Researchers at the Institute include nationally and internationally recognized scholars who collaborate with hospitals, private corporations, all levels of government, and non-profit organizations, as well as other departments and research centres at the University of Manitoba. Two positions within the Institute are jointly funded by each of Parks Canada and the National Sports Centre of Manitoba.

Research is funded by all national granting agencies, including the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Social Science & Humanities Research Council, National Health Research & Development Program, and Canada Foundation for Innovation. Funding for research has also been received from the Manitoba Government and City of Winnipeg as well as from private foundations and corporations.

The Institute also draws on a special endowment fund created through the generous support of private sector companies and government. Coca-Cola Bottling Ltd., Great West Life Assurance Company, the John Labatt Foundation, and the Governments of Manitoba and Canada are among the major benefactors of the Institute.