How much funding can be received?

Get funding of up to $1 million (small businesses) or $20 million (larger businesses) to cover the project costs of diversifying into new product streams or implementing innovative process improvements.

grant_single_labels|projects

The IFIT grant provides support to transformative initiatives within the Canadian forest industry, specifically focusing on capital investment projects and studies aimed at innovation and environmental performance.

Capital investment projects that enable forest sector firms to adopt transformational technologies, diversify product streams, and ensure greater environmental outcomes.
Studies to assess market and technology feasibility, advancing innovation in the forest sector, and supporting future capital investments or strategic shifts.
Projects that produce renewable energy and sustainable bioproducts, like bioenergy, bioplastics, and biochemicals derived from wood.
Initiatives integrating greater energy efficiency technologies and exploring bioenergy carbon capture in forest sector operations.
Projects that demonstrate first-in-kind technologies or early adoption of technologies under unproven conditions requiring further de-risking.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$2,000,000

Feasibility study for converting a sawmill's bark waste into bio-char

$3,000,000

Study on the economic viability of producing nanocellulose from forest waste

$10,000,000

Capital investment in a new facility to produce bio-composites from forest residue

$10,000,000

Implementation of a bio-refinery process to convert forest biomass into renewable fuels

$10,000,000

Adoption of a new technology to produce cross-laminated timber (CLT)

$7,000,000

Conversion of mill residuals into activated carbon through pyrolysis

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities within the IFIT program.

Applicants must be legal entities validly incorporated or registered in Canada.
Eligible entities include for-profit and not-for-profit organizations such as companies, industry associations, and research associations.
Indigenous organizations and groups are eligible to apply.
Provincial, territorial, regional, and municipal governments and their departments and agencies are eligible where applicable.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The IFIT funding is open to legal entities that are validly incorporated or registered in Canada. This includes a variety of eligible applicants from the forest sector and associated fields.

For-profit organizations including companies and industry associations.
Not-for-profit organizations such as research associations that are registered in Canada.
Indigenous organizations and groups.
Provincial, territorial, regional, and municipal governments and their departments and agencies, where applicable.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant does not specify certain exclusions regarding companies or industries due to their status or main activity. All information regarding ineligible applicants is not clearly stated outside the given eligible descriptions.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses for the IFIT grant include direct costs necessary for project implementation.

Cost of salaries and benefits.
Overhead expenditures directly related and essential to the project, up to 1.5% of eligible expenditures.
Professional and technical services, including research, consulting, engineering, trades, and laboratory services.
Travel expenses, including transportation, accommodation, and meals (based on National Joint Council rates).
Training costs.
Publication, printing, and other media services.
Data collection services, including processing, analysis, and management.
Licence fees and permits.
Capital expenses.
Retrofitting and upgrading of existing capital.
Material and supplies.
Meeting hospitality and space rental.
Costs associated with environmental assessments.
Technical audits associated with project activities.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to companies located across Canada, without specific regional limitations. Companies must be incorporated or registered within Canada to be eligible for funding.

All provinces and territories of Canada
Any region within Canada as long as the company is legally registered or incorporated there

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) grant are based on both mandatory and rated criteria to ensure alignment with the program’s objectives.

