CFI — College Fund
Canada
The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) funds state-of-the-art research infrastructure to bolster economic growth, job creation, and scientific excellence in Canada.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)
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grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) provides funding for state-of-the-art research infrastructure projects, supporting Canada's universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutions. Eligible activities encompass the acquisition or development of research infrastructure essential for world-class research, including equipment, laboratories, and facilities to bolster productivity and innovation. The funding aims to enhance Canada's research capacity, promote economic growth, and foster collaborative networks.
grant_single_labels|projects
Eligible projects for this grant include the acquisition or development of research infrastructure to enhance research capacity. Activities and costs such as personnel involvement in design, engineering, and construction, as well as operating and maintenance of the infrastructure, are considered eligible.
- Research equipment and components
- Shipping, transportation, and installation of research infrastructure
- Warranties and/or service contracts
- Software subscriptions and licenses
- Laboratory furniture
- Communications infrastructure essential for research activities
- Travel to select research infrastructure
- Initial training for main operator(s) of research infrastructure
- Salaries for professional, technical, and managerial personnel involved in the project
- Construction or renovation of space essential to house and use the infrastructure
- Acquisition of a database or its development to be ready for research exploitation
- Operating and maintenance costs including technical personnel, maintenance, repairs, services, and supplies
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$2,000,000
Toronto
Purchase of advanced MRI scanner for brain research at Toronto Research Hospital
$1,400,000
Calgary
Development of a genomics laboratory at the University of Calgary
$1,700,000
Vancouver
Establishment of an AI research hub at Vancouver Institute of Technology
$2,500,000
St. John's
Acquisition of specialized marine research vessel for Memorial University's Marine Institute
$2,200,000
Montreal
Construction of biochemistry research facility at McGill University
$1,600,000
Waterloo
Upgrade of renewable energy research lab at the University of Waterloo
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for this grant, institutions must be situated in Canada and engaged in research and research training. The specific requirements vary for universities, colleges, research hospitals, research institutes, and non-profit research institutions.
- Situated in Canada
- Engaged in research and research training
- For universities, colleges, research hospitals, and research institutes:
- Request CFI eligibility with a letter signed by the institution's president
- Tri-agency eligibility confirmation, if applicable
- Willingness to administer CFI funding according to CFI’s requirements
- Submit an official statement on research and research training
- Provide a description of research activities conducted
- No constraints on the publication of research results
- List current research facilities, infrastructure, and resources
- Provide qualifications of researchers (track record, educational qualifications, research experience)
- List grants and contracts awarded over the last three years
- Include technical support staff roles
- For non-profit research institutions:
- Request CFI eligibility with a letter signed by the institution's president
- Tri-agency eligibility confirmation, if applicable
- Willingness to administer CFI funding according to CFI’s requirements
- Non-profit status, operational for a minimum of five years
- Not affiliated or federated with another eligible institution
- Independent Board of Directors
- Submit an official statement on research and research training
- Provide a description of research activities conducted
- No constraints on the publication of research results
- List current research facilities, infrastructure, and resources
- Provide a representative list of researchers employed, involved in research, with proven track records
- List grants and contracts awarded over the last three years
- Include technical support staff roles
- Provide audited financial statements for the previous three years
- List of grants and awards received over the last three years, including their amount and origin
- Have oversight to receive, administer, and manage CFI funds
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The following entities will not be considered eligible and cannot apply for or administer CFI funding:
- For-profit organizations and agencies of for-profit entities
- Federal departments, departmental corporations, Crown corporations or wholly owned subsidiaries of Crown corporations
- Provincial or territorial departments, agencies or Crown corporations (except for universities, colleges, research hospitals and research institutes)
- Agencies of for-profit entities
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant. Eligible expenses include costs related to acquiring or developing research infrastructure, construction or renovation, personnel, and databases.
- Research equipment and components
- Shipping, transportation, and installation
- Warranties and/or service contracts
- Software subscriptions and licenses
- Laboratory furniture
- Communications infrastructure essential for research activities
- Travel to a manufacturer, dealer, or supplier
- Initial training for main operator(s) of the research infrastructure
- Salaries of professional, technical, and managerial personnel, consultants, and contractors
- Construction or renovation of space essential to house and use the infrastructure
- Acquisition or development of research databases
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible institutions for this grant must be situated in Canada and include universities, colleges, research hospitals, research institutes, and non-profit research institutions conducting activities primarily in Canada.
