Each year, OCUL provides financial support for major strategic initiatives and essential priorities that align with OCUL’s strategic plan, vision and mission, and that will have an impact for all OCUL member libraries in support of their teaching, learning and research priorities.

The New Initiatives Fund (NIF) was established in 2012 to provide financial support for “significant strategic actions or rapid responses to a changing technology environment” (OCUL Financial Framework, 2012).

Proposals for 2024-25 funding (for one- to three-year projects) are due September 15, 2023.

• Proposals may be submitted by Scholars Portal, OCUL Communities, OCUL Committees (standing or ad hoc), Subcommittees, Working Groups, Task Groups, and other entities that are part of the OCUL governance structure.
• Proposals generated by a unit or entity that are not part of the OCUL governance structure must have a relationship, connection, or partnership with OCUL as a whole or with an entity that is part of the OCUL governance structure and should align with OCUL’s strategic priorities. 

Proposal templates for project budget and business case are available via SPOTDocs (login required). 

More Information

Full details about project requirements and criteria are available in the NIF Terms of Reference. Questions can be emailed to ocul [at] ocul.on.ca. 

Download the NIF Terms of Reference (PDF)