The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) is a provincial government agency that regulates financial services sectors in Ontario. FSRA awards grants for consumer education initiatives and research focusing on financial literacy, financial awareness, and consumer protection. Grants are funded through Proceeds from Enforcement and target Ontario-based not-for-profit organizations and entities carrying on business in regulated sectors. View Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRAO)'s website for more information.
FSRA is a provincial regulatory agency created to improve consumer and pension plan beneficiary protections in Ontario. As part of its mandate, FSRA uses grants to strengthen consumer protection by funding educational and research initiatives that enhance financial literacy, financial awareness, and understanding of market trends in regulated sectors.
FSRA's grant program is funded through Proceeds from Enforcement, as authorized under Ontario Regulation 554/21. This money is designated for specific purposes including: funding research or educational initiatives to enhance financial literacy; enhancing knowledge of rights and obligations; improving protection of consumers; protecting pension benefits and rights; and promoting good administration of pension plans.
FSRA encourages not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Ontario or Canada for at least one year to apply. Eligible initiatives must focus on financial literacy, financial awareness, or strengthening knowledge of those doing business in FSRA-regulated sectors. Proposals should align with FSRA's strategic direction and must benefit Ontario consumers.
Proposals are evaluated based on alignment with regulatory purposes, value for money, delivery capability, and communication plans. FSRA assesses whether proposals further commercial interests (they should not), are limited to Ontario scope, and run for no more than two years.
FSRA publishes its grant recipients annually. Recent recipients include Brain Injury Association of Waterloo-Wellington ($54,500), Brain Injury Society of Toronto ($50,000), Prosper Canada ($200,000), and Vision of Hope Resource Centre ($20,000) for initiatives targeting financial fraud prevention, consumer protection for vulnerable populations, and financial education for Indigenous communities.