Receive up to $75,000 to cover up to 75% of the total project budget to increase the financial viability and overall business growth of your magazine publishing company.

Financing terms and conditions

The Ontario Creates Magazine Fund provides financial support with specific mechanisms designed to aid the growth and development of magazine publishers in Ontario. The fund ensures structured disbursement of grant money based on compliance and achievement of key project deliverables.

Ontario Creates funding can cover up to 75% of the total project budget.
Funding is capped based on the applicant's eligible sales revenue, with a maximum available amount of $80,000.
The maximum financial support available ranges from 33% of eligible sales revenue for sales up to $75,000, to $80,000 for sales revenues above $2,000,001.
Successful applicants receive 60% of funds on executing the agreement, 25% on an approved interim report, and the remaining 15% on a satisfactory final report.
Supplementary funds for accessibility may be available for projects requiring additional support due to disabilities.
In-kind services can be counted towards the 25% of project costs not covered by Ontario Creates.
The fund does not consider grants, funding, and donations as revenue while calculating the eligible sales for funding purposes.

Activities funded

This grant supports various projects focused on driving sales, enhancing revenue, and improving operational efficiencies for Ontario-based magazine publishers. Projects typically emphasize tangible and measurable impacts on business growth and productivity.

Re-launch or re-branding projects to invigorate or refine publication identity.
Circulation projects including direct mail campaigns, request circulation development, and promotional campaigns.
Advertising sales projects such as creating media kits or promotional materials.
Special issues or sections for existing magazines that are first-time initiatives.
Development of a new magazine by existing publishers.
Redesign or upgrade of magazine websites.
Enhancements to online or mobile magazine formats.
Execution of online marketing campaigns.
Production of podcasts, videos, or webcasts associated with the magazine.
Digitization of magazine back issues.
Optimization of content for online platforms.
Exploration of alternative sales channels and strategies.
International business development activities, including travel for expansion purposes.
Enhancement of internal workflows and backend processes, such as CRM implementation.
Development of a comprehensive digital transformation strategy or business plan.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 60,000

Expanding digital marketing for increasing magazine subscriptions

$ 60,000

Redesigning website for better user experience and increased subscription

$ 37,500

Hiring a graphic designer to improve magazine visual appeal

$ 60,000

Launching an eco-friendly magazine series

$ 60,000

Implementing a new CRM system to enhance subscriber management

$ 52,500

Outsourcing print production for cost efficiency and quality improvement

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and location.

The applicant must be an independent, Canadian-owned and -controlled, Ontario-based magazine publisher.
The applicant must be publishing at the time of application.
The company's revenue must be more than 50% derived from magazine revenues and related brand extensions.
The applicant must be incorporated in a Canadian jurisdiction at the time of application submission.
The applicant must be in good standing with Ontario Creates at the time of application submission.
The applicant must have a minimum sales revenue of $20,000 and be financially solvent at the time of application.
The company must pay Ontario corporate taxes.
An affiliated company or subsidiary cannot apply if another under the same control is applying for the same fund.
The company must maintain full editorial control and autonomy.

Who is eligible?

The Ontario Creates Magazine Fund is aimed at supporting independent, Ontario-based magazine publishers that meet specific criteria to enhance their business development and growth through strategic projects.

Independent Canadian-owned and controlled Ontario-based magazine publishers.
Corporations must derive more than 50% of their revenue from magazine activities.
Must have its central place of business in Ontario and pay Ontario corporate taxes.
Incorporated in a Canadian jurisdiction at the time of application submission.
Have a minimum sales revenue of $20,000.
Publishers of print magazines having completed a 12-month cycle and published at least two editions by application time.
Publishers of digital magazines with continuous substantive content and adhering to specific digital requirements.
Eligible businesses owned by racially diverse or Francophone individuals, or fitting within other provincial diversity dimensions.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. Publications primarily focused on product promotion or that fall within specific restricted categories are ineligible.

Publications promoting the primary business of the publisher if it's not magazine publishing.
Individually owned publications aiming to enhance sales of goods or services.
Publications predominantly reproducing content from previous issues or other sources.
Publications inciting hatred, or primarily characterized by exploitation of certain themes such as sex or violence.
Blogs, newsletters, journals, professional association periodicals, in-house publications, guides, comic books, newspapers, alternative newsweeklies, directories, financial reports, catalogues, schedules, calendars, timetables, classifieds or listings.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the project's implementation, with a focus on activities that drive sales, enhance publisher revenue, and improve operational efficiencies.

