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Canada Foundation for Innovation - College Fund
Funding for college research infrastructure partnerships
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
$ 60,000 - $ 1,000,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
This program supports Canadian colleges carrying out applied research and technology development with partners. It funds research infrastructure to create products, processes or services that address social, business, health or environmental needs, with requests between $60,000 and $1 million.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 60,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Applied research projects conducted by Canadian colleges
- Technology development activities with public, private or not-for-profit partners
- Projects that build research infrastructure to support innovation partnerships
Documents Needed
- Proposal document in PDF
- Completed forms in CAMS
- Institutional agreement
- Research security and project support documents, if required
- Letters or details of partner contributions, if applicable
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian colleges eligible to receive CFI funding
Who is not eligible
- Individuals applying on their own
- Organizations that are not Canadian colleges eligible for CFI funding
Eligible expenses
- Acquisition or development of research infrastructure
- Eligible infrastructure costs, including shipping and installation
- Operating and maintenance costs for funded projects through the Infrastructure Operating Fund
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs related to activities that are not part of eligible research infrastructure
- Projects that duplicate existing services or facilities in the region
- Projects that compete with private-sector businesses
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first reviewed for completeness and infrastructure eligibility.
- Eligible proposals are assessed in a two-stage merit review process.
- Final funding decisions are made by the CFI Board of Directors in March.
- Applicants are notified after the Board decision and can begin implementation once decisions are communicated.
- Funding recipients must comply with CFI policies, reporting requirements, and institutional agreement terms.
Additional information
- The requirement for a notice of intent has been removed.
- Proposals are reviewed in two stages: expert review and Multidisciplinary Assessment Committee review.
- The final funding decision is made by the CFI Board of Directors.
- The Government of Canada makes a public announcement of funded projects.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada Foundation for Innovation - College Fund Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Canada Foundation for Innovation - College Fund. 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 Canada Foundation for Innovation - College Fund?
This program supports Canadian colleges carrying out applied research and technology development with partners. It funds research infrastructure to create products, processes or services that address social, business, health or environmental needs, with requests between $60,000 and $1 million.
How much funding can be received?
Canada Foundation for Innovation - College Fund Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Canada Foundation for Innovation - College Fund program?
To be eligible for the Canada Foundation for Innovation - College Fund program, you must:
Canadian eligible college
Institutional agreement in place
Applied research or technology development project
What expenses are eligible under Canada Foundation for Innovation - College Fund?
Applied research projects conducted by Canadian colleges
Technology development activities with public, private or not-for-profit partners
Projects that build research infrastructure to support innovation partnerships
Who can I contact for more information about the Canada Foundation for Innovation - College Fund?
You can contact Leaders Opportunity Fund (LOF).
Where is the Canada Foundation for Innovation - College Fund available?
The Canada Foundation for Innovation - College Fund program is available across Canada.
Is the Canada Foundation for Innovation - College Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Canada Foundation for Innovation - College Fund is a Grant and Funding