Interactive Digital Media Fund — Concept Definition
ON, Canada
Money for conceptual digital media projects in Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateFebruary 08, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateApril 08, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
- Ontario Creates
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get matching funds between $10,000 and $50,000 for early-stage activities that will help your company prepare to produce a market-ready content project.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Interactive Digital Media Fund — Concept Definition offers funding support to assist in the early-stage activities necessary to prepare market-ready interactive content projects. The financing modalities are structured to respond to the unique needs of interactive digital media creators, fostering the development of innovative content.
- Successful applicants can receive a non-refundable contribution covering up to 50% of eligible Ontario expenses.
- Maximum funding request allowed is $50,000, while the minimum request is set at $10,000.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Interactive Digital Media Fund supports early-stage activities and full production projects aimed at creating high-quality interactive digital media content in Ontario. Eligible projects cover both non-linear and linear content designed for diverse digital platforms.
- Creation of interactive non-linear media content such as video games and mobile applications.
- Development of educational content and XR experiences with substantial interactivity.
- Production of linear video content, including web series and digital magazine videos.
- Exploration of XR experiences with minimal interactive components.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 50,000
Creating an interactive mobile app for environmental awareness
$ 50,000
Developing an immersive XR experience for educational purposes
$ 50,000
Developing an e-learning platform for financial literacy
$ 50,000
Producing an interactive video series on urban gardening
$ 50,000
Creating a digital publishing platform for local authors
$ 50,000
Producing an interactive web series about Canadian art
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the company's profile and project alignment with the fund's objectives.
- Applicants must be content creators involved in the development of interactive digital media content.
- Companies must be registered with Ontario Creates' Online Application Portal (OAP) before submitting an application.
- New companies and first-time applicants are required to contact Ontario Creates at least three weeks in advance to determine eligibility.
- The proposed project must contribute positively to the Ontario economy.
- Companies should ensure that they use the current version of the guidelines and application forms before applying.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for the Ontario Creates Interactive Digital Media (IDM) Fund: Production and Concept Definition program are companies involved in the creation of interactive digital media content in Ontario. Specifically, these include:- Companies involved in developing digital-first interactive content intended for non-linear consumption, such as video games, mobile content, and e-learning content.- Companies focusing on digital-first content intended for linear consumption, including web series and video content for online platforms.Applicants must be able to demonstrate that their projects will contribute positively to the Ontario economy by producing original content.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The IDM Fund supports early-stage and production activities for interactive digital media projects in Ontario. These activities are aimed at developing both interactive content and video content for public consumption.
- Creation of non-linear interactive content, including video games, mobile content, and digital publishing projects.
- Development of e-learning content with substantial interactive elements.
- Production of XR (Extended Reality) experiences designed with substantial interactive components.
- Creation of linear video content, such as web series and online magazine videos.
- Development of XR experiences with minimal interactive content for linear consumption.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to companies located within Ontario, as it aims to support projects that contribute positively to the Ontario economy. It encourages local content creators to enhance the digital media landscape within the province.
- Companies located in Ontario.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for the IDM Fund: Production and Concept Definition grant include:
- Artistic Merit and Innovation
- Market Potential and Audience Engagement
- Overall Quality of the Project
- Demonstrated Plan for Discoverability and Commercialization
- Experience and Track Record of the Applicant
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Create an Account on the OAP
- Go to the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal (OAP) at apply.ontariocreates.ca.
- Click on “Register” to set up a user account if your company is not already registered.
- Step 2: Register Company Details
- Log into the OAP using your user account details.
- Ensure your company’s corporate information is registered with the OAP.
- Step 3: Prepare Application Documents
- Review the Ontario Creates IDM Fund Guidelines for eligibility and requirements.
- Use the appropriate budget template based on your project type: Concept Definition or Production.
- Prepare all required documentation and ensure all relevant tabs in the budget template are completed.
- Step 4: Attend an Information Session (Optional)
- Register for the Information Session that pertains to your project type if you wish to attend.
- Sessions are available for Interactive Content (Non-Linear), Video Content (Linear), and Budget Workshop.
- Step 5: Start the Application
- Log into your OAP dashboard.
- Select the IDM Fund program deadline and click on “Start new application.”