Technical Feasibility: Evaluates the project’s execution plan, expected performance, and quality standards.
Innovation: Measures the project’s technological novelty and replicability within the sector.
Partnerships: Assesses the involvement of Indigenous and strategic partners, along with confirmed industry partnerships.
Business Plan: Reviews the financial analysis, risk mitigation strategies, and overall business proposition.
Fibre Supply: Considers the use of underutilized fibre sources and the impact on the local supply chain.
Timing/Project Readiness: Scores the readiness and credible scheduling of the project.
Value for Investment: Evaluates the financial efficiency and proportion of requested funding relative to total project costs.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Scores the strength and approach of the DEI plan.
Benefits to Canadians: Analyzes the project’s environmental, societal, and economic advantages.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission
Register with the GCKey through the NRCan Online Submission Portal.
Download the EOI template from the IFIT website to prepare your responses offline.
Log into the portal and complete the EOI form, saving progress frequently.
Submit the completed EOI form before the deadline of the application window.
Step 2: EOI Evaluation and Feedback
Wait for the assessment of your EOI by IFIT program staff.
If eligible, receive an invitation to submit a Full Project Proposal (FPP).
Step 3: Full Project Proposal (FPP) Invitation
Receive a notification with the FPP package and submission instructions.
Step 4: Prepare Full Project Proposal (FPP)
Prepare the FPP along with supporting documents like business plan, project schedule, and financial details.
Gather any optional documents such as letters of support or study results that bolster the proposal.
Step 5: Submit Full Project Proposal (FPP)
Submit the FPP and accompanying materials through the NRCan’s Online Submission Portal.
Step 6: FPP Evaluation
The interdisciplinary committee reviews your FPP.
Receive feedback or decision regarding shortlist progression.
Step 7: Due Diligence Assessment
If shortlisted, provide additional documentation for due diligence evaluation.
Engage with NRCan officials for detailed documentation and requirements fulfillment.
Step 8: Final Notification and Initiation of Funding Agreement
Receive final decision on funding status from IFIT program.
Negotiate and sign the contribution agreement if approved for funding.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The program is experiencing delays in the application review process due to a high volume of submissions and a high-quality standard of proposals.
There is a specific focus on projects that support decarbonization and the efficient use of resources to generate more value from the same amount of wood.
Non-repayable contributions can be up to $10 million for capital investment projects and up to $1 million for studies.
Domestic and international impact assessments may be required based on project characteristics and location.
The granting process includes mandatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Plans and Questionnaires.
Quarterly and annual reporting requirements include progress updates and details on diversity initiatives.
The IFIT program includes stringent audits and requires recipients to maintain accurate records for at least five years after project completion.
All funding is subject to the Access to Information Act and privacy regulations, highlighting the importance of confidentiality in handling applicant information.
Potential applicants are encouraged to review a range of preparatory materials available, such as webinars, to assist with the two-phase application process.

grant_single_labels|documents

Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) — Capital Investment Projects

grant_single_labels|contact

ifit-itif@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

Apply to this program

Empowering Transformative Technologies in Canada’s Forest Sector

The Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program is dedicated to fostering innovation within Canada's forest sector by supporting the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and products. Through its financial assistance, the program aims to drive competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability, with a distinct focus on environmentally friendly, low-carbon projects that offer new or expanded revenue possibilities.

Diving Deep into the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation Program

Launched in 2010, the IFIT program stands as a pivotal initiative by Natural Resources Canada, addressing the imperative need for modernization and sustainability within the national forest industry. By bridging the gap between innovative development and widespread commercialization, this program plays a crucial role in reshaping Canada’s forest sector landscape. Its commitment extends towards projects that deliver renewable energy solutions and sustainable bioproducts, ultimately aiming to fortify the sector's environmental performance and transform industrial processes into more eco-efficient models.

Recognizing the challenges posed by climate change and the increasing demand for green energy solutions, the IFIT program focuses on supporting projects that exemplify low-carbon innovations. Whether it’s through enhancing energy efficiency or integrating bioenergy carbon capture technologies, the program seeks to propel Canada into the forefront of forest sector innovation on a global scale. Notably, this includes fostering new market opportunities by diversifying product streams that range from advanced bioplastics and biochemicals to next-generation building materials.

The program operates through two primary funding streams: capital investment projects and studies. The capital investment stream is structured to provide non-repayable contributions, up to $10 million, to projects that incorporate transformational technologies or diversify product outputs, thus solidifying industrial competitiveness while improving environmental outcomes. This stream has been instrumental in deploying over 60 capital investment projects, facilitating the introduction of first-in-kind technologies and securing approximately 8,000 direct jobs and 6,000 indirect jobs.

Complementing the investment in tangible project infrastructure, the IFIT studies stream offers up to $1 million in contributions for studies that assess market and technological feasibility, thereby paving the way for future capital investments. These studies not only identify promising pathways for innovation but also ensure that the sector keeps pace with technological advancements, ultimately contributing to its economic sustainability and environmental stewardship.

The eligibility criteria for the IFIT program are inclusive, inviting applications from a diverse range of entities including for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous groups, and various levels of government. By ensuring a broad participatory base, the program encourages wide-reaching innovation and inclusivity, expanding the cultural and economic impact of transformative projects within the sector.

Applications are reviewed rigorously, considering the proposed project's alignment with strategic innovation categories, which now include process efficiency, decarbonization, and improved fibre utilization. This categorical expansion reflects the program’s alignment with Canada's broader emission reduction and sustainability strategies. Furthermore, projects under review must exhibit a clear pathway to measurable, sustainable impacts, aligning with both industry needs and national environmental goals.

In conclusion, the IFIT program not only boosts technological advancement but also acts as a cornerstone for Canada’s sustainable forestry future. By leveraging innovation and strategic support, it positions the country as a leader in eco-friendly industrial transformation, embodying a commitment to economic resilience, job security, and environmental responsibility.