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Canada Foundation for Innovation - Major Science Initiatives (MSI) Fund
Supports national research facility operations and maintenance
Last Update: June 8, 2026
Funding available
$ 660,000,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
This program supports the operating and maintenance needs of national research facilities in Canada. It also promotes responsible stewardship through appropriate governance and management practices.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 660,000,000 $
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
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Operating and maintaining national research facilities
- Supporting shared access to specialized equipment, services, resources, and personnel
- Governance, management, and stewardship of large research facilities
- Maintaining research readiness and operational performance
Documents Needed
- Notice of Intent
- Proposal
- Updated budget and budget justification
- Strategic plan, if applicable
- Suggested reviewers list
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian universities
- Colleges
- Research hospitals
- Non-profit research institutions
Who is not eligible
- Thematic institutes and memberships
- TRIUMF
- Canada’s New Digital Research Infrastructure Organization (NDRIO)
- Facilities under a federal agency mandate, such as astronomy facilities
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs directly tied to governance, management, operation, and maintenance
- Audit fees, training, and board or committee meeting costs, including related travel
- Maintenance, repairs, replacement parts, minor upgrades, warranties, and service contracts
- Facility services, supplies, consumables, insurance, communications, outreach, and compliance costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Equipment purchases and construction or renovation costs
- Buying or leasing real property
- Trainee stipends and faculty salaries
- Research activities and intellectual property costs
- Administrative costs not directly related to the facility
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Scientific excellence
- International competitiveness
- Need for CFI funding
- Operations and user access
- Excellence in governance and management
How to apply
- Step 1
- Submit an expression of interest by email, if required.
- Step 2
- Submit the notice of intent in CAMS.
- Provide budget information and, for some applicants, eligibility details.
- Step 3
- Wait for the invitation to submit a proposal, if applicable.
- Step 4
- Prepare and submit the proposal in CAMS.
- Include the required budget update, justification, and supporting information.
- Step 5
- Undergo expert review and committee assessment.
- Await the CFI Board decision and results notification.
Processing and Agreement
- Eligibility and merit review are completed after submission.
- Shortlisted facilities may be invited to a face-to-face or virtual review with experts.
- The Multidisciplinary Assessment Committee makes final funding recommendations within the available budget.
- The CFI Board of Directors makes the funding decision.
- Successful facilities are then subject to ongoing reporting, oversight, and review.
Additional information
- Funding is intended to complement existing partner support.
- The CFI may coordinate oversight and reporting with other funding partners.
- Funded facilities are subject to ongoing monitoring and reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Major Science Initiatives (MSI) Fund Program
What is the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Major Science Initiatives (MSI) Fund?
This program supports the operating and maintenance needs of national research facilities in Canada. It also promotes responsible stewardship through appropriate governance and management practices.
How much funding can be received?
Canada Foundation for Innovation - Major Science Initiatives (MSI) Fund Funds up to $660,000,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Major Science Initiatives (MSI) Fund program?
To be eligible for the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Major Science Initiatives (MSI) Fund program, you must:
Pan-Canadian research facility
Shared access to specialized resources
CFI-eligible institution
What expenses are eligible under Canada Foundation for Innovation - Major Science Initiatives (MSI) Fund?
Operating and maintaining national research facilities
Supporting shared access to specialized equipment, services, resources, and personnel
Governance, management, and stewardship of large research facilities
Maintaining research readiness and operational performance
Who can I contact for more information about the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Major Science Initiatives (MSI) Fund?
You can contact Leaders Opportunity Fund (LOF).
Where is the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Major Science Initiatives (MSI) Fund available?
The Canada Foundation for Innovation - Major Science Initiatives (MSI) Fund program is available across Canada.
Is the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Major Science Initiatives (MSI) Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Canada Foundation for Innovation - Major Science Initiatives (MSI) Fund is a Grant and Funding