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Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program - Toronto - Ontario - Canada
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Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program

Supports early-stage digital media project development
Ontario Creates
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 20,000
Timeline
  • Open Date : October 23, 2024
  • Closing date : December 16, 2024
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Overview

Provides up to $20,000 for early-stage development of interactive or linear digital media projects. It supports activities such as concept development, prototype testing, teaser creation, pre-production materials, market research, and mentorship.
/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
Timeline
  • Open Date : October 23, 2024
  • Closing date : December 16, 2024

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Information and cultural industries
  • Arts, entertainment and recreation
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 and pre-trailers
  • Proof-of-concept testing or prototype creation
  • Preparation of pre-production documents, including pitch materials for funding applications
  • Business planning activities, including market or audience research and project-specific mentorship

Documents Needed

  • Completed application form through the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal
  • Applicant Affidavit signed by the applicant organization
  • Project budget and financing template
  • Written and audiovisual materials submitted for project evaluation
  • Supporting documents requested by Ontario Creates or the Canada Media Fund, if applicable

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • For-profit digital media content companies
  • Ontario-based interactive content companies
  • Ontario-based video content companies for digital platforms
  • Companies majority-owned by Indigenous or equity-deserving individuals

Who is not eligible

  • Companies that received an IDM Futures Forward development grant in March 2024
  • Companies that have already received more than $500,000 from Ontario Creates or Canada Media Fund IDM production support programs
  • Private colleges and training institutions
  • Companies delivering online services for individuals
  • Not-for-profit and public sector entities

Eligible expenses

  • Budgeted or final costs directly tied to the approved project activities
  • Costs incurred by related or unrelated parties for eligible development work
  • Mentorship costs related to the project, up to 25% of the budget
  • Accessibility expenses needed to complete project deliverables for successful applicants who are deaf or have another disability

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Activities already in progress before the application is submitted
  • Production-phase activities
  • Pilot episode production
  • Excessive, inflated, or unreasonable costs
  • Activities already funded through other Ontario Creates or Canada Media Fund programs for the same work phase

Eligible geographic areas

  • Ontario

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed by Ontario Creates and the Canada Media Fund at their discretion based on program guidelines and objectives.
  • Ontario Creates and the Canada Media Fund may request additional documents or information during assessment.
  • Successful applicants must sign separate agreements with Ontario Creates and the Canada Media Fund.
  • Approved projects receive funding in instalments tied to signed agreements and required deliverables.
  • Funded projects must submit a final cost report and financing statement, with invoices and proof of payment available on request.

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

idmfund@ontariocreates.ca
4166426697

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program?

Provides up to $20,000 for early-stage development of interactive or linear digital media projects. It supports activities such as concept development, prototype testing, teaser creation, pre-production materials, market research, and mentorship.

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 Ontario-based company Canadian-owned and in good standing New interactive or video content project

What expenses are eligible under Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program?

Project conceptualization activities Production of teasers and pre-trailers Proof-of-concept testing or prototype creation Preparation of pre-production documents, including pitch materials for funding applications Business planning activities, including market or audience research and project-specific mentorship

Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program?

You can contact Ontario Creates 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.

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