Sub-series consists of records relating to federal granting agencies, the funding of SFU research chairs, and research grants awarded to SFU faculty. For the list of granting agencies included in the correspondence, see "Access points" below. Records include correspondence, proposals, applications, letters of award, agreements, lists of award recipients, news releases, and printed reference material circulated by the granting agencies.

Sub-sub-series consists of the Vice-President, Academic's correspondence with or relating to external research grant programs and agencies, including the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), and the Science Council. Topics documented include development of SFU's research policies, project funding, and SFU nominations for research fellowships. Records include correspondence, research proposals, request for funds, and grant award lists.