$10 Million in funding is available for forestry projects!
The Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program facilitates the adoption of transformative technologies and products in the Canadian forest sector by bridging the gap between development and commercialization. The program aims to create a more competitive, resilient, and environmentally sustainable sector with a focus on innovative, low-carbon projects that result in new or diversified revenue streams.
As part of its 2023 renewal, the IFIT program will increase its efforts to help improve the environmental performance of the forest sector by supporting demonstration and adoption projects that contribute to the decarbonization of industrial processes, as well as the efficient use of resources that generates more value from the same amount of wood. In addition to continuing to fund projects that produce renewable energy and sustainable bioproducts, IFIT will seek to invest in projects that integrate technologies leading to greater energy efficiency and explore bioenergy carbon capture in forest sector operations. These investments will enable the next wave of innovation, solidifying Canada’s position as a leader in forest sector transformation.
Funding Overview
Capital investment projects stream
The IFIT capital investment projects stream provides non-repayable contributions of up to $10 million with 50% cost sharing of a project’s eligible costs to enable forest sector firms to adopt transformational technologies and diversify product streams, ensuring industry competitiveness and greater environmental outcomes.
Studies Stream
The IFIT studies stream provides non-repayable contributions of up to $1 million with 50% cost sharing of a project’s eligible costs for studies linked to the advancement of innovation in the forest sector in support of a future capital investment or a strategic shift by forest sector firms.
Eligibility Requirements
IFIT funding is open to the following applicants:
- Legal entities validly incorporated or registered in Canada including:
- for-profit and not-for-profit organizations such as companies, industry associations, and research associations
- Indigenous organizations and groups
- Provincial, territorial, regional, and municipal governments and their departments and agencies where applicable
Eligible Activities
Eligible costs for an approved project under this program must be directly related to, and necessary for, the implementation and conduct of a project and will include:
- cost of salaries and benefits;
- overhead expenditures provided they are directly related and essential to the conduct of the project, up to 1.5% of eligible expenditures;
- professional and technical services, such as, but not limited to research, consulting, engineering, trades, and laboratory services;
- travel expenses, including transportation, accommodation, and meals (based on National Joint Council rates);
- training;
- publication, printing, and other media services;
- data collection services, including processing, analysis, and management;
- licence fees and permits;
- capital expenses;
- retrofitting and upgrading of existing capital;
- material and supplies;
- meeting hospitality and space rental;
- costs associated with environmental assessments; and
- technical audits associated with project activities.
Deadline
September 30, 2023.