How much funding can be received?

The Capital Grant aims to improve community facilities and spaces across Ontario by providing funding for projects that update buildings, enhance spaces, and purchase fixed and non-fixed equipment. Eligible activities include repairing, renovating, or retrofitting facility structures, enhancing outdoor spaces, and purchasing necessary equipment. The program supports non-profit organizations, small municipalities, and Indigenous communities, with grants ranging from $10,000 to $200,000 for projects that span up to 12 months.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The OTF — Capital Grant provides financial support to enhance community spaces by updating buildings, improving facilities, and furnishing both fixed and non-fixed equipment. This grant supports up to a year-long project, with a specified funding range to cover eligible costs and promote community vibrancy.

Eligible projects can receive between $10,000 and $200,000 in funding.
The project budget must be a minimum of $10,000 and cannot exceed $200,000.
Developmental costs, such as the development of engineering plans, are capped at 20% of the total project budget.
Submissions for goods and services valued above $5,000 must include a minimum of one quote or estimate, with additional quotes preferred to demonstrate value for money.
Funding includes costs related to construction, renovation, and equipment purchases, while excluding certain ineligible costs like tax rebates and pre-approval expenses.
Funds will only be released once all funding sources for the project are secured, with a year given to secure necessary funds post-contract signing.
OTF funding may be part of a larger project but must either be independently completeable or contingent on securing additional funding.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Capital Grant aims to enhance community infrastructure by providing funding for projects that improve community spaces and facilities. These initiatives are crucial in fostering vibrant and healthy communities across Ontario.

Purchase of equipment essential for community services and programs.
Repairing, renovating, and retrofitting community buildings and structures.
Enhancing or improving outdoor community spaces and structures.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

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

The applicant must deliver programs and services in one of four sectors: sports and recreation, arts and culture, environment, and human and social services.
The organization must have a primary purpose, presence, and reputation for delivering community-based programs and services with direct community benefits in one of OTF’s 16 geographic catchment areas in Ontario.
The applicant must demonstrate financial and organizational capacity to manage OTF funds and complete the proposed project according to OTF’s Financial Need and Health of Applicants policy.
The applicant must prove they are the appropriate organization or community to carry out the proposed project.
Eligible entities include charitable organizations registered with the Canada Revenue Agency, organizations incorporated as not-for-profit corporations without share capital in a Canadian jurisdiction, and certain Indigenous communities.
Municipalities with a population of 20,000 or less, county library boards and local services boards serving populations of 20,000 or less, are eligible under specific priorities.
Religious entities may be eligible if they provide direct community programs and services that are non-religious and do not require participation in religious activities.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

OTF grants support the work of non-profit organizations, small municipalities, and Indigenous communities in Ontario to deliver direct community-based programs and services.Non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities, and small municipalities with a population of 20,000 or less, as well as religious entities that meet specific conditions, can apply. Applicants must:- Deliver programs and services in sports and recreation, arts and culture, environment, or human and social services sectors.- Operate in one of OTF’s 16 geographic catchment areas in Ontario.- Demonstrate financial and organizational capacity for managing funds and completing projects.Each applicant must be:- A registered charitable organization with the Canada Revenue Agency, or- A not-for-profit corporation incorporated in a Canadian jurisdiction, or- An Indigenous community (First Nation, Métis Nation of Ontario Chartered Community Council, or an Inuit community), or- A municipality with a population under 20,000, applying on behalf of cultural or recreational agencies.Religious entities that provide non-religious direct programs and services to the broader community may also be eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain entities whose applications do not align with the primary focus areas or organizational criteria of the fund. The restrictions ensure that the funds serve the intended community-focused initiatives.

Organizations with a primary purpose that is not oriented towards sports and recreation, arts and culture, environment, or human and social services.
Municipalities with a population over 20,000.
Religious entities or faith-based groups that do not provide non-religious activities for the community at large without imposing participation in faith activities.
Entities engaging in political activities that conflict with OTF policies.
Organizations with a mission and mandate that do not directly involve delivering programs and services in Ontario.
Entities unable to demonstrate financial capacity to manage the grant or to comply with financial requirements.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The Capital grant is designed to enhance community spaces in Ontario, supporting projects that promote community health and vibrancy. Eligible projects involve upgrading buildings, enhancing spaces, and purchasing equipment to benefit the people and communities in Ontario.

Purchase of fixed or non-fixed equipment to support community activities.
Repair, renovation, or retrofitting of community buildings or spaces.
Enhancements or improvements to outdoor structures or spaces to facilitate community use.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant supports organizations with a primary presence in one of Ontario's 16 geographic catchment areas. It ensures that funded projects provide direct community benefits within these specified regions.

