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Source verified August 10, 2026
Canada Foundation for Innovation - Major Science Initiatives (MSI) Fund
Supports national research facility operations and maintenance
Offered by
Funding available
Up to 60% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions recognized as eligible by the CFI
See full eligibility
Overview
The Major Science Initiatives Fund supports the ongoing operating and maintenance needs of research facilities of national importance in Canada. It promotes responsible stewardship through best practices in governance and management while helping facilities use specialized equipment, services, resources, and personnel effectively.
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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
- Up to 60% of project cost
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
- Ongoing operating and maintenance of research facilities of national importance.
- Operating facilities at an optimal level to make the best use of specialized equipment, services, resources, and technical and scientific personnel.
- Governance and management practices that promote responsible stewardship.
Documents Needed
- An expression of interest for all other facilities.
- A notice of intent.
- A proposal.
Official resources
Program guide
Supporting document
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions recognized as eligible by the CFI
Who is not eligible
- Thematic institutes, memberships and TRIUMF.
- Facilities that are the responsibility of, or are included within the mandate of, a federal agency, such as astronomy facilities and the National Research Universal reactor at Chalk River.
Eligible expenses
- Salaries of non-academic managers, professionals, technicians, administrative personnel, and consultants directly involved in the governance, management, operation and maintenance of the facility.
- Audit fees and training for the main operator(s) of the research infrastructure.
- Board of Director and governance committee meetings and related travel.
- Communication/outreach activities.
- Extended warranties and/or service contracts and extensions to warranty coverage, software upgrades, maintenance and repairs.
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
- Excellence in governance
- Excellence in management and operations
How to apply
- Submit an expression of interest for all other facilities.
- Submit a notice of intent.
- Submit a proposal.
Processing and Agreement
- Each proposal is reviewed to ensure it is complete and adheres to the guidelines.
- Expert Committees assess each proposal against the assessment criteria for the competition.
- The Multidisciplinary Assessment Committee identifies the proposals that best meet the competition objectives and establishes the amount to be awarded within the competition budget.
- The CFI Board of Directors makes the final funding decision.
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.
Contacts
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?
The Major Science Initiatives Fund supports the ongoing operating and maintenance needs of research facilities of national importance in Canada. It promotes responsible stewardship through best practices in governance and management while helping facilities use specialized equipment, services, resources, and personnel effectively.
How much funding can be received?
Canada Foundation for Innovation - Major Science Initiatives (MSI) Fund Funds up to 60% 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:
Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions recognized as CFI-eligible
What expenses are eligible under Canada Foundation for Innovation - Major Science Initiatives (MSI) Fund?
Ongoing operating and maintenance of research facilities of national importance.
Operating facilities at an optimal level to make the best use of specialized equipment, services, resources, and technical and scientific personnel.
Governance and management practices that promote responsible stewardship.
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) by email at MSI-ISM@innovation.ca or by phone at 613.947.6496.
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