ability to accelerate the growth, scale, and spread of tested and effective innovations emerging from the KBHN and KBHF portfolios.

Together, KBHN, KBHF, and KBH-IF form KBH+, a national platform delivering impact for children and youth with neurodisabilities. Through coordinated efforts in government funding, philanthropy, and impact investing, KBH+ advances early identification, effective interventions, and access to family supports. For more information, visit: kidsbrainhealth.ca

 

About Brain Canada

 As a national convenor and enabler of the Canadian brain research community, Brain Canada is supporting efforts to reduce health inequities. This includes efforts to assess the different ways that brain diseases and disorders affect men, women, and gender diverse groups, and various stages of neurodevelopment and aging. Brain Canada’s goal, in the process, is to advance sex and gender brain science and remove systemic barriers and biases to ensure that all individuals have equal access to – and will benefit from – the results of bold brain research. Learn more about Brain Canada.

 

Strategic Science Fund (SSF)

SSF provides funding to Canadian not-for-profit science and research organizations. Through a transparent and competitive process, the SSF helps eligible organizations continue important research and innovation that directly affects Canadians. Learn more about SSF.

 

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Media Contact:

Katie O’Connor

Communications Manager

KBH+

koconnor@kidsbrainhealth.ca