How much funding can be received?

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) provides funding to support the acquisition and development of state-of-the-art research infrastructure at Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutions. The program aims to bolster economic growth, job creation, and environmental quality through supporting world-class research and technology development. Eligible activities for funding include the acquisition of research equipment, construction and renovation of research facilities, and the provision of advanced research computing resources.

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This grant is available to institutions situated within Canada as specified by the eligibility criteria. These criteria are essential for ensuring that the funding supports eligible institutions conducting research and research training in the Canadian context.

Universities located within Canada.
Colleges situated in Canada.
Research hospitals based in Canada.
Research institutes operating in Canada.
Non-profit research institutions carrying out activities primarily in Canada.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$1,200,000

Acquisition of advanced microscopes to further cancer research at a university laboratory

$1,200,000

Development of a new computational biology lab at a research hospital

$2,500,000

Construction and equipping of a new clean room for nanotechnology research

$2,100,000

Acquisition of a particle accelerator for advanced physics research

$1,400,000

Acquisition of a high-throughput genomic sequencer for agricultural research

$1,200,000

Renovation and equipping of a research lab for renewable energy studies

grant_single_labels|admissibility

This grant program establishes specific criteria for the eligibility of institutions seeking funding.

The institution must be situated in Canada.
The institution must be engaged in research and research training.
For universities, colleges, research hospitals, and research institutes, eligibility requires demonstrating capacity to conduct and support research according to specified requirements.
Non-profit research institutions must have non-profit status and demonstrate similar research capability requirements.
The institution must not be affiliated or federated with an ineligible entity unless certain criteria are met.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) funding is available exclusively to eligible institutions who can apply for, receive, and administer the funds. Eligible institutions include certain universities, colleges, research hospitals, and specific non-profit research institutions located primarily in Canada.

Universities situated in Canada engaged in research and training.
Colleges situated in Canada that demonstrate research capacity.
Research hospitals engaged in research activities within Canada.
Research institutes carrying out research activities primarily in Canada.
Non-profit research institutions primarily operating in Canada and engaged in research.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant program excludes certain entities from eligibility based on their status and affiliation. The main restrictions apply to for-profit and government-related organizations.

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This grant supports the development and acquisition of research infrastructure to enhance Canada's research capabilities. Eligible projects focus on expanding research capacity, promoting collaboration, and ensuring infrastructure security and use.

Acquisition or development of research infrastructure to increase research capacity.
Use of infrastructure to serve researchers and promote networks and collaboration.
Ensuring infrastructure is installed timely and remains operational over its useful life.
Leveraging infrastructure to develop collaborations and providing access to private sector users where appropriate.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and maintenance of research infrastructure 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 licenses.
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.
Salaries (including benefits) for technicians and professionals directly involved in the operation and maintenance of the CFI-funded research infrastructure.
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 when the replacement is more cost-effective than the repair.
Services (e.g., electricity, security, cleaning) that directly support space funded by the CFI.
Supplies and consumables needed to operate the research infrastructure (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 grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant's objectives, although the specific point scores are not detailed in the provided guide.

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 apply for this grant:

Step 1: Check Institutional Eligibility
- Ensure your institution is eligible by meeting criteria for universities, colleges, research hospitals, research institutes, or non-profit research institutions.
- If not eligible, prepare an eligibility application or contact eligibility@innovation.ca for guidance.
- Ensure to submit all required documents for eligibility.
Step 2: Address Application Prerequisites
- Sign an institutional agreement that defines conditions for using CFI funding.
- Ensure a strategic research plan is in place aligning with institution's vision and funding objectives.
Step 3: Proposal Preparation
- Draft a proposal ensuring it aligns with the institution's strategic research plan.
- Outline project objectives, research activities, and how CFI funding will support these.
- Describe the integration of infrastructure within institution’s projects portfolio, if applicable.
Step 4: Proposal Submission
- Complete the proposal through CAMS (CFI Awards Management System).
- If part of a multi-institutional project, ensure cooperation and designation of a lead institution for submission.
Step 5: Merit Review and Approval
- Await the merit-review process which evaluates based on research quality and innovation potential.
- Address any feedback or conditions stipulated during the review process.
Step 6: Award Finalization
- Once approved, submit an award finalization form and any required documentation through CAMS.
- Prepare to finalize within nine months of CFI Board’s approval.
- Engage in award finalization discussions, especially for complex projects, if necessary.
Step 7: Confirmation and Agreement
- Sign the award agreement confirming acceptance of funding terms and conditions.
- Begin preparations to receive funds according to the instalment schedule detailed in the agreement.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The grant includes various procedural and reporting requirements meant to ensure proper use and management of funds.