Essex, Kent, Lambton
Haldimand, Norfolk, Brant
Halton, Peel
Hamilton
Midland
Muskoka, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Timiskaming
Niagara
Northwestern
Quinte, Kingston, Rideau
Simcoe, York
Southeastern
Southwestern
Thames Valley
Toronto
Waterloo, Wellington, Dufferin
York, Durham, Hills of Headwaters

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are grounded on specific criteria to ensure that projects align with the community improvement goals of the grant program.

Community benefit and relevance (30%) - Evaluates how well the project fits with the selected funding priority and project objective, addresses community needs, and the realism of anticipated benefits.
Project plan and feasibility (30%) - Assesses the clarity and readiness of the project plan, and its likelihood of successful implementation within the set timelines.
Project budget (30%) - Analyzes the clarity, appropriateness, and reasonableness of costs associated with the project plan, ensuring they match with key deliverables and activities.
Program participation for populations experiencing barriers (10%) - Considers how the project facilitates the inclusion of populations facing socio-economic, cultural, or other barriers.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Preliminary Registration
Create an account on the OTF Granting Portal.
Complete a short questionnaire to ensure eligibility for the grant stream.
Step 2: Gather Organization Information and Assess Eligibility
Collect Inc., Charitable registration, or Business number.
Prepare financial statements for the last two fiscal years.
Compile a list of board members and senior staff.
Review financial and governance documentation requirements.
Step 3: Gather Project Information and Documentation
Define project objective and activities.
Prepare your project plan with timelines and tasks.
Identify and prepare budget items in line with your project plan.
Obtain quotes and estimates for goods/services above $5,000.
Provide necessary photos, diagrams, and proof of ownership or lease agreement.
Step 4: Complete and Submit Your Application
Log into the OTF Granting Portal and complete the application form.
Upload all required documents as per the checklist.
Submit the completed application by the deadline.
Step 5: Confirmation of Submission
Receive confirmation of submission from OTF.
Keep a record of your submission confirmation for future reference.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

There are some considerations to keep in mind when applying for the Capital Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to improve community facilities and spaces.

The grant application period is now closed and applicants will be notified approximately 4-5 months after the deadline regarding the final decision, with no appeal process available.
Eligibility is strictly defined; only non-profit organizations, small municipalities, and Indigenous communities in Ontario, with a history of direct community benefit delivery, may apply.
Successful applicants are required to participate in an orientation meeting before the grant can be activated, with expectations including public recognition of OTF funding.
The grant focuses on projects like updating buildings, enhancing spaces, and purchasing equipment, with specific budget and documentation requirements that must be met.
Applications are carefully assessed on criteria like community benefit, feasibility, and budget clarity, and documentation errors can lead to application rejection.
Applicants need to effectively demonstrate how the project will benefit the local community and meet OTF's funding priorities.

Apply to this program

Enhancing Community Facilities Through Capital Grants

This grant provides funding to enhance the community facilities and spaces in Ontario, offering financial assistance ranging from $10,000 to $200,000. It is aimed at improving buildings and spaces vital for local services and activities, fostering vibrant and healthy communities.

Detailed Overview of the Capital Grant for Community Spaces

The Capital Grant offered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is designed to support the capital needs of communities across Ontario. Through this grant, non-profit organizations, small municipalities, and Indigenous communities can secure funding necessary to update and improve local facilities that are integral to delivering community-based programs. By allocating financial resources for purchasing equipment, renovating spaces, or enhancing facilities, the grant aims to foster environments where people can engage in activities that promote social, cultural, and recreational growth.

Eligible applicants are those primarily operating within the sectors of sports and recreation, arts and culture, environment, and human and social services. The grant focuses on building healthy and vibrant communities by ensuring that local spaces are safe, accessible, and conducive to fostering a sense of belonging among community members. Projects funded under this initiative must demonstrate a clear community benefit and align with one of OTF’s specified funding priorities such as fostering physically active lifestyles, enhancing accessibility, or extending the life of community facilities.

Applicants must clearly explain how their proposed projects will address specific community needs and bring measurable benefits to local residents. The application process is thorough, requiring detailed information about the project plan, budget, and anticipated outcomes. Applicants must submit relevant documentation, such as proof of property ownership or a valid lease agreement, along with quotes for services or equipment over $5,000.

The grant application is evaluated based on the clarity and feasibility of the project plan, financial stability of the organization, and the ability to implement the project within the given timelines. A successful application will effectively demonstrate how the project fits within OTF’s funding framework, emphasizing the project's potential to deliver significant community impacts and address barriers faced by underserved populations.

Despite the competitive application process, the grant represents a substantial opportunity for eligible organizations to obtain necessary resources that can transform community spaces into vibrant hubs of activity and engagement. By focusing on local needs, this grant helps ensure that community facilities across Ontario are equipped to support diverse programs and services, contributing to the overall well-being and vibrancy of the province’s communities.