Strategic Science Fund
Canada
The Strategic Science Fund (SSF) mobilizes expertise and resources of independent not-for-profit organizations to enhance Canada's science, technology, and innovation excellence.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
grant_single|grantors
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Strategic Science Fund (SSF) aims to enhance Canada's scientific, technological, and innovation excellence by mobilizing the resources of not-for-profit organizations to address critical needs and support federal objectives. Eligible activities include leading-edge research, knowledge mobilization, stakeholder engagement, and training to develop world-class research and innovation talent.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Strategic Science Fund is a Canadian initiative administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Health Canada. Eligible recipients of the fund are not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada.
- Not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada.
- Entities operating within Canadian territorial boundaries.
- Organizations aligned with Canada's strategic science, technology, and innovation objectives.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$160,000
Ottawa
Developing STEM learning modules for high school students
$1,200,000
Vancouver
Building a new state-of-the-art laboratory for quantum computing research
$400,000
Toronto
Development of a new AI-driven diagnostic tool for early-stage cancer detection
$360,000
Halifax
Organizing an international conference on climate change solutions
$600,000
Calgary
Implementing a data-sharing platform for agricultural innovation
$250,000
Montreal
Stakeholder engagement to promote renewable energy adoption
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligible recipients for this grant must meet specific criteria related to their organizational status and activities they undertake.
- The organization must be a not-for-profit entity, incorporated in Canada.
- They should undertake activities aligned with the objectives and eligible activities described under the SSF program guidelines.
- The organization must not be a federal department, agency, or crown corporation of the Government of Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Strategic Science Fund (SSF) is specifically targeted at not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada. These entities must undertake activities that align with the eligible activities described in the program guide to qualify for funding.
- Not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada.
- Organizations capable of conducting research and innovation in line with federal priorities.
- Entities that can demonstrate a critical need for federal funding to progress their objectives.
- Organizations with a presence at a national level, contributing significantly to Canada's science and technology landscape.
- Applicants that can add strategic value aligned with core federal responsibilities and priorities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain entities from receiving further distributed funds under the SSF. The restrictions ensure that funds are targeted toward eligible institutions and do not include certain federal entities.
- Federal departments, agencies, or crown corporations of the Government of Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Strategic Science Fund (SSF) supports a wide range of initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of scientific research, facilitating knowledge transfer, and promoting STEM engagement in Canada. The eligible projects focus on collaboration, talent development, and knowledge mobilization.
- Research and translation of research in critical science and technology areas for product and service development.
- Communication, dissemination, and exchange of research results to various stakeholders.
- Collaborative activities, including participation in international projects, to strengthen research networks.
- Engagement with stakeholders and convening the research community for collaborative initiatives.
- Support for the creation, growth, and retention of companies, particularly in the innovation sectors.
- Training and delivery of work-integrated learning opportunities to nurture high-qualified personnel.
- Internships and activities designed to attract and retain industry-ready talent.
- Development and delivery of STEM learning activities aimed at enhancing science education.
- Public education and communications initiatives related to promoting science culture.
- Fundraising efforts to generate awareness and secure additional financial resources for research activities.
- Day-to-day operations related to fulfilling the terms of the contribution agreements.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses necessary to carry out eligible activities related to research, knowledge mobilization, networking, and operations.
- Incremental research costs, including salaries of researchers and research staff, and related costs of students and highly qualified personnel (HQP).
- Operations of core research facilities and necessary equipment, except major research equipment.
- Costs for computer hardware or software, information databases, and scientific collections.
- Direct costs of knowledge creation, professional and technical services, materials, and supplies.
- Research-related travel and accommodation costs.
- Costs for knowledge mobilization and technology transfer activities, including staff salaries, policy development, tool development, IP protection, and market study.
- Costs related to networking activities, including staff salaries, and expenses for seminars, workshops, networking meetings and conferences.
- Administrative operations costs, limited to a maximum of 15% of the total SSF Award, including administrative salaries and benefits, consulting/technical services, office supplies/services, hospitality, insurance, travel, rent, utilities, and audits.
- Support for overhead costs of Ultimate Recipients, provided they do not surpass 15% of project costs.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Strategic Science Fund (SSF) are based on specific criteria that emphasize strategic alignment and operational effectiveness.
- Strategic value aligned with core federal responsibilities and priorities.
- Added value to federal science, technology and innovation investments.
- Presence at the national level.
- ST&I capacity, sound governance and operational efficiency.
- Critical role of federal funding.
