Small Institution Fund

Eligibility

In November 2010, the CFI invested an additional $140 million in the Leaders Opportunity Fund. For universities having received more than 0.2 percent of the total sponsored research income as reported by CAUBO, the additional LOF allocation is proportional to the average amount of sponsored research income over the 2006-07 to 2008-09 period. For universities having received less than 0.2 percent of the total sponsored research income, the CFI has created a Small Institution Fund of $7 million to replace institutional allocations. This will allow for growth potential, resulting in an increased opportunity to help attract and retain the best scholars.

Institutions eligible to apply through the LOF-SIF, as per the above criteria, are listed in LOF-SIF Eligible Institutions.

Review process

It is important to note that this is not a new LOF stream. Rather, it defines from where the monies for a funded LOF project will be drawn. In order to submit an application through the LOF-SIF, eligible institutions follow the same process by which they would normally apply to any LOF stream. The assessment criteria remain unchanged. For additional information, please consult the section appropriate to the stream through which you wish to apply.

Distribution of funds

The following rules of engagement have been created in order that this fund be managed effectively:

1. The SIF allocation has been set at $7,000,000. Access to this fund will be available until March 31, 2014 or until the fund runs out.
2. Access to the SIF is open only to eligible institutions (see Appendix B:List of Eligible Institutions for the Small Institution Fund).
3. Current individual institutional allocations must be drawn to zero before access to the SIF is granted.
4. Should an institution become eligible to apply to the LOF, it will not receive an allocation, but will be directed to draw from the SIF.
5. Applications will be received at each LOF competition deadline and funds will be allocated to successful projects on a first come, first served basis.
6. The total draw from one single university is limited to a maximum $400,000 CFI contribution.  The CFI reserves the right to revise this limit if, by October 15, 2013, the unused portion of the fund remains elevated.