Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Family Movie Trust Fund (FMTF)

The Family Movie Trust Fund (FMTF) is a registered charitable trust operating in Ottawa, Ontario. It was created to make quality film and stage entertainment accessible to children and families living in economically disadvantaged circumstances, and to use this activity as a vehicle to support a wide range of community causes. The fund issues hundreds of complimentary tickets to shows at the Ottawa Family Cinema, providing thousands of hours of entertainment to families in need, and also distributes a significant share of its revenues as donations to other registered charities and qualified donees in Canada.

According to its trust purposes, FMTF channels at least 50% of the funds and property it receives to charitable purposes through gifting to qualified donees. Its support takes two main forms: in-kind ticket distribution and direct financial contributions. Complimentary cinema tickets are provided to schools, community centres, hospitals and other partners, who then give them to underprivileged families. In parallel, FMTF makes monetary donations raised through special screenings, such as themed movie nights, to organizations working in poverty relief, health, education and community services.

The site presents concrete examples of donations, including cheques to the Ottawa Food Bank, The Ottawa Mission, Children’s Wish Foundation and the Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa for youth ministry. A long, updated list of partner organizations shows support for public schools, daycares, health centres, shelters, disability organizations, sports associations, libraries and many other local charities.

The fund explicitly aims to relieve poverty in the Ottawa–Carleton community by supporting donees that assist families in times of need or emergency, and to prevent or relieve physical and mental sickness by providing funds or equipment to hospitals, nursing and convalescent homes, clinics, health resource centres and respite care groups. It also helps rehabilitate victims of substance abuse and supports prevention and awareness initiatives, particularly among youth.

FMTF advances education by providing funds to qualified donees such as schools and colleges that award scholarships, bursaries and educational opportunities to high school students. It further promotes training by offering students and volunteers experience in cinema operations, from box office and snack bar to projection and lighting, helping them earn community volunteer credits and better understand the volunteer sector.

The Family Movie Trust Fund is governed by three trustees, including a chairperson, and operates strictly without purpose of private gain. Its trust clauses state that all monies, donations and income from operations are used exclusively for gifting to other approved registered charities and for advancing its stated objectives. Only designated signing officers can administer the funds and approve donations, and trustees are elected at an annual general meeting.

Through this structure, FMTF occupies a niche role in the local funding ecosystem: it combines accessible community entertainment with targeted financial support to a diverse network of charities, using film screenings as both a service to low‑income families and a fundraising mechanism for broader community impact.