Ontario Trillium Foundation Awards $75k in Non-Profit Funding

Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex is a non-profit, faith-based organization working towards universal access to safe, decent, affordable housing, as well as breaking the cycle of poverty. The organization has recently received Ontario government grants to reinstate a furniture bank which helps those in need furnish their homes.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is providing Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex $75,000 in government grants for non-profits.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) has been awarding non-profit funding to develop and sustain strong Ontario communities for over 30 years. Every year, over 1,300 charities and non-profits are supported by OTF, enhancing community function and support. The multiple streams of the program support Ontario-based projects that encourage people to be more green, active, inspired, connected, prosperous, and have access to better youth resources.

Ontario Trillium Foundation Grants: $75k for Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex provides strength and stability for families in core housing need. They partner with low-income families who are currently living in insufficient housing, are willing to volunteer 500 hours of “sweat equity,” and who will repay a zero-down payment, interest-free mortgage over an average 25 years. The sales from the restore fund the organization which allows them to build homes for families.

The ReStore is a retail store that helps fund Habitat for Humanity and allows them to build homes for families in need. It is run by volunteers and also provides some employment opportunities for individuals. The store sells items such as furniture, kitchen appliances, home furnishings, building materials, and many other goods. The items are donated from individuals and businesses within Essex County.

Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex has received $75,000 in Ontario government grants for non-profits from the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Seed Grants Stream.  

The support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation grants will go towards reinstating a furniture bank that had closed due to losing its free space. The furniture bank had been implemented three years ago to provide household items to Syrian refugees who were settling in Windsor-Essex and helped approximately 500 families. The support from OTF will also help offset the costs of picking up more furniture to ensure those in need will have better access to furniture.

In addition, Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex will be partnering with Matthew House, a short-term residence for refugees, and the Downtown Windsor Community Collaborative to help repair and deliver furniture to the less fortunate and newcomers to Canada. The non-profit funding will also be passed on to partners of the organization in a “pay it forward” initiative, which will give clients gift cards for use at the ReStore.

Ontario Trillium Foundation: Ontario Government Grants for Non-Profits

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is a provincial government agency that administers non-profit funding programs. The program has historically been a primary source of funding for charities, non-profits, and aboriginal organizations for use in planning and executing community-based initiatives.

OTF has established six action areas to classify themes and projects which would benefit all of Ontario. These include:

• Active People (supporting physical activity and healthy lifestyles);
• Connected People (fostering a collaborative, inclusive community);
• Green People (supporting a sustainable environment and impact reductions);
• Inspired People (building an appreciation for culture, arts, and heritage);
• Prosperous People (providing more economic opportunities and sustainability); and
• Promising Young People (supporting the positive development of children and youth).

Ontario Trillium Foundation provides funding from $5,000 to $500,000 per year in grant funding for non-profit and charity initiatives.

To apply for OTF funding, applicants must register their organization and then submit a grant application.