- Universities
- Colleges
- Research hospitals
- Research institutes
- Non-profit research institutions
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, the evaluation and selection criteria for this grant are established through a rigorous merit-review process by the CFI. Projects are assessed based on the quality of the research and the need for infrastructure, their contribution to strengthening the capacity for innovation, and the potential benefits of the research to Canada.
- Quality of the research and the need for infrastructure
- Contribution to strengthening the capacity for innovation
- Potential benefits of the research to Canada
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Ensure your institution is eligible to apply for, receive, and administer CFI funding.
- Consult the requirements for universities, colleges, research hospitals, research institutes, and non-profit research institutions.
- Step 2: Apply for Eligibility
- If your institution is not yet eligible, prepare an eligibility application.
- Email the CFI at eligibility@innovation.ca for more information if needed.
- Step 3: Sign Institutional Agreement
- Before submitting a proposal, sign an institutional agreement with the CFI.
- Send the completed form to the Senior Programs Officer or Programs Officer assigned to your institution.
- The institutional agreement will be signed through DocuSign by the institution’s president.
- Step 4: Develop Strategic Research Plan
- Submit a strategic research plan outlining priorities based on the institution’s vision for the future.
- Ensure the proposals aligned with the institution’s strategic research plan.
- Step 5: Meet Special Requirements
- Ensure researchers follow existing guidelines and adhere to regulatory requirements, laws, and guidelines applicable to the research project.
- Step 6: Submit Proposal
- Complete and submit the proposal electronically in CAMS by the project leader.
- For multi-institutional projects, the proposal must be submitted by one applicant institution on behalf of the group, and all participating institutions must be identified.
- Step 7: Finalize Award
- Submit award finalization documents within nine months of the CFI Board approving the award (or request an extension if needed).
- Ensure all conditions raised in the CFI funding decision are addressed.
- Step 8: Manage and Oversee CFI Awards
- Ensure funds are properly managed and that the institution complies with CFI guidelines and requirements.
- Step 9: Submit Annual and Final Financial Reports
- Submit financial reports as defined in the award agreement, with interim financial reports due annually or every two years, and final reports due within six months of project completion.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) aims to support research infrastructure in Canada through several guidelines, policies, and criteria outlined in its comprehensive policy and program guide. Additionally, the CFI has established mechanisms for monitoring, auditing, and performance reporting to ensure proper management and transparency of the grants provided.
- Institutional integration of projects is encouraged for better decision making and resource allocation.
- Payment schedules and financial reporting frequencies are tailored based on a risk-based approach.
- Tri-Council Policy Statements and other federal regulations must be adhered to by institutions.
- Construction or renovation projects need to start within 18 months of the funding decision.
- Changes to the infrastructure or delays must be pre-approved by the CFI if they negatively impact the project.
- Institutions must acknowledge CFI support in all public communications and appropriately tag the CFI on social media.
- Contributions from CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC, or certain federal funding programs are not eligible for matching CFI funds.
- The infrastructure use must be maximized and made available to potential collaborative users from different sectors.
- Research security considerations and the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships should be integrated into project planning.
- The CFI follows a rigorous merit-review process involving domestic and international experts.
- Periodic monitoring visits and audits are conducted by the CFI to ensure compliance with guidelines.
- Performance data and information on funded projects are collected through project progress reports and other assessments.
- Institutions are responsible for the long-term operation and maintenance of funded infrastructure.
grant_single_labels|contact
eligibility@innovation.ca
Apply to this program
Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) Funding: An Overview
The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) provides essential funding to enhance research infrastructure across universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutions in Canada. The CFI’s investments bolster Canada’s research capabilities, foster innovation, and support collaborative networks across diverse scientific disciplines.
Detailed Explanation of CFI Funding
The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), created by the Government of Canada in 1997, aims to fund the state-of-the-art equipment, laboratories, and facilities necessary for conducting cutting-edge research that benefits Canadians. The CFI’s investments are crucial for supporting the evolving needs of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutions across various disciplines. This text will analyze the objectives, eligibility criteria, application, and review processes, as well as the management and reporting requirements, offering important information for potential applicants and stakeholders.
