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
Official resources
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
Selection criteria
- Research or technology development must be innovative, feasible, and timely.
- Researchers must have the expertise or relevant collaborations to carry out the work.
- Infrastructure must be necessary and appropriate for the proposed activities.
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare the proposal
- Complete the project, finance, and suggested reviewers modules in CAMS.
- Prepare the plain language summary and the assessment criteria document.
- Obtain a partner support letter if applicable.
- Step 2: Upload supporting information
- Enter the project details and budget information in the appropriate CAMS sections.
- List eligible partner contributions if applicable.
- Identify at least three suggested reviewers.
- Step 3: Submit through CAMS
- Review the completed forms before submission.
- Submit the proposal electronically through the CFI Awards Management System.
- Meet the submission deadline of September 15, 2020 at 11:59 PM EDT.
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
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.
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.