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Canada Foundation for Innovation - Exceptional Opportunities Fund
Funding for urgent research infrastructure opportunities
Last Update: June 8, 2026
Funding available
Up to 40% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
This program supports rare, time-sensitive research infrastructure opportunities that cannot wait for a normal national competition. It funds eligible infrastructure projects involving institutions and partners, including the related research and operations needed to seize the opportunity.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Conduct research and development activities
- Conduct research or evaluation activities
Eligible Funding
- Up to 40% 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
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Exceptional research infrastructure projects tied to a time-sensitive opportunity
- Projects involving strategic research partnerships that must move quickly
Documents Needed
- Notice of Intent
- Full proposal, if invited
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Institutions
- Project partners
Who is not eligible
- Projects that have already been reviewed, in whole or in part, by the CFI
Eligible expenses
- Eligible infrastructure project costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects already reviewed, in whole or in part, by the CFI
Selection criteria
- Strength of the exceptional opportunity and partnership
- Urgency of funding outside normal CFI processes
- Need for coordinated support from other agencies
- Importance of the infrastructure to the project
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact the CFI to discuss eligibility.
- Step 2: Submit a Notice of Intent describing the opportunity, partnership, and urgency.
- Step 3: Wait for committee review and invitation decision.
- Step 4: Submit a full proposal if invited.
Processing and Agreement
- The institution should first contact the CFI to discuss eligibility.
- A Notice of Intent is reviewed by a multidisciplinary committee.
- The committee recommends whether the CFI Board should invite a full proposal.
- If invited, the institution submits a proposal for tailored review.
Additional information
- Only very few projects are expected to be considered under this fund.
- The project must be justified as an exceptional, time-sensitive opportunity.
- The proposal process begins with a Notice of Intent before an invitation to submit a full proposal.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Exceptional Opportunities Fund Program
What is the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Exceptional Opportunities Fund?
This program supports rare, time-sensitive research infrastructure opportunities that cannot wait for a normal national competition. It funds eligible infrastructure projects involving institutions and partners, including the related research and operations needed to seize the opportunity.
How much funding can be received?
Canada Foundation for Innovation - Exceptional Opportunities Fund Funds up to 40% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Exceptional Opportunities Fund program?
To be eligible for the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Exceptional Opportunities Fund program, you must:
Exceptional, time-sensitive opportunity
Indispensable infrastructure component
No prior CFI review
What expenses are eligible under Canada Foundation for Innovation - Exceptional Opportunities Fund?
Exceptional research infrastructure projects tied to a time-sensitive opportunity
Projects involving strategic research partnerships that must move quickly
Who can I contact for more information about the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Exceptional Opportunities Fund?
You can contact Leaders Opportunity Fund (LOF).
Where is the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Exceptional Opportunities Fund available?
The Canada Foundation for Innovation - Exceptional Opportunities Fund program is available across Canada.
Is the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Exceptional Opportunities Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Canada Foundation for Innovation - Exceptional Opportunities Fund is a Grant and Funding