The Objectives of the CFI
The CFI has several core objectives aimed at transforming Canada’s research landscape:
- Support economic growth and job creation, as well as health and environmental quality through innovation
- Increase Canada’s capacity to carry out significant world-class scientific research and technological development
- Expand research and job opportunities by supporting the development of highly qualified personnel through research infrastructure
- Promote productive networks and collaborations among Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals, non-profit research institutions, and the private sector
CFI funding supports research in all disciplines and is awarded through a rigorous merit-review process involving international experts who ensure only the best projects receive funding.
Eligibility Criteria
The CFI provides funding to a variety of institutions, including:
- Universities
- Colleges
- Research hospitals
- Research institutes
- Non-profit research institutions operating primarily in Canada
Key Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, institutions must:
- Be situated in Canada
- Engage in research and research training
- Meet the specific eligibility requirements outlined for universities, colleges, research hospitals, and research institutes
Administrative and Research Requirements
For an institution to be approved by the CFI, it must demonstrate adherence to administrative requirements such as maintaining a structured request for eligibility and compliance with tri-agency eligibility if applicable. The institution must be willing to administer CFI funding in accordance with established guidelines and should have a clear mission statement outlining its research and research training goals.
Eligible Projects, Costs, and Contributions
Types of Eligible Projects
Eligible infrastructure projects involve the acquisition or development of research infrastructure to enhance research capacity, thus enabling world-class research. The infrastructure must serve researchers and promote productive collaborations.
Eligible Costs
- Research equipment and components
- Shipping, transportation, and installation of research infrastructure
- Warranties and service contracts
- Software subscriptions and licenses
- Construction or renovation of space essential to house the infrastructure
- Salaries for professional and technical personnel involved in the design, installation, or development of the infrastructure
Ineligible costs include office supplies, the purchase or lease of real property, and operational costs related to the general maintenance of the building or facilities that house the research infrastructure.
Partner Contributions and In-Kind Donations
Eligible partner contributions can come from various sources, including institutional funds, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and individuals. The CFI typically provides up to a maximum of 40 percent of the total eligible costs, with the rest being covered by the institution or other eligible partners. In-kind contributions, defined as non-monetary resources provided by external partners, are recognized at fair market value. This may include the value of eligible capital or non-capital items essential for the project’s implementation.
Application and Review Process
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit their proposals through the CFI Awards Management System (CAMS), and proposals must align with the institution’s strategic research plan. Specific instructions for completing notices of intent and proposals are provided in the calls for proposals for each fund or competition.
Review Criteria
Proposals are assessed based on:
- Quality of the research and need for the infrastructure
- Contribution to strengthening the capacity for innovation
- Potential benefits of the research to Canada
Based on the type of fund, the merit-review process may include reviews by expert committees or multidisciplinary assessment committees, among others.
Management and Reporting Requirements
Administration of CFI Awards
The recipient institution is responsible for the timely implementation, operation, and maintenance of the CFI-funded infrastructure. Institutions must comply with the CFI’s guidelines and are expected to report project expenditures and partner contributions.
Supporting Documentation
Institutions must maintain a verifiable audit trail for all transactions reported in a CFI-funded project, including in-kind contributions. Financial records must reconcile with the financial report submitted to the CFI, and supporting documentation must be retained for at least six years.
Operation and Maintenance
Institutions are responsible for ensuring appropriate resources for the operation and maintenance of CFI-funded infrastructure over its useful life. An internal plan must be in place to meet operating and maintenance needs, and this plan should be regularly monitored using a risk-based approach.
Performance Reporting
The CFI requires institutions to collect and report performance data through the Project Progress Report (PPR). The PPR gathers information on various aspects of the CFI-funded infrastructure, including challenges encountered, level of use, research outputs, and benefits for Canadians. Typically, projects with CFI contributions exceeding $1 million report annually for five years, while those with contributions of $1 million or less report annually for four years.
Conclusion
The CFI plays a vital role in enhancing Canada’s research capacity by funding essential research infrastructure. Through rigorous merit-review processes, stringent management and reporting requirements, and comprehensive performance reporting, the CFI ensures that its investments yield significant economic, social, and environmental benefits for Canadians. Institutions seeking funding from the CFI must meet detailed eligibility requirements and adhere to established guidelines, ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the supported research projects.
