The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) has worked hard to support Ontario communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic via government funding programs. Recently, the OTF has announced a new intake for their Resilient Communities Fund (RCF), which is designed to support not-for-profit organizations that have been struck by the economic impacts of the province’s lockdown measures.
“The non-profit sector faces many challenges, including the need to adapt program and service delivery, generate revenue, meet changing community needs and address health and safety requirements.”
– Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF)
This intake of the RCF is focussed on communities that are implementing medium-to-long term solutions for challenges brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID-19 recovery support is essential for non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities, and Municipalities to deal with ongoing needs for both them and their communities.”
– Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF)
Projects that are supported by the Resilient Communities Fund will have a focus on rebuilding the organizations’ capacities, becoming more resilient to potential future obstacles, and addressing the changing needs of their constituents.
Funding Amount
Successful applicants for the Resilient Communities Fund may receive a minimum of $10,000 in grant support, up to a maximum of $200,000 ($100,000 per year for a maximum of two years).
Eligible Applicants
Resilient Communities Fund (RCF) applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered:
- Must be a non-profit organization or charity registered with the Canada Revenue Agency that delivers services and programs in Ontario, or a municipality with a population equal to or less than 20,000;
- Must have a large responsibility in delivering community programs and services in Ontario;
- Must have experienced, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, operational and service delivery issues; and
- Must align their activities with one of the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s action areas (active people, connected people, green people, inspired people, promising youth, and prosperous people).
The OTF also offers a variety of other programs to help Ontario communities and organizations who do not qualify for the Resilient Communities Fund.
Eligible Projects
Projects may be eligible for funding if they meet the following requirements:
- Assist employees and board members with the implementation of change and building resilience, including providing training for organizations, planning strategy, and research & development;
- Can ensure access to financing and have explored alternative revenue sources such as fundraising strategies, implementation of financial technology solutions, and public–private partnerships;
- Create new ways to meet community needs, including developing new health and safety processes and personal protective equipment, by adapting or re-imagining deliverables;
- Meet the organization’s changing needs, its programs, and its services with the acquisition of new equipment;and
- Propose new ideas for intra-organizational collaborations that meet community needs, like professional development, networking opportunities, and sharing data.
RCF applicants should be able to provide a plan that is clear and concise and outlines how the project will meet the needs of their communities, how the project will provide relief, and whether the project is feasible. Check out the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s application form to see if your community’s project matches their guidelines.
Program Timelines
This intake of the Resilient Communities Fund is currently open with an official deadline of April 6, 2022, at 5pm ET. Projects that have been approved for funding through this initiative should have a minimum of a six-month project length ranging up to a maximum of 24 months (two years).
Is Your Community Eligible for Funding?
Government funding organizations, such as the Ontario Trillium Foundation, offer tremendous opportunities to municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities across the province. To learn more about similar opportunities, visit our government funding for municipalities directory for an easy-to-use experience while researching programs.