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Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program

Supports early-stage project development

Offered by
Canada Media Fund (CMF)
Official source: cmf-fmc.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 20,000
Up to 75% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
For-profit company
See full eligibility

Overview

The Ontario Creates 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 project conceptualization, teaser production, prototype creation, pre-production documents, business planning, and mentorship support.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$20,000
Maximum share of project costs
75%
Financing goals
  • Develop a new product or service
  • Conduct research and development activities
  • Conduct research or evaluation activities

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Toronto
  • Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Persons with Disabilities
  • Language Minorities
  • Other Racialized Persons
  • 2SLGBTQI+
  • Canadians
  • Women
Legal structures
For-profit business

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2025
Periods: 1

Latest changes

2026-27 Futures Forward guidelines updated

The Futures Forward guidelines were updated for the 2026-27 cycle, with a new deadline, revised applicant training rules, an expanded application process, and updated selection criteria and contacts.

See more

The Futures Forward guidelines now reflect the 2026-27 cycle, with the application deadline moved to November 30, 2026 at 5:00 pm ET. Applicant training eligibility, the allowed course date window, and the prior-recipient ineligibility year were also updated for the new cycle. The application process now explicitly requires submission through the Online Application Portal, complete documentation, eligibility and completeness review, jury assessment, and notification within 16 weeks of the deadline. The decision criteria and the list of approved workshops and courses were also revised, and the official program coordinator contact details changed.

Official source: cmf-fmc.ca
September 16, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • For-profit company

Who is not eligible

  • Recipients of a Futures Forward grant in 2026
  • Companies that have received more than $250,000 from an Ontario Creates funding program
  • Private colleges and training institutions
  • Companies that deliver online services for individuals
  • Companies that are not in good standing with Ontario Creates or are associated with an entity that is not in good standing with Ontario Creates; 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

Activities funded

  • Project conceptualization activities
  • Production of teasers or 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 or audience research, and mentorship support for specific project-related activities

How to apply

  • Applications must be submitted to Ontario Creates by 5:00 pm ET on the applicable deadline via the Online Application Portal (OAP) at https://apply.ontariocreates.ca/.
  • A list of required application materials is outlined in the OAP.
  • Applications must include all requested documentation and adhere to page limits.
  • Applicants will not have the opportunity to add or replace documentation after the deadline.
  • Applicants that do not have a user account on OAP should go to https://www.apply.ontariocreates.ca/ and click on “Register”.
  • Applicants that are already registered should click on “Start New Application” and follow the directions to access the application form.

Documents Needed

  • Ontario Creates Futures Forward Guidelines
  • Ontario Creates Futures Forward Budget: Interactive Template
  • Ontario Creates Futures Forward Budget: Linear Template
  • Application Form in Ontario Creates Online Application Portal
  • Applicant Affidavit

Selection criteria

  • Project Team — 15%
  • Risks and Feasibility — 15%
  • Quality, Innovation and Creativity (including project diversity) — 30%
  • Positive Impact — 30%
  • Ontario Benefit — 10%

Processing and Agreement

  • On acceptance into the Program, 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.
  • A Final Cost Report is required for all Projects supported by Ontario Creates, and 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.

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

Official sources

cmf-fmc.ca
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program Program

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

The Ontario Creates 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 project conceptualization, 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.

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 the Ontario Creates Futures Forward Workshop in 2025 or an approved workshop or course between January 1, 2024 and October 31, 2025 Incorporated in Ontario or federally, Canadian-owned and Canadian-controlled, in a sound financial position, in good standing with Ontario Creates, and Ontario-based

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

Budgeted or final costs of the project activities included in the application Related-party and non-related party costs

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.

Is the Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program is a Grant and Funding