Focus Group

Probe Research wants to support Manitoba-based nonprofit organizations who need some research to help them fix big problems in our community.

The Probe for the Better community grant is an 80/20 grant – up to $10,000 from Probe Research matched by up to $2,500 from your organization.

For $12,500, your organization could get one of the following:

  • 2-3 focus groups, workshops or community stakeholder discussions, depending on the population you want to hear from
  • An online member or client survey
  • 10-12 questions on Probe’s quarterly omnibus poll or a short custom survey of N=600 Winnipeggers or Manitobans
  • Roughly 25 in-depth interviews with clients, members, community partners, funders or other stakeholders you may need to hear from
  • Some other type of research such as journey mapping, database analysis or ethnography

The “Musts”

Applicants must:

  • Be located in Manitoba.
  • Be a non-profit, charitable organization or Indigenous community or agency. Private companies and political parties are not eligible.
  • Be willing to allow Probe to use some details of the research project for a case study (on our website, for example).
  • Not have worked with Probe Research in the last decade.
  • Contribute 20 per cent of the cost of the project (to a maximum of $2,500).

The “Shoulds”

We’re looking for organizations:

  • With a demonstrated need that research can help to fill. We want to help with research that will lead to real impact.
  • Whose missions and values are consistent with ours here at Probe Research.
  • With enough money and staff capacity to put the project on the front-burner. Organizations must have resources to pay for hard costs that may be required –– up to $2,500 total investment –– including possible travel/accommodation of Probe staff at key points in the project if your organization is based outside Winnipeg.

How to apply

If your organization fits the bill and has a research project Probe could help with, please complete this short application form. All applications will remain confidential.

All applications will be reviewed by Probe staff. We may shortlist two or three applicants, in which case we will arrange a short interview with those shortlisted to learn more about your organization and project.

The deadline for submission is April 30, 2023. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Probe for the Better Timeline

Applications – March 1 - April 30, 2023

If you meet the criteria, please click here to apply.

Review - April 30 – May 15, 2023

Applications will be reviewed by Probe staff. If needed, shortlisted applicants may be notified in mid-May for a short Zoom or telephone interview to discuss the project in greater detail.

Award - May 29, 2023

The chosen recipient of the Probe for the Better grant will be contacted directly, and we will reach out to all applicants to let you know that you weren’t successful (this time).

Project Kick-Off – June 1, 2023

The project will officially begin once we have a kick-off meeting at our office (or by Zoom) to discuss project goals, the research approach, your reporting needs as well as budgets and detailed timelines and workplans.

Research Phase – Summer, 2023

This is where we do the real work together.

Final Reporting – by August 31, 2023

The research wraps up by Aug. 31, with all reporting deliverables finalized.