- Step 6: Complete and Submit Application
- Follow the onscreen instructions in the OAP to complete the application form.
- Upload all necessary documentation as directed.
- Review the application for completeness and accuracy.
- Submit the application before the deadline of August 26, 2024, by 5:00 PM EST.
- Step 7: Technical Assistance (If Necessary)
- If you encounter technical issues, email applyhelp@ontariocreates.ca for support.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- All documentation must be submitted on the relevant Ontario Creates IDM Fund budget template. Completing all relevant tabs in the budget is essential for a complete application.
- New companies and first-time applicants must contact Ontario Creates at least three weeks in advance of the deadline to determine their eligibility.
- Ontario Creates staff is available for phone or online meetings until a specified date prior to the deadline, after which inquiries may be addressed via email but without a guaranteed response.
- Applicants should start the application process well before the deadline to deal with potential technical issues with the Online Application Portal.
Apply to this program
Supporting Ontario's Digital Media Innovators
The IDM Fund: Production and Concept Definition, initiated by Ontario Creates, offers substantial financial support to interactive digital media (IDM) content creators aiming to contribute positively to Ontario's economy. This fund targets two primary stages of development: concept definition and production, offering targeted backing to foster high-quality, market-ready digital media projects.
Detailed Overview of the IDM Fund's Impact and Opportunities
The Interactive Digital Media (IDM) Fund by Ontario Creates plays a pivotal role in advancing the landscape of digital media innovation across Ontario. Designed to nurture new ideas and bring them to market, the IDM Fund's Production and Concept Definition streams offer a structured financial boost for developers of both non-linear interactive and linear video digital content. By aligning with Ontario's strategic economic and cultural goals, the fund ensures that the province remains at the forefront of the global digital media scene.
For the concept definition aspect, the IDM Fund provides applicants with up to $50,000 in non-refundable contributions, aiding them in the crucial preliminary phases of their projects. This stage is tailored to support initial activities that guide creators from idea inception through to readying themselves for full-scale production. This financial backing is crucial for undertaking exploratory activities such as market research, prototype development, and pilot creation. These activities help define a concrete path for content creators, enabling them to strategize efficiently and prepare compelling content strategies aimed at obtaining further funding for production.
On the production end, the funding can elevate larger-scale projects, granting up to $300,000 to transform development concepts into comprehensive, audience-ready digital experiences. The production phase underscores the real-world application of digital projects, focusing on the creation of marketable interactive or video content that promises substantial engagement. By endorsing this stage of development, the fund empowers developers to refine their concepts into finished products that can captivate audiences worldwide with innovative storytelling methods, engaging gameplay, and rich, immersive experiences.
Application processes are streamlined through Ontario Creates' Online Application Portal, ensuring a comprehensive, user-friendly interface for document submission and tracking. With deadlines set for April 8 and August 26, 2024, for Concept Definition and Production phases respectively, potential applicants are encouraged to engage with Ontario Creates early on. Information sessions are crucial in helping new and previous applicants understand the intricacies involved, ensuring that they can optimize their applications effectively. These sessions often cover the specifics of budget preparation, eligibility requirements, and strategic planning, designed to enhance applicant success.
Importantly, this fund fosters collaborations among stakeholders within Ontario's burgeoning digital media community, encouraging knowledge sharing and cross-pollination of ideas between developers, marketers, and educators. By offering distinct pathways for both linear and non-linear content, the initiative recognizes and adapts to rapidly evolving media consumption trends, emphasizing flexibility and innovation as core principles.
As Ontario strives to enhance its digital media footprint, the IDM Fund is a testament to the province's commitment to cultural and economic growth through technology. Participants not only gain crucial funding but also integrate into a larger network of IDM innovators committed to pushing the boundaries of digital creation. This environment stimulates a dynamic sector that not only boosts Ontario's economy but also fosters a cultural milieu that celebrates creativity and encourages pioneering contributions to the digital arts.
Ultimately, the IDM Fund: Production and Concept Definition program stands as a significant opportunity for creators in Ontario, showcasing the region's dedication to cultivating a robust, vibrant digital media sector. By supporting both early-stage conceptual explorations and the actualization of fully developed projects, Ontario Creates reinforces its role as a catalyst for innovation, aiming to uplift the storytelling potential and technological advancements across the province.
