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Ontario Autism Program Workforce Capacity Fund

Funding to expand autism service capacity in Ontario

Offered by
Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS)
Official source: ontario.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 50,000 - $ 400,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Public service providers
See full eligibility

Overview

The Ontario Autism Program: Workforce Capacity Fund provides up to $400,000 for 24-month projects that expand autism service delivery capacity in Ontario. It supports staff training, hiring, increased staffing hours, clinical supervision, technology, and travel to serve rural and remote communities.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$400,000
Minimum funding
$50,000
Financing goals
  • Develop team skills
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Attract or retain talent
  • Increase production or service capacity
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Develop workforce skills

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
All groups
Legal structures
Non-profit
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
Economic, Social and Community Development
Revenue structures
100% donations / grants
Scope
Local

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

Workforce Capacity Fund guidelines updated to round 5

The Ontario Autism Program Workforce Capacity Fund page now links to round 5 applicant guidelines in English and French instead of the round 4 versions.

See more

The Ontario Autism Program Workforce Capacity Fund application guidelines now point to round 5 English and French documents instead of the round 4 files. This is a process-level update to the applicant guidance source, which may reflect revised instructions or program rules in the linked guidelines.

Official source: ontario.ca
October 2, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Public service providers
  • Private service providers

Who is not eligible

  • Sole proprietors

Eligible expenses

  • Staff training
  • Hiring additional clinical or non-clinical staff
  • Increasing hours for existing staff
  • Purchasing clinical supervision
  • Technology supporting virtual service delivery
  • Travel within Ontario to serve rural and remote communities

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Activities that do not directly support OAP core clinical services
  • New standalone autism or clinical service programs outside existing OAP pathways
  • Costs related to other OAP pathways such as caregiver-mediated early years, entry to school, urgent response, or foundational family services
  • Wage increases, bonuses, honoraria, stipends, or new benefits for existing staff

Eligible geographic areas

  • Ontario
  • Northern, rural, and remote communities in Ontario

Activities funded

  • Expanding capacity to deliver core clinical services under the Ontario Autism Program
  • Supporting service providers to reach more children and youth

How to apply

  • Step 1: Review the guidelines
    • Read the full application guidelines and related ministry resources.
    • Review the applicant checklist, data element definitions, and OAP information online.
  • Step 2: Register in Transfer Payment Ontario
    • Create a ONe-Key account if needed.
    • Register and create a Transfer Payment Ontario account.
  • Step 3: Complete the application
    • Fill out the Workforce Capacity Fund application form in Transfer Payment Ontario.
    • Include required project details and partner information.
    • Upload the required supporting documents.
  • Step 4: Submit electronically
    • Submit the application through Transfer Payment Ontario by the deadline.
    • Email submissions are not accepted.

Documents Needed

  • Completed application form
  • Required supporting documents

Selection criteria

  • Skills and experience of the project team
  • Clear project focus and defined outputs
  • Direct impact on the number of children served and service quality
  • Feasible workplan, timeline, and evaluation approach
  • Cost-effectiveness and ability to sustain results after funding

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed and evaluated by ministry staff.
  • The ministry may contact applicants for clarification or additional information.
  • Applicants are notified of the decision, and approval may depend on changes to the project or budget.
  • Successful applicants must sign a transfer payment agreement before funds are released.
  • Project implementation can begin once the agreement is fully signed.

Additional information

  • Applications are accepted for 24-month projects only.
  • Applicants may submit one application per year as the lead organization.
  • Successful applicants must sign a transfer payment agreement before funding is released.
  • Unspent or unreconciled funds must be returned to the ministry.

Official sources

Ontario Autism Program: workforce capacity fund

Program guide

Ontario Autism Program: core clinical services

Application form

OAP Clinical Supervisor Attestation Form - Forms - Central Forms Repository (CFR)
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Autism Program Workforce Capacity Fund Program

What is the Ontario Autism Program Workforce Capacity Fund?

The Ontario Autism Program: Workforce Capacity Fund provides up to $400,000 for 24-month projects that expand autism service delivery capacity in Ontario. It supports staff training, hiring, increased staffing hours, clinical supervision, technology, and travel to serve rural and remote communities.

How much funding can be received?

Ontario Autism Program Workforce Capacity Fund Funds up to $400,000 of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the Ontario Autism Program Workforce Capacity Fund program?

To be eligible for the Ontario Autism Program Workforce Capacity Fund program, you must: Public or private service provider Ontario-based capacity-building project Supports OAP core clinical services

What expenses are eligible under Ontario Autism Program Workforce Capacity Fund?

Staff training Hiring additional clinical or non-clinical staff Increasing hours for existing staff Purchasing clinical supervision Technology supporting virtual service delivery Travel within Ontario to serve rural and remote communities

Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Autism Program Workforce Capacity Fund?

You can contact Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS).

Where is the Ontario Autism Program Workforce Capacity Fund available?

The Ontario Autism Program Workforce Capacity Fund program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the Ontario Autism Program Workforce Capacity Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Ontario Autism Program Workforce Capacity Fund is a Grant and Funding