Investments in Forest Industry Transformation — Studies projects
At a glance
- From 100,000$ to 500,000$
- 50% of project cost
- Open Date : December 21, 2023
- All industries
- Government of Canada
- Natural Resources Canada
Overview
Eligibility criteria
The eligibility criteria for this grant are as follows:
- Legal entities validly incorporated or registered in Canada including for-profit and not-for-profit organizations such as companies, industry associations, and research associations
- Indigenous organizations and groups
- Provincial, territorial, regional, and municipal governments and their departments and agencies where applicable
Who is eligible
Legal entities validly incorporated or registered in Canada, including for-profit and not-for-profit organizations such as companies, industry associations, and research associations, Indigenous organizations and groups, as well as provincial, territorial, regional, and municipal governments and their departments and agencies where applicable, are eligible for this grant.
- For-profit organizations
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Indigenous organizations and groups
- Provincial, territorial, regional, and municipal governments and their departments and agencies
Eligible expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include costs related to adopting transformational technologies, diversifying product streams, and supporting innovation in the forest sector. Examples of eligible expenses are:
- Project development and implementation costs
- Technology acquisition and deployment expenses
- Market and technology feasibility studies
- Business financials and project plans
- Business operations and maintenance costs
Eligible projects & activities
There are projects eligible for this grant. The program aims to fund projects in the Canadian forest sector that adopt transformative technologies and products, focusing on innovative, low-carbon initiatives that create new revenue streams and enhance industry competitiveness.
- Adoption of transformational technologies in the forest sector
- Diversification of product streams
- Projects supporting decarbonization of industrial processes
- Projects promoting efficient resource use and increased value from wood
- Development of renewable energy and sustainable bioproducts
- Integration of technologies for greater energy efficiency
- Exploration of bioenergy carbon capture in forest sector operations
Evaluation & selection criteria
The Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program has specified Rated Program Criteria that serve as evaluation and selection criteria for funding projects. The assessment criteria will establish a prioritized list of eligible projects based on certain considerations:
- Funding requested per year and IFIT budget availability
- Distribution of funding to projects across Canada including Indigenous, regional, and community-based considerations
- Distribution of funding to projects that address targeted innovation categories
How to apply
- Step 1: Complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the stream you are applying for.
- This initial proposal process requests high-level information about your business and project.
- You will need to log in with a GCKey through the NRCan Online Submission Portal.
- Prepare your responses in a document offline using the EOI template before submitting online.
- Step 2: Program staff will screen your EOI and contact you about next steps.
- Step 3: If selected to move on to Phase 2, you will receive a Full Project Proposal (FPP) form to submit additional information and documentation.
- Step 4: Applications will be assessed against the Rated Program Criteria outlined in the Applicant Guidebook.
- Step 5: Final funding decisions will consider the assessment results, funding availability, and distribution criteria.
- Step 6: Complete and submit your EOI form via the NRCan Online Submission Portal before the specified deadline for the solicitation window you are applying under.
Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) Grant Summary
IFIT is a Canadian grant program that supports the forest sector by providing funding for capital investment projects and studies aimed at fostering innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness in the industry.
Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) Program: Transforming the Canadian Forest Sector
The Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program was established in 2010 to bridge the gap between development and commercialization in the Canadian forest sector. IFIT focuses on advancing transformative technologies and products to create a more competitive, resilient, and environmentally sustainable industry. The program aims to support projects that contribute to decarbonization, energy efficiency, and the development of new revenue streams.
The IFIT program comprises two main streams: capital investment projects and studies. Capital investment projects provide non-repayable contributions of up to $10 million to help forest sector firms adopt innovative technologies and diversify product streams. These projects aim to enhance industry competitiveness and environmental outcomes. Studies, on the other hand, offer funding of up to $1 million for projects that assess the market and technology feasibility of innovative initiatives, supporting future capital investments or strategic shifts by forest sector firms.
Eligibility for IFIT funding extends to various entities, including for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous groups, and governmental bodies. The program operates on a phased application process, starting with an Expression of Interest (EOI) and progressing to a Full Project Proposal (FPP) for selected applicants. Funding decisions are based on assessment criteria and budget availability, with an emphasis on geographic distribution, innovation categories, and community considerations.
Applicants interested in the IFIT program can apply through the NRCan Online Submission Portal during specific application windows. The program aims to deliver timely decisions and ongoing support to successful projects. By fostering innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness in the forest sector, IFIT contributes to positioning Canada as a leader in forest industry transformation and environmental stewardship.