Re-launch or re-brand projects.
Circulation projects such as direct mail campaigns and subscription renewal.
Advertising sales projects like media kits.
Creation of a special issue or section for an existing magazine.
Development or enhancement of online/mobile magazine formats.
Online marketing campaigns.
Digitization of back issues and optimization of online content.
International business development activities, including travel.
Internal workflow or backend process enhancements, including CRM implementations.
Development of a digital transformation strategy or business plan.
Design or upgrade of website.
Podcasts, videos, and webcasts production.
Exploration of alternate sales channels.
Capital expenses related to digital projects, up to 15% of the budget.

Eligible geographic areas

The Ontario Creates Magazine Fund is specifically targeted at companies whose central place of business is located in Ontario. This ensures the funding is directed towards supporting the growth of Ontario's magazine media industry.

Ontario-based companies.

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Magazine Fund and its Diversity Enhancement Stream are based on specific criteria with allocated weights to ensure alignment with the program’s economic development focus and support for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Feasibility of the project: 25% - Well-defined project scope, reasonable and detailed budget, realistic schedule with milestones, appropriate resources, and thoughtful consultation with equity-seeking communities.
Relevance of the project: 25% - Alignment with the company’s strategic plan, support for job creation/retention, and enhancement of revenue and stability.
Expected Results: 30% - Clearly stated, tangible, measurable outcomes supported by research, with a focus on inclusivity and equity-seeking communities.
Demonstrated ability of the publisher to implement the plan: 20% - Previous experience, results from past participation in Ontario Creates programs, and detailed explanation supporting the project’s expected success.

How to apply

Register on the OAP

Go to the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal (OAP) at https://apply.ontariocreates.ca.
If you don't have an account, click on "Register" to create a user account.
Ensure your company's corporate information is registered in the OAP.

Review Guidelines and Prepare Documentation

Read the Magazine Fund Guidelines and Ontario Creates Program Policies thoroughly.
Compile all necessary documentation including financial statements, a business case, and any required supporting documents.
Download and fill out the Magazine Fund Budget Template.

Information Sessions and Support

Watch the pre-recorded Information Session related to the Magazine Fund.
Register and attend the "Application Tips + Q&A" webinar if possible.
Consider attending "Office Hours" sessions for additional support and questions.

Complete Application Form

Log in to the OAP and locate the Magazine Fund deadline on your dashboard.
Start a new application and fill out the online form, following all onscreen instructions carefully.
Attach all required documents and ensure budget details are uploaded using the correct template.

Submit Application

Ensure all information is correct and all documents are attached in the application form.
Submit your completed application before the deadline on May 30, 2024, by 5:00 pm ET.
For print applicants, ensure physical copies of magazine material arrive at the Ontario Creates office by the deadline.

Confirmation and Follow-Up

Await confirmation from Ontario Creates regarding the receipt of your application.
Be prepared to provide any additional information if requested during the evaluation process.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Applications will be reviewed by an industry jury after an initial internal review for completeness and eligibility.
Decisions will be communicated in August 2024 for the 2024-2025 cycle.
Successful applicants must sign a funding agreement before receiving any grant money.
Final reports are due by February 20, 2026, detailing project outcomes and compliance with the funding agreement.
A three-tiered funding disbursement schedule (60% upon agreement execution, 25% following interim report approval, and 15% after final report and deliverables submission) will be followed.
Failure to submit an application by the deadline or incompleteness of submissions will result in the application being deemed ineligible.
All costs must be completed with a Final Report by February 20, 2025 for the Diversity Enhancement Stream.
Office hours and webinars are available for additional guidance, and prior registration is necessary for participation.
Supplementary funds may be available for accessibility expenses for successful applicants who are Deaf or disabled.
Ontario Creates reserves the right to alter program guidelines or refuse any application.

Documents and links

Ontario Creates Magazine Fund

Contacts

mhilliard-forde@ontariocreates.ca

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Creates Magazine Fund Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Ontario Creates Magazine Fund. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Ontario Creates Magazine Fund?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Ontario Creates Magazine Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Ontario Creates Magazine Fund?

Who is eligible for the Ontario Creates Magazine Fund program?

To be eligible for the Ontario Creates Magazine Fund program, you must: The applicant must be an independent, Canadian-owned and -controlled, Ontario-based magazine publisher. The corporation must derive more than 50% of its revenue from magazine-related activities and be financially solvent. The applicant must have a minimum sales revenue of $20,000 and must be in good standing with Ontario Creates at the time of application.