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John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF)

John R. Evans Leaders Fund

Funds Canadian investigator infrastructure for flagship science outcomes through national competition.

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The John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF), administered by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), is a strategic infrastructure grant programme designed to help Canadian universities attract and retain top researchers by funding the laboratory and research infrastructure they need. CFI funds up to 40% of eligible infrastructure costs, with a maximum CFI request of $800,000 CAD per proposal and a …

Laboratory and research infrastructure for faculty researchers across all disciplines at Canadian universities, via five streams aligned with CRC, CERC, NSERC, SSHRC, and unaffiliated proposals.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Multiple per year
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.15 Feb 2027
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.60%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—

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Last verified: 24 Jul 2026Source: www.innovation.ca