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Canada Foundation for Innovation - Northern Fund
Funding for Northern research infrastructure
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000 - $ 2,500,000
Timeline
- Closing date : February 29, 2028
Location
Canada
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.
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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
Timeline
- Closing date : February 29, 2028
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
- Regional
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
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
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
Headquartered in Northern Canada
Research and training capacity
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 across Canada.
Is the Canada Foundation for Innovation - Northern Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Canada Foundation for Innovation - Northern Fund is a Grant and Funding