How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Strategic Science Fund?

Strategic Science Fund is funded by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)

What are Strategic Science Fund's eligibility criterias?

Eligible recipients must be not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada. The organization must undertake activities that align with the objectives of the Strategic Science Fund.

Strategic Science Fund

Last Update: April 3, 2025

Canada

Mobilizes research to enhance Canada's scientific excellence

Strategic Science Fund at a glance

Eligible Funding

Up to 100% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services
Health care and social assistance

Grant Providers

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)

Status

Open

Overview of the Strategic Science Fund program

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.

Financing terms and conditions

The Strategic Science Fund provides non-repayable contributions to Canadian not-for-profit organizations, specifically tailored to support strategic science, technology, and innovation projects. The financing modalities ensure that minimum required funds are provided to achieve strategic goals while mandating careful financial management and adherence to guidelines.

Funding is provided in the form of non-repayable contributions, specifically designed to cover eligible project costs.
Payments to recipients are made either as advance payments or reimbursements based on the eligible costs incurred.
Advance of funds unexpended and uncommitted may be carried over up to 10% of the annual allocation to the next fiscal year, pending approval.
Funding levels are determined based on the recipient's funding requirements, ensuring no excess relative to needs, considering total government assistance limits.
Stacking of government assistance is managed to ensure total assistance does not exceed 100% of eligible costs, with certain limitations for research benefiting industry.
Rigorous financial reporting is required, including quarterly financial updates and detailed annual reporting requirements.
Management of invested funds prior to use is restricted to conservative investments as per the detailed guidelines within the program guide.

Eligible projects & activities

The Strategic Science Fund supports a wide array of activities intended to enhance scientific research and its application in Canada. These projects aim to increase research quality, knowledge translation, and skill development across several disciplines.

Research and translation of research in critical areas of science and technology for the development of products and services, technologies, interventions, and informing public policy development and decision-making.
Communication, dissemination, and exchange of research results.
Collaborative activities, including participation of Canadian researchers in international projects.
Stakeholder engagement and efforts to convene the research community.
Activities supporting the creation, growth, and retention of companies.
Training and delivery of work-integrated learning and internships.
Attracting, retaining, and developing highly qualified and industry-ready personnel.
Development and delivery of STEM learning activities.
Public education and communications related to science.
Fundraising efforts to generate awareness and interest in research activities and help secure additional financial resources.
Day-to-day operations related to fulfilling the terms of contribution agreements.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 160,000

Developing STEM learning modules for high school students

$ 1,200,000

Building a new state-of-the-art laboratory for quantum computing research

$ 400,000

Development of a new AI-driven diagnostic tool for early-stage cancer detection

$ 360,000

Organizing an international conference on climate change solutions

$ 600,000

Implementing a data-sharing platform for agricultural innovation

$ 250,000

Stakeholder engagement to promote renewable energy adoption

Eligibility criteria of the Strategic Science Fund program

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.

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

The Strategic Science Fund is targeted towards not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada. The fund is available for organizations undertaking activities critical to Canada's science, technology, and innovation ecosystem.

Not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada.
Organizations engaging in research, knowledge mobilization, or innovation activities within Canada.

Eligibility criteria of the Strategic Science Fund program

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.

How to apply to the Strategic Science Fund program

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.

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.

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.

Technical Review

A technical review is conducted by at least two subject matter experts.

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.

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.

Additional information

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.