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Home : Innovation : CFI-SP

Canada Foundation for Innovation Support Program

What is the CFI and the CFI-SP?

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is an independent corporation established by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure in the areas of health, environment, science or engineering.

The Canada Foundation for Innovation Support Program (CFI-SP) is designed to enhance western institutions' rates of participation in the Canada Foundation for Innovation and help them access a fair share of the funds. Delivered by Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) the program provides eligible applicants with access to funds in order to prepare a proposal for the CFI program.

Who is eligible?

Potential eligible applicants for CFI-SP must be a college or university, hospital or non-government not-for-profit organization doing research in Western Canada and have the financial and managerial capability to undertake a research infrastructure project as defined by the CFI. The applicant must be:

• Applying for the Canada Foundation for Innovation project and,
• Currently, or soon to be involved in the modernization, acquisition or development of research infrastructure. Research infrastructure refers to equipment, specimens, scientific collections, computer software, information databases, communication linkages and other intangible properties used or to be used primarily for carrying on research. It also includes housing and installations essential for use and servicing.

What are the terms of the program?

• WD funding is for direct incremental expenditures incurred for goods, professional services and other direct costs to develop a project proposal of the calibre expected of the CFI program.
• Non-repayable contributions will be made to eligible western research institutions applying for funding under one of the CFI research infrastructure funds.
• WD will reimburse the qualified applicants up to 90 per cent of eligible direct costs incurred to a maximum of $20,000 for preparation of a CFI proposal.
• Contributions will be non-repayable on condition that the funded proposal is formally submitted to CFI.
• Costs incurred prior to the date of the application are not eligible.
• Qualified applicants will have 90 calendar days from the date of the approval letter to prepare the CFI proposal. This deadline must be met to ensure the funding support for this project is not terminated.
• Before a payment claim can be processed applicants must provide WD with a copy of the final proposal, proof of submission to the CFI and certification of cost incurred and paid for during the preparation of the proposal.

How can my organization apply?

Western Economic Diversification Canada will offer eligible applicants access to professional services and an extensive business network to help in the preparation of the financing proposal. For more information about this or other programs and services we offer, call WD at 1-888-338-WEST (9378). For CFI information, visit their Web site at http://www.innovation.ca.