Submission deadlines for financial and progress reports must be adhered to, and extensions may be granted under specific conditions.
Institutions must maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation for all expenditures and contributions related to the funded projects.
Changes to projects, especially those impacting costs or project objectives, require CFI pre-approval.
Institutions are expected to monitor and report on the implementation and progress of funded projects using specified tools like the project progress report (PPR).
The CFI may conduct monitoring visits and contribution audits to ensure compliance with guidelines and proper management of funds.
Institutions must acknowledge CFI support in public communications and may be asked to host joint funding announcements with the Government of Canada.

grant_single_labels|contact

eligibility@innovation.ca

Apply to this program

Support for Research Infrastructure Development

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) offers financial assistance to institutions seeking to develop cutting-edge research infrastructure that can catalyze scientific advancement and boost Canada's global competitiveness. This grant is focused on strengthening capabilities in research institutions by funding equipment, facilities, and maintenance essential for innovative projects.

In-Depth Understanding of the CFI Research Infrastructure Grant

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) was established with the mission to support the creation and enhancement of essential research infrastructure required by Canadian institutions to achieve scientific breakthroughs and foster innovation. The CFI grant program is aimed at universities, colleges, and research institutions to facilitate the development of infrastructure that can propel Canada into a leading position globally in various research disciplines. This comprehensive grant addresses the need for advanced laboratories, scientific equipment, and facilities that enhance the quality and scope of research projects across diverse fields.

The eligibility for this grant extends to a wide range of Canadian research institutions, including universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research organizations. These institutions must demonstrate their commitment to research and the ability to manage and utilize the funded infrastructure effectively to contribute to significant research advancements. The grant covers up to 40% of the eligible costs associated with the acquisition and establishment of the needed infrastructure, with the expectation that the remaining costs be covered by the institutions themselves or other funding partners. This collaborative financial structure encourages partnerships between institutions and various stakeholders, including the private sector, for joint innovation efforts.

The application process for the grant is rigorous, involving a merit-review system that assesses proposals based on the quality of the research planned, the necessity of the infrastructure for the research objectives, and the potential benefits to Canada. Only projects demonstrating exceptional potential for success and impact on the Canadian research landscape are selected for funding. This process ensures that the resources are allocated to projects that are most likely to significantly advance knowledge and innovation.

Once the grant is awarded, recipient institutions are responsible for the proper administration of the funds, which includes managing the timely implementation of the projects and ensuring that the infrastructure remains operational and well-maintained throughout its useful life. Institutions must report regularly on the progress of the projects and their impacts, demonstrating the value delivered through the funded infrastructure. This accountability framework ensures that the public funds are used efficiently and effectively to yield maximum benefits.

Furthermore, the CFI grant encourages incorporating the funded infrastructure into broader networks of collaboration. This transcends national boundaries and includes potential international partners, thereby facilitating a global exchange of scientific knowledge and expertise. Such collaborations are instrumental in addressing complex global challenges and advancing scientific fields that require synchronized efforts across countries.

The impact of this grant is manifold, promoting not just immediate research outputs but also contributing to the long-term sustainability and positioning of Canada as a hub for world-class scientific research. By supporting the infrastructure needs essential for pioneering research, the CFI grant plays a critical role in enhancing Canada's research capabilities, nurturing innovation, and driving economic growth through knowledge-based advancements.

Overall, the CFI grant represents a powerful opportunity for Canadian research institutions to expand their horizons, strengthening their ability to innovate while contributing positively to societal and economic development. It is not merely a source of funding but a catalyst for long-term strategic enhancement of the country’s research enterprise.