Closed
Source verified July 8, 2026
CFI — John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF)
Supports research infrastructure for leading researchers
Offered by
Funding available
$ 800,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
Canada
Overview
The program supports research infrastructure that helps institutions recruit and retain leading researchers. It funds eligible infrastructure acquisition, upgrades, and development for innovative research activities.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Attract or retain talent
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 800,000 $
- Up to 40% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Acquisition of research infrastructure
- Development of research infrastructure
- Upgrade or replacement of existing research infrastructure
- Research or technology development using shared infrastructure
Documents Needed
- Project information form
- Plain language summary
- Assessment criteria document
- Financial resources for operation and maintenance tables
- Suggested reviewers list
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian universities eligible under the CFI
- Research hospitals and research institutes applying through an eligible university
- Institutions with researchers in strategic research fields
Who is not eligible
- Research hospitals and research institutes applying directly
- Institutions that are not recognized as eligible Canadian universities
- Proposals focused predominantly on major shared advanced research computing infrastructure
Eligible expenses
- Acquisition of research equipment and infrastructure
- Development of research infrastructure
- Upgrade or replacement of aging infrastructure
- Shipping and installation costs
- Taxes net of credits
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Québec institutions are reviewed under Québec jurisdiction
Selection criteria
- Research or technology development
- Researchers
- Infrastructure
- Sustainability
- Benefits to Canadians
How to apply
- Step 1: Confirm internal eligibility and prepare the proposal with the research office.
- Review the program guidelines.
- Ensure the project and researchers fit the fund requirements.
- Step 2: Prepare the application in CAMS
- Create the proposal in the CFI Awards Management System.
- Complete the required project and finance modules.
- Upload supporting documents and reviewer suggestions.
- Step 3: Submit the proposal to the CFI
- Finalize the application in CAMS.
- Submit by the applicable deadline.
- Step 4: Await review and decision
- The CFI reviews the proposal for eligibility and completeness.
- Review materials and decisions are communicated in CAMS and by email.
Processing and Agreement
- Administrative review for eligibility and completeness.
- Merit review by experts or an expert committee, depending on the requested amount.
- Some proposals may receive an additional reviewer or teleconference review if needed.
- The CFI Board of Directors makes the funding decision.
- Institutions are notified by email and can view results in CAMS.
Additional information
- Researchers should consult their institution’s research office before submitting.
- Applicants must use CAMS to prepare and submit the proposal.
- For multi-institutional proposals, the institution’s share must be communicated by the deadline.
- Decision notices and review materials are uploaded in CAMS and sent by email.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the CFI — John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) Program
What is the CFI — John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF)?
The program supports research infrastructure that helps institutions recruit and retain leading researchers. It funds eligible infrastructure acquisition, upgrades, and development for innovative research activities.
How much funding can be received?
CFI — John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) Funds up to 40% of admissible expenses, capped at $800,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the CFI — John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) program?
To be eligible for the CFI — John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) program, you must:
Canadian universities eligible under the CFI.
Up to three eligible researchers.
Eligible research infrastructure project.
What expenses are eligible under CFI — John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF)?
Acquisition of research infrastructure
Development of research infrastructure
Upgrade or replacement of existing research infrastructure
Research or technology development using shared infrastructure
Who can I contact for more information about the CFI — John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF)?
You can contact Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) by email at jelf@innovation.ca.
Where is the CFI — John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) available?
The CFI — John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) program is available across Canada.
Is the CFI — John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CFI — John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) is a Grant and Funding