The CFI’s funding architecture is designed to deliver on the CFI’s mandate by meeting the current needs of the research community, its partners and stakeholders.

At its core, the CFI funding architecture involves a three-pronged program delivery system that includes: open competitions for innovative infrastructure projects (primarily through Leading Edge Fund/New Initiatives Fund competitions); a pre-determined allocation-based program that gives universities the flexibility and rapid turnaround time to recruit and retain leading researchers (Leaders Opportunity Fund); and a program that covers a portion of operating and maintenance costs to ensure optimal use of CFI-funded infrastructure (Infrastructure Operating Fund).

In addition to its three core programs, the CFI makes strategic investments through the Major Science Initiatives Program, the College-Industry Innovation Fund, the Automotive Partnership Canada Fund and the Exceptional Opportunities Fund.