Open
Source verified July 29, 2026
Strategic Science Fund (SSF)
Supports science and innovation excellence
Latest source updateLast Update: July 29, 2026Latest change: Changed: funding terms, application process, eligibility.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 29, 2026
Latest change: Changed: funding terms, application process, eligibility.
Grant changed: funding terms, application process
We detected changes to funding terms, application process, eligibility, scope and target audience, contact or portal details.
Funding available
Up to 15% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
The Strategic Science Fund supports not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada that advance science, technology and innovation excellence and align with federal priorities. It focuses on research, talent development, knowledge mobilization, stakeholder engagement, and public education in science.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
- Develop workforce skills
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Up to 15% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Higher Education
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- General public
- Children & youth
- Young adults
- Indigenous peoples
- People with disabilities
- Women & girls
- LGBTQ+ community
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
- Community leaders
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
- Provincial
- National
- International
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Research and the translation of research in critical areas of science and technology for the development of products and services, including treatments, technologies and interventions, and for 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 to support the creation, growth and retention of companies; training and delivery of work integrated learning; internships; activities to attract, retain and develop highly qualified and industry-ready personnel; development and delivery of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning activities; public education and communications related to science; fundraising efforts designed to generate awareness and interest in research activities and help to secure additional financial resources; and day-to-day operations as they relate to the fulfilment of the terms of the contribution agreements.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada.
Who is not eligible
- Federal departments, agencies, or crown corporations of the Government of Canada.
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and benefits for researchers, research staff, students, highly qualified personnel (HQP), trainees, administrative staff, and management (within public service equivalent rates).
- Operating costs of core research facilities and day-to-day administrative operations (up to 15% of the total award).
- Purchase of equipment (excluding major research equipment over $250,000), scientific collections, computer hardware or software required for the project, and information databases.
- Direct costs of knowledge creation and professional or technical services (including consulting and translation).
- Materials and supplies for project execution.
- Travel and accommodation expenses for research, knowledge mobilization, networking, and staff (in line with government directives).
- Incremental costs for knowledge mobilization, technology transfer, policy development, tool development and evaluation, intellectual property protection, market studies, and prototype development.
- Expenses related to seminars, workshops, networking meetings, and conferences.
- Communications, public education, and dissemination of research results.
- Office supplies, hospitality (aligned with federal standards), insurance, rent, utilities, and audit costs.
- Support for indirect costs (overhead) for ultimate recipients, if redistributing funds, up to 15% of project costs with justification.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs associated with the construction of, or major renovation to building and structures.
- Flat-rate charges for overhead costs (indirect costs).
- The purchase or lease of land.
- Alcoholic refreshments and hospitality costs for meetings only attended by Recipient staff.
- The acquisition of major research equipment (with a net federal cost above $250,000); costs associated with the lobbying of federal officials or public office holders (including by hiring outside firms or consultants); and any costs that cannot be deemed reasonable.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- 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
- Submit a letter of intent (LOI).
- If invited after the LOI review, submit a full application.
Processing and Agreement
- Before receiving funds, a successful applicant must enter into a contribution agreement with the appropriate authority, either ISED or Health Canada.
- Letters of intent are reviewed and assessed by the SSF Secretariat, with input from other governmental departments and agencies as appropriate, to confirm how they respond to the merit-review criteria.
- Full applications receive a technical review by at least 2 subject matter experts and a multidisciplinary expert panel review.
- The SSF Steering Committee makes funding recommendations to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and the Minister of Health.
- Each Recipient is reviewed by the SSF Secretariat on an annual basis and may be assisted by a Monitoring Committee.
Additional information
- The SSF program is jointly administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Health Canada, via a Program Management Committee and Steering Committee.
- The SSF’s call for proposals and its related funding decisions will be announced to the public in both official languages.
- Other SSF products and services, including website and reference material, templates, and assistance to Recipients, will also be available in both official languages.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Strategic Science Fund (SSF) Program
What is the Strategic Science Fund (SSF)?
The Strategic Science Fund supports not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada that advance science, technology and innovation excellence and align with federal priorities. It focuses on research, talent development, knowledge mobilization, stakeholder engagement, and public education in science.
How much funding can be received?
Strategic Science Fund (SSF) Funds up to 15% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Strategic Science Fund (SSF) program?
To be eligible for the Strategic Science Fund (SSF) program, you must:
Not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada.
Undertake activities as generally described in section 3.1.
What expenses are eligible under Strategic Science Fund (SSF)?
Research and the translation of research in critical areas of science and technology for the development of products and services, including treatments, technologies and interventions, and for 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 to support the creation, growth and retention of companies; training and delivery of work integrated learning; internships; activities to attract, retain and develop highly qualified and industry-ready personnel; development and delivery of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning activities; public education and communications related to science; fundraising efforts designed to generate awareness and interest in research activities and help to secure additional financial resources; and day-to-day operations as they relate to the fulfilment of the terms of the contribution agreements.
Who can I contact for more information about the Strategic Science Fund (SSF)?
You can contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) by email at strategicsciencefund-fondsstrategiquedessciences@ised-isde.gc.ca.
Where is the Strategic Science Fund (SSF) available?
The Strategic Science Fund (SSF) program is available across Canada.
Is the Strategic Science Fund (SSF) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Strategic Science Fund (SSF) is a Grant and Funding