Closed
Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF)
Supports operating costs for research infrastructure
Last Update: April 21, 2026
Funding available
Up to 30% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Canada
Overview
Supports a portion of operating and maintenance costs for CFI-funded research infrastructure. The program helps institutions fund eligible salaries, maintenance, services, and related operating costs for infrastructure used for research.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Conduct research and development activities
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Up to 30% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Operating and maintaining CFI-funded research infrastructure
- Supporting research use of existing infrastructure
- Managing related operating and maintenance needs across projects
Documents Needed
- Institutional agreement
- Award finalization form
- IOF annual report, if required
- Supporting documentation for salaries, electricity, and facilities charges
- Confirmation that infrastructure is still used for research
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Universities
- Colleges
- Research hospitals
- Research institutes
- Non-profit research institutions in Canada
Who is not eligible
- For-profit organizations
- Federal departments and Crown corporations
- Provincial or territorial departments and Crown corporations
Eligible expenses
- Technician and professional salaries related to operation and maintenance
- Maintenance, repairs, replacement parts, warranties, and service contracts
- Electricity and space-related service costs
- Supplies and consumables needed to operate the infrastructure
- Training for main operators
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Travel and hospitality costs
- Research activities and research-related expenses
- General administrative, secretarial, and clerical costs
- Property purchase or lease
- Costs already reimbursed by another source
Processing and Agreement
- The CFI reviews IOF annual reports and supporting documentation.
- Payments are based on a risk-based assessment of spending trends and reported needs.
- The CFI may request additional information or review sample expenditures.
- The institution must sign an IOF award agreement before receiving payments.
- Payments may be deferred or withheld if reporting requirements are not met.
Additional information
- Institutions must keep supporting documentation for at least six years.
- The funding uses a risk-based monitoring approach.
- Annual performance reporting may be required for operational projects.
- Public communications should acknowledge CFI support.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF)?
Supports a portion of operating and maintenance costs for CFI-funded research infrastructure. The program helps institutions fund eligible salaries, maintenance, services, and related operating costs for infrastructure used for research.
How much funding can be received?
Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF) Funds up to 30% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF) program?
To be eligible for the Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF) program, you must:
CFI-funded infrastructure
Approved after July 1, 2001
Used for research and finalized
What expenses are eligible under Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF)?
Operating and maintaining CFI-funded research infrastructure
Supporting research use of existing infrastructure
Managing related operating and maintenance needs across projects
Who can I contact for more information about the Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF)?
You can contact Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) by email at none or by phone at none.
Where is the Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF) available?
The Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF) program is available across Canada.
Is the Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF) is a Researchers And Facilities