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Canada Foundation for Innovation - John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF)
Funding for leading researchers’ infrastructure
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
$ 800,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
The John R. Evans Leaders Fund supports research infrastructure for leading researchers in Canadian universities. It provides up to $800,000 from the CFI, with eligible activities including acquiring, developing, upgrading, or replacing research infrastructure.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 800,000 $
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
- Mixed revenue (<50% earned)
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Acquisition of research infrastructure
- Development of research infrastructure
- Upgrade or replacement of aging infrastructure
- Construction of new space when required for the infrastructure
- Research or technology development using the requested infrastructure
Documents Needed
- Completed proposal in CAMS
- PDF assessment criteria attachment
- Plain language summary
- Budget and item cost details
- Required construction or renovation plans, if applicable
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian universities recognized as eligible by the CFI
- Research hospitals and research institutes applying through an eligible university
- Institutions applying with CRC, CERC, NSERC, or SSHRC partners
Who is not eligible
- Research hospitals and research institutes without an eligible university partner
- Projects focused mainly on major shared advanced research computing infrastructure
Eligible expenses
- Research infrastructure acquisition and development costs
- Upgrading or replacing aging infrastructure
- Shipping and installation
- Taxes, net of credits received
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects focused mainly on large-scale shared advanced research computing infrastructure
- Research or development costs not related to infrastructure
- Costs beyond the eligible share of infrastructure use
- Taxes on the in-kind portion
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Québec institutions are reviewed under a Québec-specific process
Processing and Agreement
- Applications first undergo an administrative review for eligibility and completeness.
- Proposals are then assessed by experts or expert committees, depending on the funding amount.
- For Québec institutions, the review is administered by expert committees under the Government of Québec.
- Funding recommendations go to the CFI Board of Directors for a final decision.
- Institutions are notified by email when decisions and review materials are available in CAMS.
Additional information
- Proposals are submitted through the CFI Awards Management System (CAMS).
- Researchers and institutional administrators must accept the project before submission.
- For multi-institutional proposals, institutions must notify the CFI of each partner’s share by the deadline.
- For partnership streams, the CFI proposal is submitted alongside the partner organization’s proposal.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada Foundation for Innovation - John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Canada Foundation for Innovation - John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF). 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 - John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF)?
The John R. Evans Leaders Fund supports research infrastructure for leading researchers in Canadian universities. It provides up to $800,000 from the CFI, with eligible activities including acquiring, developing, upgrading, or replacing research infrastructure.
How much funding can be received?
Canada Foundation for Innovation - John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) Funds up to $800,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Canada Foundation for Innovation - John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) program?
To be eligible for the Canada Foundation for Innovation - John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) program, you must:
Eligible Canadian universities
Full-time faculty researchers
Research infrastructure project
What expenses are eligible under Canada Foundation for Innovation - John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF)?
Acquisition of research infrastructure
Development of research infrastructure
Upgrade or replacement of aging infrastructure
Construction of new space when required for the infrastructure
Research or technology development using the requested infrastructure
Who can I contact for more information about the Canada Foundation for Innovation - John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF)?
You can contact Leaders Opportunity Fund (LOF).
Where is the Canada Foundation for Innovation - John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) available?
The Canada Foundation for Innovation - John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) program is available across Canada.
Is the Canada Foundation for Innovation - John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Canada Foundation for Innovation - John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) is a Grant and Funding