Closed
2020 Exceptional Opportunities Fund – COVID-19 for colleges, polytechnics and Cégeps
Support for COVID-19 research equipment needs
Last Update: April 21, 2026
Funding available
$ 20,000 - $ 50,000
Timeline
- Open Date : July 16, 2020
- Closing date : September 15, 2020
Location
Canada
Overview
This program provided up to $2 million to support urgent equipment needs for COVID-19-related applied research and technology development. Eligible projects had to involve infrastructure essential to ongoing COVID-19 research or technology development, with funding covering up to 100% of eligible costs.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
- Minimum amount : 20,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : July 16, 2020
- Closing date : September 15, 2020
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Applied research related to COVID-19
- Technology development related to COVID-19
- Projects with direct and immediate impact on current COVID-19 research needs
- Activities involving diagnostic and screening tools, sanitation processes, protective equipment, healthcare delivery, or community support measures
Documents Needed
- Proposal document in PDF
- Plain language summary
- Assessment criteria document
- Partner support letter, if applicable
- Cost of individual items table and finance details
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Colleges
- Polytechnics
- Cégeps
Eligible expenses
- Eligible infrastructure acquisition and development costs
- Minor renovation costs needed to install the equipment
- Taxes, shipping, and installation
- Operation and maintenance costs up to 10% of total eligible costs
- Extended warranties and service contracts
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Construction costs
- Expenses incurred before April 1, 2020
- Costs for infrastructure not acquired by March 31, 2021
Processing and Agreement
- Proposals are reviewed by a Multidisciplinary Assessment Committee.
- Applications are assessed against three criteria: research or technology development, researchers, and infrastructure.
- Funding recommendations are sent to the CFI Board of Directors for final decision.
- Institutions are notified by email when results are available in CAMS.
Additional information
- Proposals were to be submitted through the CFI Awards Management System (CAMS).
- Institutions were encouraged to seek partner funding when possible.
- Applicants were to include a partner support letter if applicable.
- The competition is now closed and no longer accepting proposals.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2020 Exceptional Opportunities Fund – COVID-19 for colleges, polytechnics and Cégeps Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the 2020 Exceptional Opportunities Fund – COVID-19 for colleges, polytechnics and Cégeps. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the 2020 Exceptional Opportunities Fund – COVID-19 for colleges, polytechnics and Cégeps?
This program provided up to $2 million to support urgent equipment needs for COVID-19-related applied research and technology development. Eligible projects had to involve infrastructure essential to ongoing COVID-19 research or technology development, with funding covering up to 100% of eligible costs.
How much funding can be received?
2020 Exceptional Opportunities Fund – COVID-19 for colleges, polytechnics and Cégeps Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $50,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was September 15, 2020.
Who is eligible for the 2020 Exceptional Opportunities Fund – COVID-19 for colleges, polytechnics and Cégeps program?
To be eligible for the 2020 Exceptional Opportunities Fund – COVID-19 for colleges, polytechnics and Cégeps program, you must:
Eligible college, polytechnic, or Cégep
COVID-19-related applied research or technology development
Essential infrastructure for the project
What expenses are eligible under 2020 Exceptional Opportunities Fund – COVID-19 for colleges, polytechnics and Cégeps?
Applied research related to COVID-19
Technology development related to COVID-19
Projects with direct and immediate impact on current COVID-19 research needs
Activities involving diagnostic and screening tools, sanitation processes, protective equipment, healthcare delivery, or community support measures
Who can I contact for more information about the 2020 Exceptional Opportunities Fund – COVID-19 for colleges, polytechnics and Cégeps?
You can contact Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) by email at FOE-colleges-EOF@innovation.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the 2020 Exceptional Opportunities Fund – COVID-19 for colleges, polytechnics and Cégeps available?
The 2020 Exceptional Opportunities Fund – COVID-19 for colleges, polytechnics and Cégeps program is available across Canada.