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.
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grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
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- 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
This funding opportunity through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is available for institutions situated within Canada. Eligibility is broad across Canadian regions, ensuring diverse participation.
- Institutions located in all Canadian provinces and territories.
- Eligible institutions including universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutes within Canada.
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
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
Eligible expenses under the CFI grant include costs associated with acquiring or developing research infrastructure essential for the supported projects.
- Research equipment and components.
- Shipping, transportation, and installation of research infrastructure, including brokerage fees, excise taxes, and duties.
- Warranties and/or service contracts.
- Software subscriptions and licences.
- Laboratory furniture.
- Communications infrastructure essential for the research activities described in the proposal.
- Travel to a manufacturer, dealer, or supplier to select research infrastructure (including costs of carbon offsets for travel).
- Initial training for the main operator(s) of the research infrastructure.
- Salaries (including benefits) of professional, technical, and managerial personnel, consultants, and contractors directly involved in the design, engineering, manufacturing, installation, construction, or renovation of the infrastructure.
- Construction or renovation of space essential to house and use the infrastructure or to conduct the research activities described in the proposal.
- Acquisition of a database or the time-limited design and development of a database to the point that it is ready for exploitation by a designated research community.
- Costs related to the essential modification of the space immediately adjacent to the CFI-eligible constructed or renovated space that are a direct result of the construction or renovation of the eligible space.
- Salaries (including benefits) for technicians and professionals directly involved in the operation and maintenance of the CFI-funded research infrastructure.
- Training for the main operator(s) of the research infrastructure, not included in the infrastructure award.
- Extended warranties and/or service contracts not included in the infrastructure award.
- Maintenance and repairs.
- Replacement parts.
- Replacement of a CFI-funded infrastructure item needing repair, only if the replacement is more cost-effective than the repair.
- Services that directly support space funded by the CFI, or for space that is essential to house and use CFI-funded infrastructure, including supplies and consumables (not to exceed 10 percent of the cumulative total IOF funding claimed by the institution).
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
Apply to this program
Exploring Opportunities with the CFI Infrastructure Grants
The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) grants provide funding for state-of-the-art research infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing Canada's research capabilities. These grants support a broad array of initiatives, from constructing cutting-edge facilities to acquiring essential research equipment, promoting collaboration and innovation across universities, colleges, and research organizations.
Understanding the Full Scope and Benefits of CFI Infrastructure Grants
The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) grants offer significant opportunities for research institutions across Canada to bolster their research infrastructure and, consequently, their research capabilities. Founded in 1997, CFI has been dedicated to empowering researchers through funding that enhances their ability to perform groundbreaking research. The primary aim of these grants is to facilitate world-class research by providing access to the necessary tools and environments required for innovation and technological advancement. The CFI's investment portfolio covers a wide range of infrastructure types, from advanced computing hardware essential for big data analytics and computational sciences to high-precision laboratory equipment critical for medical and environmental research.
Eligible institutions, including universities, research hospitals, colleges, and qualified non-profit organizations, are encouraged to apply for funding to support both large-scale and smaller, innovative research projects. By focusing on infrastructure, the CFI plays a pivotal role in expanding the research capabilities of Canadian institutions, thereby fostering an environment where innovation is continuous and sustainable. Notably, only institutions, not individual researchers, can submit proposals, emphasizing a collaborative approach that aligns with broader institutional goals and research strategies. Such projects not only advance knowledge but also contribute to the economic, health, and environmental betterment of Canadian society by aligning closely with national priorities and needs.
Additionally, the CFI grants promote partnerships and collaborations between research institutions and various public and private sector entities. This collaborative thrust is integral to not only pooling resources but also to ensuring that research outcomes can be effectively translated into real-world applications and innovations. For instance, public-private partnerships are progressively important as they enable sharing of knowledge, risks, and returns, thereby enhancing the innovation landscape.
Furthermore, recipient institutions benefit from the Infrastructure Operating Fund, which assists with the operational and maintenance costs of funded infrastructure, ensuring the longevity and sustained impact of projects. This fund is vital in that it extends the utility of research infrastructure beyond mere acquisition by supporting its lifespan through essential maintenance, thereby maximizing the return on investment both in terms of knowledge production and socio-economic benefits derived from research outputs.
The application process is rigorous, emphasizing quality and potential impact. The CFI employs an extensive merit-review process involving experts both domestically and internationally, ensuring that only the most promising projects receive funding. Each proposal undergoes thorough evaluation based on its alignment with the strategic research objectives of the institution, potential for innovation, and expected benefits to Canada.
In summary, the CFI grants are a driving force behind Canada’s research and innovation ecosystem, paving the way for achievements that hold the potential to address pressing global challenges. By enabling institutions to establish or enhance their research infrastructure, CFI invigorates Canada’s competitiveness on the world stage, nurturing a robust environment for innovation, training, and collaboration. As Canada continues to prioritize research and innovation, CFI grants represent a significant resource for institutions striving toward academic and scientific excellence.
