Interactive Digital Media Fund — Production
ON, Canada
Money for digital media projects in Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
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|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get matching funds between $25,000 and $300,000 to create a market-ready digital media content project that will be released to end users.
grant_single_labels|projects
Eligible projects and activities for this grant are those related to Concept Definition and Production of market-ready interactive content projects.
- Prototype creation
- Preparation of pre-production documents
- Pitch material preparation
- Business planning
- Research
- Development of video games
- Creation of mobile content
- Production of e-learning content
- XR experiences with substantial interactive content
- Digital publishing projects
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$95,000
Ottawa
Creation of an interactive XR experience for Canadian historical sites.
$115,000
Montreal
Development of an educational video game on climate change.
$50,000
Toronto
Creation of a mobile app for urban gardening enthusiasts.
$75,000
Vancouver
Development of an e-learning platform for financial literacy.
$100,000
Calgary
Production of a digital publishing platform for independent authors.
$90,000
Halifax
Creating an interactive storytelling app for indigenous cultures.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Both established and new content creation companies based in Ontario can apply for this grant, provided they meet specific experience, ownership, and financial stability requirements.
- Company must be Ontario-based for at least one year prior to the deadline (if operational for more than 365 days).
- Company must be Canadian-owned.
- Company must be incorporated in Ontario or federally or prepared to incorporate immediately if successful.
- Company must be in a sound financial position.
- Company must be in good standing with Ontario Creates at the time of application submission.
- Established companies must meet one of the following:
- At least 25% of revenue or 50% of expenditures over the previous two fiscal years from creation of screen-based content projects similar to the proposed project, or
- At least 50% of revenue over the previous two fiscal years from eligible publishing activities as described in Ontario Creates Book or Magazine Funds.
- Established companies must have at least one owner or full-time employee with a minimum three years of experience in creating professional, commercialized content for interactive platforms, networks, or devices.
- New companies must:
- Have an executive team including at least one owner or full-time employee with a minimum of three years experience in relevant content creation or in publishing industries.
- Be majority-owned by Ontario residents.
- Be prepared to incorporate immediately if the application is successful.
- Work completed while enrolled in a post-secondary education program is not considered professional content creation.
- New companies and first-time applicants must contact Ontario Creates at least three weeks before the deadline to discuss eligibility.
- Ineligible companies include:
- Private colleges and training institutions.
- Companies delivering online services for individuals.
- Companies not in good standing with Ontario Creates or associated with an entity not in good standing with Ontario Creates.
- Not-for-profit and public sector entities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. The grant supports both established and new content creation companies that meet specific criteria:
- Established companies must have significant revenue or expenditure from creating similar screen-based content or from eligible publishing activities.
- New companies must have an executive team with experience in creating professional, commercialized content or in the publishing industries.
- Companies must be majority-owned by Ontario residents and prepared to incorporate immediately if successful.
- Companies must be Ontario-based, Canadian-owned, and in good financial standing.
- Companies that are private colleges, training institutions, delivering online services for individuals, or not in good standing with Ontario Creates are ineligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Yes, there are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant:
- Private colleges and training institutions
- Companies delivering online services for individuals
- Companies not in good standing with Ontario Creates or associated with an entity not in good standing with Ontario Creates
- Not-for-profit and public sector entities
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The IDM Fund will provide a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of eligible Ontario expenses for Concept Definition and Production projects. Here is a list of eligible expenses:
- Prototype creation
- Preparation of pre-production documents and pitch material
- Business planning and research
- Promotion expenses for production projects
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant are Ontario-based companies that meet specific criteria. Companies must be Ontario-based for at least one year prior to the deadline if they have been in operation for more than 365 days.
- Ontario-based
- Canadian-owned
- Incorporated in Ontario or federally, or prepared to incorporate if their application is successful
- Sound financial position
- In good standing with Ontario Creates at the time of application submission
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The Ontario Creates Interactive Digital Media Fund assesses applications based on track record, risks and feasibility, creative strength, positive impact, and Ontario benefit.
- Track Record: 15%
- Risks and Feasibility: 15%
- Creative Strength: 30%
- Positive Impact: 30% for Concept Definition, 20% for Production
- Ontario Benefit: 10% for Concept Definition, 20% for Production
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Review Guidelines
- Review all parts of the Ontario Creates IDM Fund documentation to ensure you meet all requirements and understand the guidelines.
