The Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF) helps cover a portion of the operating and maintenance costs to ensure optimal use of CFI-funded infrastructure. It is nonetheless the institution’s responsibility to provide sufficient funds for the operation and maintenance of CFI-funded infrastructure.

An institution’s IOF allocation is based on the CFI contributions for eligible projects. All CFI projects approved after July 1, 2001, are eligible to receive IOF, with the exception of projects funded under the Canada Research Chairs Infrastructure Fund and the international funds. All eligible projects generate an IOF allocation of 30 percent of the maximum CFI amount approved at award finalization. Institutions can review their allocation details in the “Institutions: Financial Access” section on the CFI website (www.innovation.ca/en/cfi-online).

Each institution is responsible for deciding how their funds will be divided among projects eligible to receive IOF. Institutions can distribute their IOF allocation based on actual operating and maintenance needs, as opposed to allocating the exact amount to the project that generated it. This offers institutions maximum flexibility to support projects with different needs and scope, while ensuring accountability.