To enhance the relevance and usefulness of social-science research, large-scale research grant-allocation policies are emphasizing, if not requiring, the formation of research partnerships between researchers and members of the community of practice. The emergence of a revisionist conception of traditional dissemination and utilization of theoretical frameworks is consistent with this policy direction, but supportive empirical evidence remains thin. This paper presents findings of a study that evaluated a major Canadian strategic grant program that has such partnership guidelines, in order to investigate the nature and impact of policy-induced partnerships. Data were obtained from surveys of 74 funded projects, 4 case profiles, and interviews with researchers, practitioners, and grant-application adjudicators concerning the Education and Work in a Changing Society program. The partnerships had favorable impacts on research and dissemination strategies and in the practice community; however, ideological and pragmatic issues surfaced as inhibitory factors. A conclusion is that mutual benefits and maximum utilization of resources are more likely to occur when there is mutual project ownership. Higher levels of partnerships contribute to the development of new theoretical frameworks and more accessible information than do more traditional approaches to applied research. Continued interaction between communities is recommended. It is suggested that grant agencies recognize the nonlinear nature of projects as well as the different cultural realities of researchers and practitioners. Three tables and one figure are included. (Contains 46 references.) (LMI)