Ontario Trillium Fund: Community Ontario Government Grant Program

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Culture. The foundation helps to build healthy and vibrant communities through volunteerism as well as investments in community-based initiatives through Ontario government grants.

OTF Community Grants: Ontario Government Grants for Not-for-Profit Organizations

The most heavily funded program available through OTF is the Ontario government grants offered through its “Community Grants Program.” The OTF also funds the Province-Wide Program (which is a Community Grant on a broader scale), and the Youth Opportunities Fund, which is dispersed to organizations within the GTA only.

Ontario Government Grants through OTF Community Grants Program: Funding Details

Through the OTF Ontario government grants program, “Community Grants,” the OTF offers up to $375,000 in funding over a period of 5 years. Applicants are allowed one application per intake with deadlines for the program scheduled for March 1^st, July 1^st, and November 1^st of each year. Note: OTF funds up to $75,000/year for operating/project expenses and up to $150,000 over one or more years for capital initiatives such as building renovations and/or equipment purchases

Who is Eligible for Funding through OTF Government Grants?

To be eligible for funding for Ontario not-for-profits through OTF an organization must be one of the following:

• An incorporated not-for-profit without share capital in a Canadian jurisdiction
• An unincorporated branch/chapter of a registered charity
• An Aboriginal organization, including: First Nation, Metis, etc.
• A collaborative of two or more organizations that are working together to achieve a common goal. The collaborative must include at least one eligible member. The eligible member normally acts as the lead applicant and accepts responsibility for any approved grant

Projects Eligible for Funding through Government Grants for not-for-profit Organizations in Ontario

To be eligible for funding offered through OTF the organization must be undertaking a project that fits into one of the following four categories:

• Arts & Culture
• Environment
• Human & Social Services
• Sports & Recreation

OTF Ontario Government Funding Available through the “Province-Wide Program”

The OTF defines 16 different funding areas across Ontario. To qualify for funding through the province-wide program organizations 3 or more areas across southern Ontario and two or more areas in northern Ontario. The province-wide program offers up to $250,000 per year for five years for operating and project expenses and up to $150,000 over one or more years to fund capital initiatives such as building renovations and equipment purchases.