CFI

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) provides infrastructure funding to support individuals, larger labs, and national-scale platforms. While they are awarded to the institution to manage, researchers are the primary drivers of the proposals and are the principal users of the equipment. CFI occasionally holds special competitions (e.g., BRIF) that will be listed and advertised through the Funding Opportunities Database. The following are the primary recurring programs supported by ISA: 

• John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) 
  Focused on the individual researcher (or small teams of up to 3 researchers), JELFs help institutions to recruit outstanding research talent and acquire the tools that enable the innovative work of leading researchers. At SFU, JELF allocations are prioritized to support start-up costs to attract new externally-recruited research chairs (e.g., CERC, CRC) and new researchers to SFU (i.e., must submit application within 24 months of start date), with a two-stage approval process during the Faculty recruitment process. Requests are submitted by the Associate Dean of Research within each Faculty, with the Associate Vice President, Research responsible for approvals.  JELF allocations are not available for existing faculty members at SFU. While the allocations and the application processes are managed by ISA, each Faculty is responsible for initiating and coordinating applications. If you are a prospective SFU researcher, please connect with your Faculty contact for more information. 

• Innovation Fund (IF)  
  The CFI Innovation Fund supports transformative infrastructure projects that underpin cutting-edge, globally competitive research. More information on SFU’s internal processes and timelines can be found on the SFU CFI Innovation Fund page.

• Major Science Initiatives (MSI) Fund 
  This fund provides support for the ongoing operating and maintenance needs of research facilities of national importance. The next competition is expected in 2027. 

BC Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF)

The BCKDF is a provincial cost sharing program that supports a variety of eligible infrastructure programs, including CFI JELF and Innovation Fund. Researchers must complete a BCKDF Step 1 application, with a deadline 1 month after the CFI deadline. ISA will submit the application to BCKDF on behalf of the researcher, pending review and signature from SFU’s Associate Vice-President, Research. 

Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF)

The Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF) helps cover a portion of the ongoing operating and maintenance costs associated with CFI-funded research infrastructure, supporting its optimal use and long-term sustainability. Programs such as the Innovation Fund (IF) and the John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) are eligible for IOF support once the infrastructure is operational. IOF funding is awarded to and managed by the institution. More information on the IOF can be found on the SFU Operating and Maintaining Infrastructure page.