New Initiatives Fund
Each year, the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) provides financial support through its New Initiatives Fund for major initiatives/projects that align with the consortium's strategic priorities and will have an impact for all OCUL member libraries. Successful proposals will contribute to the advancement of library services and technologies, foster collaboration, and demonstrate innovation.
The call for proposals for 2025 financial support will be issued in August 2024, with proposals due by September 15. Funded projects will begin May 1, 2025.
About the Fund
The New Initiatives Fund (NIF) was established to provide financial support for “significant strategic actions or rapid responses to a changing technology environment” (OCUL Financial Framework, 2012). It is the annual opportunity to apply for project funding from OCUL.
The NIF can be used to address unanticipated needs such as rapid technological changes, requirements to upgrade infrastructure, or to support short-term staffing needs. It can also be used to hire staff to support proposed new projects and initiatives, but not to replace existing positions or add ongoing staffing capacity.
Funded projects must enhance the teaching, learning, and research environment for the province’s university libraries. Projects can be for 1-3 years.
Eligibility
- Proposals can 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 from external groups must demonstrate a clear connection to OCUL priorities and be in partnership with OCUL as a whole or with an entity that is part of the consortium’s governance structure.
- Proposals must have the endorsement of the chair/moderator of an OCUL Committee, Community or governance group.
Submitting a Proposal
OCUL issues an annual call for proposals in August, with proposals submitted to ocul [at] ocul.on.ca by September 15.
A business case and budget form a NIF proposal. Templates for the business case and budget are provided by OCUL.
OCUL members can access templates 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.