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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)
grant_single|status
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|terms_and_conditions
This grant administered by the CFI provides funding for research infrastructure projects with specific co-funding requirements. Institutions must ensure compliance with set financial criteria to effectively leverage this funding opportunity.
- CFI funding is typically up to 40% of the total eligible costs of an infrastructure project.
- The remainder of the funding must be secured through contributions from the institution or other eligible partners.
- Partner contributions must be secured within nine months of a CFI funding decision.
- Contributions can include cash or eligible in-kind contributions from external partners.
- The grant does not allow for increases in funding due to exchange rate fluctuations, commodity prices, or inflation.
- CFI holds back a portion of funding, usually at 10% of each instalment, to ensure funds are managed according to the agreed terms.
- Release of final instalment is contingent upon the submission and acceptance of a final financial report confirming actual eligible costs.
- Eligible institutions are responsible for tracking all project expenditures and partner contributions to ensure compliance with funding policies.
grant_single_labels|projects
The CFI — College Fund grant supports projects that involve the acquisition or development of research infrastructure to enhance research capacity and facilitate world-class research. These initiatives promote collaboration among researchers and institutions and contribute to achieving significant research objectives.
- Acquisition of advanced research equipment and components.
- Installation of new laboratories and research facilities, ensuring they are operational and meet the required standards.
- Development and renovation of spaces essential for housing the infrastructure and conducting research activities.
- Creation of databases and digital libraries ready for use by designated research communities.
- Integration of advanced research computing infrastructure into the national ARC platform.
- Training for main operators of new research equipment to ensure effective utilization.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 2,000,000
Purchase of advanced MRI scanner for brain research at Toronto Research Hospital
$ 1,400,000
Development of a genomics laboratory at the University of Calgary
$ 1,700,000
Establishment of an AI research hub at Vancouver Institute of Technology
$ 2,500,000
Acquisition of specialized marine research vessel for Memorial University's Marine Institute
$ 2,200,000
Construction of biochemistry research facility at McGill University
$ 1,600,000
Upgrade of renewable energy research lab at the University of Waterloo
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for institutions to participate in the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) funding is determined by specific requirements related to their status and capacity to conduct research.
- The institution must be situated in Canada.
- The institution must be engaged in research and research training.
- The institution must demonstrate its capacity to conduct and support research.
- The institution must meet specific eligibility requirements for universities, colleges, research hospitals, research institutes, or non-profit research institutions.
- Universities, colleges, research hospitals, and research institutes must meet all administrative, status, and capacity requirements as outlined in their respective eligibility requirements document.
- Non-profit research institutions must have been operational for a minimum of five years and meet specific administrative and capacity criteria.
- Entities such as for-profit organizations, federal departments, and provincial or territorial departments are excluded from eligibility.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible institutions for this grant include universities, colleges, research hospitals, research institutes, and non-profit research institutions that conduct their activities primarily in Canada, meeting specific requirements such as engagement in research and research training. The institution must be based in Canada, meet the eligibility criteria, and have the capacity to conduct and support research. Other entities such as for-profit organizations, federal departments, provincial or territorial departments, agencies, or crown corporations are excluded from eligibility.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant is not available for certain types of entities based on their structure or governance. These restrictions ensure funding is allocated to eligible institutions aligned with the grant's objectives.
- 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 universities, colleges, research hospitals, and research institutes.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) broadly supports projects involving the acquisition or development of research infrastructure essential for conducting advanced research. Eligible projects aim to enhance research capacity and foster collaborations.
- Acquisition or development of research infrastructure to increase research capacity and facilitate world-class research.
- Infrastructure projects that allow sharing and collaboration among researchers and institutions, enhancing access and use beyond the proposing institution.
- Construction or renovation of spaces essential for housing and utilizing research infrastructure.
- Development and integration of databases and digital libraries to facilitate research.
- Advanced research computing infrastructure to be integrated into the national ARC platform.
- Maintenance and operational support for CFI-funded infrastructure, ensuring optimal use and longevity.
- Public-private collaborations that leverage infrastructure for research and innovation.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to eligible institutions located in Canada. It provides funding for Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutions to enhance their research capabilities.
- Universities situated in Canada.
- Colleges located throughout Canadian provinces and territories.
- Research hospitals operating within Canada.
- Non-profit research institutions primarily conducting activities in Canada.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this CFI grant are based on specific criteria to ensure the alignment with the foundation's strategic objectives and the contribution to Canadian innovation and research infrastructure.
- 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
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Confirm Institutional Eligibility
- Verify if your institution is eligible to apply by consulting the list of eligible institutions.
- If not eligible, prepare and submit an eligibility application as per the guidelines provided by CFI.
- Step 2: Institutional Agreement
- Ensure your institution has signed the CFI institutional agreement prior to applying.
- Assign roles such as authorized signatory, account administrator, and liaison.
- Step 3: Prepare Strategic Research Plan
- Develop a strategic research plan outlining major objectives, research priorities, and alignment with the CFI’s goals.
- Describe planned collaborations and measure success methods.
- Step 4: Develop Proposal
- Prepare a detailed proposal that aligns with the institution’s strategic research plan and CFI guidelines.
- Include information on eligible projects, costs, and needed infrastructure.
- Step 5: Submit Proposal
- Submit the proposal electronically through the CFI Awards Management System (CAMS).
- For multi-institutional projects, submit the proposal through one applicant institution on behalf of the group.
- Step 6: Meeting Special Requirements
- Ensure adherence to relevant guidelines such as the Tri-Council Policy Statement and others specified in section 5.1.3.
- Step 7: Acknowledge Submission
- Confirm receipt of the submission and retain the confirmation for your records.
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