- Step 2: Determine Eligibility
- Ensure your company and project meet the eligibility criteria set out in the guidelines.
- New companies and first-time applicants must contact Ontario Creates at least three weeks before the deadline to discuss eligibility.
- Step 3: Prepare Application Materials
- Collect and prepare all required application materials as outlined in the application form on the Online Application Portal (OAP).
- Ensure all documentation adheres to the stated page limits and includes requested information.
- Step 4: Create Online Application
- Log in to the Online Application Portal (OAP) at https://apply.ontariocreates.ca/.
- Create a new application for the Ontario Creates IDM Fund.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Complete and submit the application by the appropriate deadline (April 8, 2024 or August 26, 2024) at 5:00pm.
- Ensure all required information and documentation are included.
- Step 6: Confirmation of Submission
- Receive an acknowledgment from Ontario Creates confirming that your application has been submitted.
- Step 7: Initial Review by Ontario Creates Staff
- Ontario Creates staff will review the application for completeness and eligibility.
- Step 8: Specialist Industry Advisors Assessment
- Applications passing the initial review may be sent to specialist industry advisors for assessment of feasibility, market potential, and creative strength.
- Step 9: Jury Review
- Eligible applications will be reviewed by a jury of industry professionals and/or Ontario Creates staff.
- The jury will make final recommendations to Ontario Creates.
- Step 10: Notification of Decision
- Applicants will be notified about the status of their application within 16 weeks of the deadline.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The guidelines for the 2024-25 deadline are specific and subject to change for future deadlines. Applicants should consult relevant FAQs and bulletins from Ontario Creates for any updates or clarifications.
- Eligibility for the IDM Fund does not confer eligibility for the Ontario Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit.
- Ontario Creates is committed to supporting diversity, gender parity, and providing enhanced accessibility support for people with disabilities, Deaf individuals, and those facing barriers in accessing technology.
- Projects and activities that will be augmented and/or enhanced with additional content and components at a later date are eligible if they can demonstrate that the portion supported through the program is complete.
- The IDM Fund will only be a last-in participant in project financing, meaning all other financing must be committed before applying.
- Applications are assessed by Ontario Creates staff and specialist industry advisors, and final recommendations are made by a jury of industry professionals and/or Ontario Creates staff.
- Applicants are required to initiate project expenses no later than 90 days after notification of Ontario Creates’ decision.
- The IDM Fund is not intended to become core funding for serialized content that is regularly updated.
- Applicants with international partnerships and co-productions may be given preference if they are substantially owned by Ontario-based organizations.
- Successful applicants will receive funding in installments, triggered by predetermined deliverables, including an interim report, a final project deliverable, and financial reporting documents.
- Special supplementary funds for accessibility expenses may be available for successful applicants who are deaf or otherwise disabled.
Apply to this program
Ontario Creates Interactive Digital Media Fund: Supporting Ontario's Interactive Content Creators
The Ontario Creates Interactive Digital Media Fund aims to bolster Ontario's interactive digital media sector through financial support for concept definition and production of innovative projects. This grant program is designed to support Ontario-based companies in creating high-quality, market-ready interactive digital media content, contributing to the economic growth and diversity of the industry.
Ontario Creates Interactive Digital Media Fund: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
The Ontario Creates Interactive Digital Media (IDM) Fund is a grant program established to stimulate and support economic growth in Ontario's burgeoning interactive digital media sector. Targeted towards both established and new companies residing in Ontario, the IDM Fund focuses on two primary activities: Concept Definition and Production. This makes it a versatile program designed to cater to a variety of needs within the interactive digital media industry, such as video games, mobile content, e-learning modules, and XR experiences.
Objectives of the IDM Fund
The primary goals of the IDM Fund are manifold:
- Support the creation of high-quality, original interactive digital media content by Ontario-based companies for commercial purposes.
- Assist in financing companies engaged in creating interactive digital content projects.
- Contribute to the overall economic benefits for Ontario by supporting commercially viable projects.
The IDM Fund is committed to supporting diversity and gender parity, providing enhanced accessibility support for people with disabilities, and fostering respectful workplaces across all sectors and companies it supports.
