CFI Workshop: Understanding the Infrastructure Operating Fund

This workshop helps you gain a better understanding of the IOF (Infrastructure Operating Fund), with a focus on best practices for: 

• Eligible expenses
• Building an operations and management budget, including IOF
• Reporting requirements
• Common challenges
   

A case study provides an opportunity to test your knowledge.
 

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the origins and intended purpose of the IOF
2. Understand how to use IOF within a broader operations and maintenance plan
3. Understand how to work with the main IOF eligibility rules and how to avoid common eligibility pitfalls
    

Key Takeaways:

1. Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) IOF – Expenses
    
   Keep Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF) expenses simple. Focus on big, easy items such as personnel and warranty/service contracts to help keep an audit straightforward and clean.
    
2. CFI IOF – Low-Cost Expenses
    
   Avoid making small claims. Use other eligible sources of funds (e.g., divisional funds, Tri-Agency grants) for low-cost expenses.
    
3. CFI IOF – Budget planning
    
   Plan ahead and try to spend on target. Avoid ‘saving’ funds for a rainy day.
    
4. CFI IOF – Expense Eligibility
    
   If you are uncertain about expense eligibility for an Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF) award, ask the Research Services Office (RSO) contact, either listed on the FReD or at VPRI Contact Us – RSO staff, before posting the expense!
    
5. CFI Policy & Program Guide
    
   For easy reference, bookmark the CFI Policy & Program Guide It contains key details about CFI eligibility requirements, policies, and procedures for managing CFI-funded projects.