Call for Internal NOIs for CFI Innovation Fund
While CFI has yet to release their call for applications for the Innovation Fund we are now launching the process for selection of UofT campus-based proposals to move forward in this upcoming CFI IF competition. We anticipate a CFI Draft Call for proposals for the next IF competition later this year with a CFI deadline for Notices of Intent in June 2019, and full proposals in October 2019, with decisions in June 2020. Accordingly, UofT will proceed with our own internal selection process on the following timeline:
- Submission of Notices of Intent (using attached form): November 30, 2018
- Deadline for “Pre-Proposals” (form to be provided): February 1, 2019 (tentative)
- Announcement of proposals selected to proceed: March 31, 2019 (tentative)
The NOI form and instructions can be found here: NOI Template, NOI Instructions. Please note that the NOI is to be submitted to your departmental Chair/equivalent and subsequently go to the Vice-Dean/Principal for divisional endorsement prior to the November 30th deadline. We strongly encourage you to discuss any plans for an NOI with the head of your unit and/or division at the earliest opportunity.
CFI’s spending plan arising from the 2018 budget continues to make its way through federal approvals. Allocations to specific programs (IF, JELF) are not yet known, however, we estimate that the national envelope for the next IF competition may be ~$325M (as compared to $424M in 2017, and $256M in 2015). We also anticipate that future IF competitions will be scheduled regularly (every 2 years), lending to a more reliable planning horizon.
Our process will take account of time sensitivities for large, strategically important international, national, and regional initiatives, as well as more focused proposals that address interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary priorities.
Should you have any questions regarding the upcoming competition, please be in touch with MayLiza Baak, Director, Institutional Initiatives.