How Much IRAP Funding Can You Get?
IRAP contributions range from small first projects to multi-million-dollar agreements. NRC doesn’t publish a fixed rate; the amount and share of costs are set in each project’s contribution agreement.
How much IRAP funding can you get?
IRAP contributions range from small projects of $50,000 or less up to $10 million, based on the tiers in NRC’s service standards. The amount depends on the project’s scope and costs, your capacity to deliver, and available budget. NRC doesn’t publish a fixed cost-share percentage; it is set in your contribution agreement.
What are the contribution tiers and decision times?
NRC’s service standards set decision times by contribution size, measured in business days from a complete proposal. Larger contributions take longer to assess, so build the decision time into your project start date and hiring plans rather than starting work early.
| Contribution size | Decision standard |
|---|---|
| $50,000 or less | 20 business days |
| Over $50,000 to $500,000 | 30 business days |
| Over $500,000 to $3 million | 45 business days |
| Over $3 million to $10 million | 65 business days |
How big should a first project be?
A first project is often modest: a few months of work on a well-defined technical milestone. Delivering it well, with clean claims, builds the relationship and makes a larger second project easier. Many companies work with IRAP across several projects over years.
Fund the milestone, not the company.
IRAP pays for a defined technical project. Scope it around a milestone you can deliver and prove.
How much does IRAP fund overall?
NRC’s evaluation reported more than $1.3 billion in core IRAP funding disbursed between 2018 and 2022, with about 3,362 firms funded each year. Totals vary by year and budget. Youth hiring support is separate; see NRC IRAP funding to hire young graduates.
This page is general information, not financial or tax advice. Confirm details with your ITA and your accountant.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does IRAP give?
Contributions range from $50,000 or less to $10 million, based on NRC’s service standard tiers.
What percentage of costs does IRAP cover?
NRC doesn’t publish a fixed rate. The share is set in your contribution agreement; ask your ITA early.
How long does an IRAP funding decision take?
NRC’s standard is 20 business days for $50,000 or less, up to 65 business days for $3 million to $10 million.
Does IRAP pay upfront?
No. It reimburses eligible costs through monthly claims after you incur them.
How much does IRAP fund each year?
NRC’s evaluation reported more than $1.3 billion disbursed from 2018 to 2022, about 3,362 funded firms a year.
Can I get more than one IRAP project?
Yes. Many companies work with IRAP on several projects over years.
Sources & further reading
Program rules, timings and figures come from NRC and CRA pages, checked on the date shown. Your contribution agreement and ITA have the final word.