Access Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant Funding for Non-Profits
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is a Government of Ontario agency that provides funding to organizations to support community growth. For more than 30 years, OTF has been awarding funding for the development and sustainability of strong communities in Ontario, and continues to do so by releasing over $110 million in Ontario government grants annually. Every year, over 1,300 charities and not-for-profit businesses (NFPs) are supported by the funding which OTF provides, enabling these groups to carry out their missions to enhance community function and support. Organizations can receive $5k-$500k per year to complete community building projects which address six priority areas which are of increased significance to the health and ongoing wellness of Ontario communities.
Program Details: OTF Government Grants Ontario
Ontario Trillium Foundation has established six key priority areas to identify themes and projects which would provide benefits to a range of Ontarians. These priority areas 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 greater economic opportunities and sustainability); and
- Promising Young People (development of children and youth to make next steps).
Apply to an OTF Investment Stream
Ontario Trillium Foundation has identified four streams of funding which applicants can apply for depending on their project type. All four streams operate independently, with their own program focus, eligibility criteria, application timelines, and more. To apply for these Ontario government grants, it’s recommended that you identify your project as meeting one or more of the above priority areas, and that your funding needs would be satisfied by one of the following investment streams:
- Seed Grants: $5,000 – $75,000 per project to start projects in a planning/concept stage;
- Grow Grants: $50,000 – $250,000 per year to build on the success of an existing project or program;
- Capital Grants: $5,000 – $150,000 per project to improve or increase access to community space; and
- Collective Impact Grants: up to $500,000 per year to a maximum of 5 years for the co-development of a solution to a complex community problem.
Good evening Jeff,
My name is Kimberly Smith. I am writing to you for a few reasons. The main one being I have no clue on what to look for and how to do and the process.
I work for a non-profit charity. The charity was started on the premise of helping the environment but keeping things out of our landfills. It had grown a lot in the 25+ years it has been open. We help the homeless, the kidney foundation and the community around us.
With this global pandemic, we run the risk of losing everything altogether. We had to close being. Non-essential service, being closed means no revenue, overhead costs don’t get paid etc.
I’m not sure where to go from here but I could really use your help.
Thank you very much in advance for your efforts and your time.
Sincerely,
Kimberly A Smith
Hi Kimberly – Thank you for reaching out. The Ontario Trillium Fund (OTF) might be a suitable option for you. The majority of government funding would require the applicant to meet the program’s objective, which typically revolves around a certain impact such as job creation, innovation, community support, or export expansion. OTF does have three streams to explore and we would recommend you reach out to OTF directly to explore your options. Mentor Works specializes in government funding for for-profit established businesses, however out website will post non-profit funding periodically, such as this OTF article. The OTF staff will be able to provide you more insight and they can be reached here: https://otf.ca/apply-grant.
We are a non-profit organization founded in 2005, with 65 people in total. All members are elderly people over 65. We need government funding for our daily activities. I don’t know the application procedure, please let me know now,thank you!
Thanks for the comment. We would recommend that you reach out to Ontario Trillium Foundation directly via phone (1.800.263.2887) or email (otf@otf.ca) to explore non-profit funding options with them directly.
Typically, this funding would be awarded to carry out a specific project or initiative that you plan to run and not general operating expenses and payroll, so we recommend that you approach them with a strategic project to guide the conversation around funding opportunities for your non-profit. All the best!
HI Jeff… We are a registered non profit Arts Group in Welland with 50 members who have a very limited budget to work with. We have been offered a 3 month space in the local mall in the Fall to display and sell art as well as hold small demonstrations and community projects. As we are mostly seniors, and the store will have to be continually manned by someone, we are looking to find funding to hire one or two local people to assist our volunteers and possibly create 2 work positions, full or part time. We also could use some help with fixtures to be used for display of the work and these could be used in our future projects as well. We are very community oriented, with a few past volunteer projects and 4 Secondary School scholarships which we have set up over the last 2 years. What can you suggest for us. Our website is in transition right now. Attached is the Co Presidents site. Thank You….Visual Artists of Welland
Hi Pamela – Thank you for the comment and background. From your website, it looks like you’re located in Ontario, so we would recommend you reach out to Employment Ontario to explore wage subsidies for your potential hires. Please refer to the “Employers” section of the Employment Ontario homepage for more information on incentives for hiring youth. All the best!