Closed
Ontario Creates Magazine Fund
Support for Ontario magazine publisher growth
Record updated
- Funding available
- $ 5,000 - $ 80,000
- Up to 75% of project cost
- Deadline
- Unspecified
- Location
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Who can apply
- Independent, Canadian-owned and controlled, Ontario-based magazine publishers
- See full eligibility
Overview
The Ontario Creates Magazine Fund supports independent, Canadian-owned and controlled, Ontario-based magazine publishers to improve financial viability and business growth. Funding can cover up to 75% of budget for marketing and business development activities, while projects may include circulation campaigns, website redesigns, and original interactive digital content.
At a glance
Funding available
- Maximum funding
- $80,000
- Minimum funding
- $5,000
- Maximum share of project costs
- 75%
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase production or service capacity
- Develop a new product or service
- Develop an online presence
- Increase operational productivity
- Optimize production processes
- Strengthen organizational capacity
- Access new markets
- Digitize or modernize organizational tools
- Reach a new target audience
- Launch or market a product/service
- Ensure financial sustainability
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Toronto
- Ontario
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- From $ 5,000 to $ 2,000,000 in revenue
- Organisation size
- All organization sizes
- Audience
- Language Minorities
- Other Racialized Persons
- Legal structures
- For-profit business
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Independent, Canadian-owned and controlled, Ontario-based magazine publishers
Who is not eligible
- Publishers that are not magazine publishers
- Businesses not based in Ontario
- Companies that are not Canadian-owned and -controlled
- Affiliated companies seeking more than one application
Eligible expenses
- Capital expenses related directly to the project, including hardware and software, to a maximum of 15% of the total project budget
- Long distance phone, paper costs, couriers and other expenses directly related to the project
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Ongoing operational costs
- Expenses incurred to date for a project which is an enhancement of activity already underway
- Salaries and wages of staff not directly related to the project
- Staff benefit costs, fixed overhead costs, occupancy costs, and hospitality
- Activities receiving support through another Ontario Creates program
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Activities funded
- Marketing and business development projects
- Interactive digital content creation projects
- Re-launch and re-brand initiatives
- Circulation and subscription growth campaigns
- Website redesigns and digital magazine enhancements
How to apply
- Submit the application electronically through the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal (OAP) at https://apply.ontariocreates.ca/
- For print publications, upload a PDF copy of the most recent print issue, provide a link to the digital version of the most recent print issue, or, for first-time applicants, submit one hardcopy of the most recent issue of your print magazine
- Submit three recent editorial pieces that represent the Canadian content of the magazine
- For digital publications, provide a current URL or instructions to access a digital edition
- Applications must include all requested documentation and be submitted by the program deadline
Documents Needed
- Articles of Incorporation or Master Business License
- If available, financial statements for the most recently completed fiscal year; Budget template; Detailed Timeline/Action Plan
- At least two of the following: Resumes/CVs of founders or key management personnel; Marketing materials/press clippings; Social media metrics; Letters of support; Corporate slide deck; Business/marketing/strategic plan
- Print publications: PDF copy of the most recent print issue, link to the digital version of the most recent print issue, or one hardcopy of the most recent issue for first-time applicants
- Three recent editorial pieces that represent the Canadian content of the magazine; Digital publications: a current URL or instructions to access a digital edition; three recent editorial pieces that represent the Canadian content of the magazine
Selection criteria
- Feasibility of the project: 25%
- Relevance of the project: 25%
- Expected results: 30%
- Demonstrated ability to implement the plan: 20%
Processing and Agreement
- Applications will be reviewed by Ontario Creates for eligibility and completeness
- Applications that pass this initial review will be assessed by an industry jury and Ontario Creates for final funding recommendations
- Successful applicants will be notified within sixteen weeks of the deadline
- Successful applicants will be required to enter into a signed funding agreement with Ontario Creates prior to receiving any funding
- Successful applicants will receive funding during the course of their activities, triggered by pre-determined deliverables: 60% on execution of the Ontario Creates agreement, 25% on delivery of a satisfactory interim report, and 15% on delivery of a satisfactory final report and all deliverables outlined in the agreement
Additional information
- Ontario Creates’ new Publishing Marketing and Discoverability Fund has replaced the Magazine Fund.
Contacts
Official sources
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Creates Magazine Fund Program
What is the Ontario Creates Magazine Fund?
The Ontario Creates Magazine Fund supports independent, Canadian-owned and controlled, Ontario-based magazine publishers to improve financial viability and business growth. Funding can cover up to 75% of budget for marketing and business development activities, while projects may include circulation campaigns, website redesigns, and original interactive digital content.
How much funding can be received?
Ontario Creates Magazine Fund Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $80,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Creates Magazine Fund program?
To be eligible for the Ontario Creates Magazine Fund program, you must:
Independent, Canadian-owned and controlled, Ontario-based magazine publishers
The applicant must be publishing at the time of application
The applicant must be at least 75% Canadian-owned and controlled, have a minimum sales revenue of $20,000, and be financially solvent
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Creates Magazine Fund?
Capital expenses related directly to the project, including hardware and software, to a maximum of 15% of the total project budget
Long distance phone, paper costs, couriers and other expenses directly related to the project
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Creates Magazine Fund?
You can contact Ontario Creates by email at programs2@ontariocreates.ca or by phone at 416-642-6652.
Where is the Ontario Creates Magazine Fund available?
The Ontario Creates Magazine Fund program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Ontario Creates Magazine Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Ontario Creates Magazine Fund is a Grant and Funding