- Demonstrable impact.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Letter of Intent (LOI)
- Prepare a Letter of Intent detailing how your proposal aligns with the SSF's merit-review criteria.
- Submit the LOI to the SSF Secretariat for initial review and assessment.
- Step 2: Assessment of LOI
- The SSF Secretariat reviews the LOI with input from other governmental departments and agencies as needed.
- Receive an invitation to submit a full application if the LOI meets the requirements and criteria.
- Step 3: Full Application Preparation
- Prepare a comprehensive application including technical details of the project, benefits, governance structures, and any relevant policies (e.g., EDI, COI).
- Ensure the application speaks to the strategic value and alignment with federal ST&I priorities.
- Step 4: Technical Review
- A technical review is conducted by at least two subject matter experts.
- Step 5: Multidisciplinary Expert Panel Review
- The expert panel reviews technical evaluations and considers cross-cutting elements such as governance and financial viability.
- Recommendations are made to support a strategic portfolio of proposals.
- Step 6: Final Decision and Notification
- Based on expert panel advice, the SSF Steering Committee makes funding recommendations to the Ministers of ISED and Health.
- Receive notification of the funding decision.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here is additional information about the grant:
- Confidential information submitted will only be used by the federal government for reviewing applications, administering the SSF Program, and monitoring recipients.
- Recipients must follow the guidelines of the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.
- Independent third-party reviewers must sign Non-Disclosure and Conflict of Interest Agreements.
- Recipients must comply with the Lobbying Act throughout the application process and project duration.
- The Federal government encourages recipients to seek other funding opportunities to expand the scope of their activities.
- Recipients must inform the Ministers of any other government financial assistance they have requested or received.
grant_single_labels|contact
strategicsciencefund-fondsstrategiquedessciences@ised-isde.gc.ca
Apply to this program
An Invitation to Elevate Science and Innovation in Canada
The Strategic Science Fund (SSF) offers valuable financial support to not-for-profit organizations involved in cutting-edge science and technology initiatives. This opportunity aims to enhance Canada's leadership in research, talent development, and knowledge mobilization.
A Deep Dive Into the Strategic Science Fund and Its Role
The Strategic Science Fund (SSF) is a pivotal initiative run jointly by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and Health Canada. Targeted toward not-for-profit organizations, this program is designed to bolster Canada's excellence in science, technology, and innovation (ST&I) by aligning research initiatives with federal priorities. This program aims to foster advancements that answer the pressing economic, social, and health-related needs of Canadians, thereby supporting the robust development of the nation's knowledge economy.
The SSF supports a diverse range of activities, each geared toward strengthening Canada's research landscape. Key objectives include increasing the quality of international research collaboration, developing Canada's talent pool with an emphasis on attracting and retaining world-class expertise, and accelerating the mobilization of knowledge both domestically and globally. This comprehensive approach ensures that investments not only drive immediate advances in research quality and capability but also sustain long-term impacts on economic and societal health.
Applicants to the SSF undergo a rigorous two-phase application process commencing with letters of intent that are evaluated for merit and alignment with strategic outcomes. Successful candidates are then invited to submit full applications, which receive detailed technical and multidisciplinary reviews to guarantee alignment with national priorities and funding objectives. This competitive vetting process ensures that funded projects represent the forefront of scientific endeavor and innovation.
Eligible recipients include Canadian-incorporated non-profit organizations engaging in approved research and development activities, in adherence to stringent governance and management standards outlined by the SSF. The program emphasizes equitable distribution of funds across interdisciplinary fields while fostering inclusivity and diversity, which are critical for the establishment of a dynamic and comprehensive research ecosystem. Furthermore, the SSF encourages partnerships across governmental, private, and international platforms to maximize the reach and impact of ST&I undertakings.
With its multifaceted support mechanism, the SSF encourages organizations to approach research holistically, incorporating diverse funding models such as matched and leveraged funds to ensure project sustainability and fiscal accountability. Recipients are mandated to deploy effective data management, security, and reporting protocols, promoting transparency and maximizing the utility of federal funding. The requirement for open access and meticulous research data management standards further underscores SSF’s commitment to driving innovation through transparency and community engagement.
In conclusion, the Strategic Science Fund offers a robust framework for not-for-profit organizations in Canada to innovate and contribute significantly to national and international scientific advancements. Through rigorous selection and thorough support mechanisms, the SSF fosters projects that contribute palpable value to Canada's economic, social, and health sectors, while simultaneously nurturing a forward-thinking, inclusive scientific culture.
