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Canada Foundation for Innovation - Northern Fund - Northwest Territories - Canada
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Source verified July 6, 2026

Canada Foundation for Innovation - Northern Fund

Funding for Northern research infrastructure
Offered by
Leaders Opportunity Fund (LOF)
Latest source update
Last Update: April 10, 2026
Latest change: The eligible institution list appears to have changed, including additional Alberta colleges and polytechnics, which may affect who can apply through covered institutions.
View change
Eligible institutions updated
The eligible institution list for the Northern Fund appears to have been updated, with additional Alberta colleges and polytechnics now shown. This may affect eligibility and the range of institutions that can apply through covered institutions.
Funding available
$ 250,000 - $ 2,500,000
Deadline
February 29, 2028
Location
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, Canada
Who can apply

Canadian universities

See full eligibility

Overview

The program provides funding for research infrastructure in Northern Canada to support projects led by Northern institutions and communities. It also offers optional proposal development support and can help cover operation and maintenance costs for funded infrastructure.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 2,500,000 $
  • Minimum amount : 250,000 $
  • Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon
Legal structures
  • Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Startups

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Acquisition or development of research infrastructure for Northern research projects.
  • Projects directly supporting research that addresses Northern community priorities.
  • Research infrastructure projects relevant to Northern communities in all disciplines.

Documents Needed

  • Letter signed by the institution’s president requesting eligibility, if applying for institutional eligibility.
  • Institutional policy or mission statement on research and research training.
  • Representative sample of research activities and, if applicable, a strategic research plan.
  • Current list of research facilities, infrastructure, resources, and technical support staff.
  • Research security forms and partner identification forms, if required.

Official resources

Program guide

3. Eligible institutions

3.1 Applying for eligibility

Northern Fund

Application form

Attestation for Research Advancing Sensitive

Private-sector partner identification form

Supporting document

List of eligible institutions

Research security

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Canadian universities
  • Colleges
  • Research hospitals
  • Research institutes
  • Non-profit research institutions and organizations

Who is not eligible

  • For-profit organizations
  • Federal departments and Crown corporations
  • Provincial or territorial departments and Crown corporations, except eligible postsecondary institutions and research institutions
  • Individual researchers

Eligible expenses

  • Research equipment and specialized instruments.
  • Upgrading or replacing research infrastructure.
  • Shipping, transportation, and installation of infrastructure.
  • Salaries for professional or technical personnel to design or install the infrastructure.
  • Renovation needed to house or use the infrastructure.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Yukon
  • Northwest Territories
  • Inuvialuit Settlement Region
  • Nunavut
  • Nunavik
  • Nunatsiavut

Selection criteria

  • Research in the North for the North: relevance, feasibility, and co-creation with Northern communities.
  • Team: relevant experience and meaningful leadership roles for First Nations, Métis or Inuit members.
  • Infrastructure: necessity and appropriateness for research capacity in the North.
  • Sustainability: efficient use, operation, and maintenance of the infrastructure.
  • Benefits to Northern communities: knowledge transfer and social, cultural, health, environmental, or economic benefits.

How to apply

  • Step 1: Confirm institutional eligibility
    • Verify that the institution is eligible to apply for CFI funding.
    • Ensure the institution has signed an institutional agreement.
    • Create or use an account in the CFI Awards Management System (CAMS).
  • Step 2: Prepare the proposal
    • Consult the Northern Fund call for proposals for submission instructions.
    • Prepare the proposal and supporting material in CAMS.
  • Step 3: Submit the application
    • Submit the proposal through CAMS.
    • For proposal development support, email the request to northern.fund@innovation.ca.

Processing and Agreement

  • Proposals are reviewed by a Proposal Review Committee.
  • The committee assesses proposals against five review criteria.
  • A virtual meeting is held with the applicant team and partner community organizations.
  • The committee makes funding recommendations to the CFI Board of Directors.
  • The Board makes final funding decisions and institutions are notified afterward.

Additional information

  • Proposal development support is optional and separate from the main funding request.
  • The CFI funds institutions, not individual researchers.
  • Research security requirements may apply at the application stage.

Contacts

northern.fund@innovation.ca

Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Northern Fund Program

What is the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Northern Fund?

The program provides funding for research infrastructure in Northern Canada to support projects led by Northern institutions and communities. It also offers optional proposal development support and can help cover operation and maintenance costs for funded infrastructure.

How much funding can be received?

Canada Foundation for Innovation - Northern Fund Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $2,500,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Northern Fund program?

To be eligible for the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Northern Fund program, you must: CFI-eligible institution Research and training capacity Proposed infrastructure must support research relevant to Northern communities

What expenses are eligible under Canada Foundation for Innovation - Northern Fund?

Acquisition or development of research infrastructure for Northern research projects. Projects directly supporting research that addresses Northern community priorities. Research infrastructure projects relevant to Northern communities in all disciplines.

Who can I contact for more information about the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Northern Fund?

You can contact Leaders Opportunity Fund (LOF) by email at northern.fund@innovation.ca.

Where is the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Northern Fund available?

The Canada Foundation for Innovation - Northern Fund program is available the province of Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon.

Is the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Northern Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Canada Foundation for Innovation - Northern Fund is a Researchers And Facilities