Programs Overview
The IDM Fund consists of two main programs:
Concept Definition
This program supports early-stage activities that prepare a company to proceed to the full production of a market-ready interactive content project. Projects may include but are not limited to prototype creation, preparation of pre-production documents, pitch materials, business planning, and research.
Production
This program supports the creation of interactive content projects that are ready for market and will be made publicly available. These projects could include everything from video games to XR experiences with substantial interactive content.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the IDM Fund must meet specific eligibility criteria:
For Established Companies
- Must generate at least 25% of the company’s revenue or 50% of the company’s expenditures over the previous two fiscal years from creating screen-based content projects similar in nature to the proposed project.
- Alternatively, at least 50% of the company’s revenue over the previous two fiscal years must come from eligible publishing activities.
- Must have at least one owner or full-time employee with a minimum of three years of experience in creating professional, commercial content for interactive platforms, networks, or devices similar to the proposed project.
For New Companies
- Must have an executive team with at least one owner or full-time employee having three years of experience in creating professional, commercially successful content for interactive platforms, networks, or devices.
- Must be majority-owned by Ontario residents.
- Be prepared to incorporate immediately if the application is successful.
Companies must also meet other requirements such as being Ontario-based, Canadian-owned, incorporated, financially sound, and in good standing with Ontario Creates.
Eligible Projects
The IDM Fund supports projects that meet specific criteria:
- Video games
- Mobile content
- E-learning content
- XR experiences with substantial interactive content
- Digital publishing projects
The content must be proprietary, require active user participation, and be released on an interactive digital media platform.
Ineligible Projects
Certain projects are ineligible for the IDM Fund, including those that:
- Enhance, redesign, or improve existing products already on the market.
- Primarily intend to sell products or services or promote corporate agendas.
- Focus primarily on interpersonal communication, catalogues, or databases.
- Involve cash prizing.
- Have received support from other Ontario Creates programs or started significant production activities before application.
Budget, Financing, and Timeline
The IDM Fund provides non-repayable contributions up to 50% of eligible Ontario expenses:
Concept Definition
- Maximum request: $50,000
- Minimum request: $10,000
Production
- Maximum request: $300,000
- Minimum request: $25,000
Companies must also contribute at least 10% of the total project budget from sources other than Ontario Creates. Moreover, the IDM Fund acts as the last-in participant in project financing, meaning all other necessary financing must be confirmed in writing at the time of application.
Timeline for Project Completion
- Concept Definition: 15 months (with a possible extension of up to 6 months)
- Production: 30 months (with a possible extension of up to 12 months)
Application Process and Evaluation
Application Deadlines
- First Deadline: April 8, 2024, by 5:00pm
- Second Deadline: August 26, 2024, by 5:00pm
Applications must be submitted electronically through the Online Application Portal (OAP).
Evaluation Criteria
Projects will be assessed based on various criteria:
Concept Definition
- Track Record (15%)
- Risks and Feasibility (15%)
- Creative Strength (30%)
- Positive Impact (30%)
- Ontario Benefit (10%)
Production
- Track Record (15%)
- Risks and Feasibility (15%)
- Creative Strength (30%)
- Positive Impact (20%)
- Ontario Benefit (20%)
Ontario Creates prioritizes projects that support diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly enhancing the voices of underrepresented communities within the interactive digital media industry.
Successful Applicants
Successful applicants will receive IDM Fund support triggered by predetermined deliverables:
- 60% upon execution of the Ontario Creates agreement.
- 15% on delivery of an interim report.
- 15% on completion and delivery of the project and final report.
- 10% on the delivery of financial reporting documents.
Applicants with disabilities or other accessibility needs may be eligible for supplementary funds to complete their project deliverables.
Conclusion
The Ontario Creates Interactive Digital Media Fund offers a robust support system for Ontario-based interactive digital media companies. By focusing on both early-stage and production activities, the IDM Fund ensures that high-quality, market-ready interactive content is successfully brought to market, all while fostering an inclusive and diverse industry. Companies looking to apply must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements and prepare a comprehensive application to increase their chances of success. This commitment not only strengthens the participating companies but also contributes significantly to the economic landscape of Ontario.
