Closed
Source verified April 29, 2026
Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program
Supports early-stage project development
Latest source updateLast Update: April 26, 2026Latest change: The program was updated with new 2025 deadline, funding terms, eligibility pathways, and application guidance.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: April 26, 2026
Latest change: The program was updated with new 2025 deadline, funding terms, eligibility pathways, and application guidance.
Ontario Creates Futures Forward program updated
Ontario Creates Futures Forward now shows a 2025 program cycle with a new deadline of December 15, 2025 and updated application instructions through the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal. The eligibility rules and scope were revised, including a new workshop-based eligibility pathway, updated ineligible applicant rules, clearer project categories, and expanded program guidance for interactive and linear content. Funding terms also changed materially, with a stated maximum contribution of $20,000 or 75% of eligible costs and updated budget requirements.
Funding available
$ 20,000
Deadline
December 16, 2024
Opened October 23, 2024
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Overview
Provides funding for early-stage project-related development for for-profit companies in Ontario. It supports interactive content or linear content projects through concept work, teaser production, prototype creation, pre-production documents, business planning, and mentorship support.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
- Conduct research or evaluation activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 20,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Toronto
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Language Minorities
- Other Racialized Persons
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Project conceptualization activities
- Production of teasers/trailers
- Proof of concept testing or creation of a prototype
- Preparation of pre-production documents including pitch materials for funding applications
- Business planning such as market/audience research
Documents Needed
- Application Form in Ontario Creates Online Application Portal
- Applicant Affidavit
- Ontario Creates Futures Forward Budget: Interactive Template or Linear Template
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit company
Who is not eligible
- Recipients of a Futures Forward grant in 2025
- Private colleges and training institutions
- A company that is delivering online services for individuals
- Not-for-profit and public sector entities
Eligible expenses
- Budgeted or final costs of the project activities included in the application
- Related-party and non-related party costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Activities that are part of the production phase of the Project
- Expenses incurred prior to submission of the application
- Projects that have commenced prior to submission of an application, unless substantial Pre-Production or Production activities remain and no more than 20% of the project has been completed
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Project Team — 15%
- Risks and Feasibility — 15%
- Quality, Innovation and Creativity (including project diversity) — 30%
- Positive Impact — 30%
- Ontario Benefit — 10%
How to apply
- All applications must be submitted via the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal (OAP).
- Prior to starting an application, your company’s corporate information must be registered with the OAP.
- If you do not have a user account on OAP, go to https://apply.ontariocreates.ca/ and click on “Register”.
- If your company is registered, click on “Start new application” and follow the onscreen directions to access the application form.
Processing and Agreement
- Successful Applicants must have a duly authorized notarized affidavit attesting to the true and fair representation of the Final Cost Report.
- Upon request, copies of invoices and proofs of payments must be submitted.
- Selected Applicants will be required to sign a standard Ontario Transfer Payment Agreement covering the terms of their participation in the Program.
- Selected Applicants will be required to provide Ontario Creates with permission to use the project and delivery materials for promotional purposes.
Additional information
- One application may be submitted per company, and the number of awards is limited.
- French-language projects are encouraged, with one-third of the program budget committed to them.
- Applicants are encouraged to use mentorship support for their project activities.
- Funded companies must acknowledge Ontario Creates and the Canada Media Fund in project credits and promotional materials.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program Program
What is the Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program?
Provides funding for early-stage project-related development for for-profit companies in Ontario. It supports interactive content or linear content projects through concept work, teaser production, prototype creation, pre-production documents, business planning, and mentorship support.
How much funding can be received?
Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $20,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was December 16, 2024.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program program?
To be eligible for the Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program program, you must:
For-profit company
Owner or lead producer completed an approved workshop or course
Incorporated in Ontario or federally
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program?
Project conceptualization activities
Production of teasers/trailers
Proof of concept testing or creation of a prototype
Preparation of pre-production documents including pitch materials for funding applications
Business planning such as market/audience research
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program?
You can contact Canada Media Fund (CMF) by email at idmfund@ontariocreates.ca or by phone at 4166426697.
Where is the Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program available?
The Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program program is available the province of Ontario.