Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program

• 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

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

• Projects that have already received and spent other development funding for the same phase of work

Eligible geographic areas

• Ontario

• Project team — 15%
• Risks and feasibility — 15%
• Quality, innovation and creativity, including project diversity — 30%
• Positive impact — 30%
• Benefit to Ontario — 10%

• Step 1: Review program materials
  • Read the program guidelines, budget and financing guidelines or template, and the online application form.
  • Review all program documentation before applying.
• Step 2: Prepare portal access
  • Create an account in the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal if your company is not already registered.
  • Register your company information in the portal.
• Step 3: Complete the application
  • Start a new application in the portal dashboard.
  • Complete the application form and attach the required affidavit and project budget materials.
• Step 4: Submit online
  • Submit the application electronically through the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal before the deadline.
  • Applications submitted by other methods are not accepted.
• Step 5: Complete post-selection requirements
  • If approved, provide a PERSONA-ID number to the Canada Media Fund.
  • Submit an application through Telefilm Canada’s Dialogue system and sign the required agreements with Ontario Creates and the Canada Media Fund.

• 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.

• 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.