Major Science Initiatives Fund

The Major Science Initiatives Fund (MSIF) provides support for the ongoing operating and maintenance needs of research facilities of national importance. It promotes responsible stewardship by ensuring these facilities adopt best practices for their management and governance.

The CFI currently supports 19 research facilities across Canada that tackle some of the most important issues facing society by bringing together researchers from Canada and around the world. As science becomes more complex, facilities like these become crucial for exploring the frontiers of research.

For details of the 2023 competition, consult the:
• Call for proposals
• List of projects funded
• News item from the funding announcement

Fund Overview

What is this funding program meant to do?

• Enable pan-Canadian research communities to undertake world-class research and technology development that lead to social, health, economic or environmental benefits for Canadians.
• Enable facilities to operate at an optimal level to ensure the best use of their specialized equipment, services, resources, and technical and scientific personnel.
• Promote responsible stewardship through the adoption of best practices in governance and management.

What institutions are eligible to apply to this fund?

Canadian colleges recognized as CFI-eligible can apply to this fund.

Check our list of eligible institutions

Find out how to become eligible

What infrastructure projects are eligible?

An eligible infrastructure project involves acquiring or developing research infrastructure to enhance existing applied research or technology development capacity.

Consult our Policy and program guide and the call for proposals for more information on what infrastructure projects are eligible.

How much funding can a college request? 

Colleges can submit proposals with total CFI requests of between $60,000 and $2 million. Each college can request a combined total of $3 million or less for all proposals, for a maximum of three proposals.

What are the deadlines?

We hold one competition per year, with the deadline falling on the same day every year. If the deadline falls on a weekday or holiday, it will be extended to the following business day.